Powder Blue Esthetique Atelier is a must-visit beauty salon, that offers superior, customised treatments in microblading, micropigmentation, henna brows, airbrushed makeup, microneedling, microdermabrasion, mesotherapy and dermal fillers and so much more! Kate aims to offer only the best quality in both experience and results, so it is no surprise that her salon will soon celebrate four successful years in business. We sat down with Kate to pick her laser focused brain on all things beauty and business.
How did you get to where you are today?
I am a brow artist, specialising in all aspects of brow micropigmentation, trained in all aspects of brow shaping and tinting, with a unique approach in henna brows and customised shaping and restoration! I have a true passion for brow design; each set I create is a step forward and each client is a personal challenge!
What attracted you to the industry?
I had a close encounter with the beauty business, as my mother was a well established and successful beautician and trainer, as well as a event and catwalk makeup artist! So, as every young girl that wanted to be like her mom, I followed her steps and started as a apprentice when I was about 12.
I went training and always kept a close eye on trends and was told that I was ahead of trends most of the time. When we moved to Ireland 12 years ago, I hoped to be able to follow my dreams and do what I do best.
I am a perfectionist, quite obsessed with my results, either in makeup, nail design or creating a new set of brows. Exactly four years ago I decided in order to achieve what I wanted, I had to move on and open my own studios. Powder Blue will be four years old on November 1!
What do you love most about what you do?
I was always good at brows and had an amazing and ever growing clientele, and loved to offer the best treatments and products available. I choose to train with other artists that inspire me to keep my services to a high level. I am trained in several: micropigmentation procedures, microblading, permanent makeup, feather stroke, ombré or powdered brows etc, as I have to be able to offer something suitable for each client asking for my help.
What’s the most difficult part of what you do?
The most difficult thing I deal with is lack of time, as the demand for my services is quite high! And working with so many people has its challenges.
What’s the best piece of style advice you’ve ever received?
Best advice that I received and also given:
“Be yourself and find your sparkle. Do not try to copy anyone. Be unique!”
What’s the best piece of style advice you can pass on?
Wear whatever you like because you like it, not because everyone else is wearing it!
Who is your style icon and why?
I admire many but love Helen Mirren!
She ages so gracefully.
Who is your business icon and why?
It has to be Anastasia Soare because we’re both Romanians, because she taught everyone to wear beautiful brows and because she proved it’s well possible to succeed!
What plans do you have for your business over the next 12 months?
My business is growing from each year and probably next year will move into new premises and grow a bit more!
Editor’s note: Take a virtual tour of Kate’s wonderful salon right here!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I’ll be probably be doing the same; creating beauty!
How do you stay motivated?
My clients motivate me. And my results! The joy and gratitude when clients send me thank you messages even months after, it’s amazing.
What advice would you give young people who want to break into the industry?
I have always advised young people to try to sample the industry if possible. I had previous clients that trained in beauty and thought it was all glamour and glitter. It is not. It’s a lot to learn, very hard work, you start your way from the bottom upwards. Learn, train in everything, listen and watch. The secrets and tips are never taught, they’re are always stolen. Find your niche and be the best you can be.