Discover how Kara Welsh transformed her passion for hairdressing into a career at Paris and New York Fashion Weeks.
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Kara Welsh’s inspiring journey from salon sweeper to fashion week stylist
At just 14 years old, Kara Welsh could hardly have imagined the trajectory her life would take. Starting as a hair salon assistant in her hometown of Aberdeen, she has now made her mark on the international fashion scene, recently styling hair at Paris Fashion Week.
This remarkable journey showcases not only her talent but also her determination and passion for the art of hairdressing.
Early beginnings in hairdressing
Kara’s foray into hairdressing began at Brenda’s hair salon in Kincorth, where she worked every Saturday throughout her high school years.
Initially aspiring to become a teacher, she soon discovered her true calling in hairdressing. “After spending all my teenage years working in the hair salon, I realized that I loved hairdressing,” Kara recalls. This realization set her on a path that would lead her to prestigious events and high-profile clients.
After honing her skills at Brenda’s, Kara moved to Naked Pride salon and eventually secured an apprenticeship at the James Dun Salon. It was during her apprenticeship that she truly flourished, embracing the learning opportunities and gaining confidence in her abilities. By the age of 23, she was already training new hairdressing assistants, a testament to her expertise and leadership potential.
Taking the leap into self-employment
At 26, Kara made the bold decision to become self-employed. “It was scary but I knew it was the right time to go out on my own,” she explains. This move allowed her to invest in further education and training, enhancing her skills and expanding her creative horizons. Now based at Bloom in Aberdeen, Kara has cultivated a loyal clientele, many of whom she has been styling for years.
Breaking into the fashion world
Kara’s journey into the fashion industry began in 2017 when she participated in London Fashion Week. This experience ignited her ambition to work at Paris Fashion Week, a dream she thought was out of reach. However, a chance encounter on Instagram led her to a hairdresser with the same name in America, who was recruiting for the Paris event. “I took it as a sign that it was meant to be,” Kara says, and she seized the opportunity.
Upon arriving in Paris, Kara found herself among a team of 25 hairdressers, all from the United States. Despite initial nerves, she quickly bonded with her colleagues, who shared her passion for hairdressing. Her first assignment was with the sustainable fashion brand Louteh, where she played a crucial role in preparing models for the runway. Kara’s talent shone through, leading to her being headhunted for another show, where she took on the role of hair lead.
A dream come true
Reflecting on her experiences at Paris Fashion Week, Kara describes it as a surreal and exhilarating opportunity. “There’s a lot of pressure and it’s high intensity, but you get such a buzz and an adrenaline rush,” she shares. Just days after returning to Aberdeen, she received an invitation to lead a team of stylists at New York Fashion Week, further solidifying her status in the industry.
Away from the glamour of fashion shows, Kara remains dedicated to her clients at Bloom. “I love making everyone feel so much better about themselves. It’s very rewarding,” she says. Her success is rooted in the strong work ethic instilled in her by her mother, which continues to drive her forward in her career.
For those interested in learning more about Kara’s work, she offers creative coloring and styling masterclasses at Bloom. Follow her journey on Instagram @karalouisehair, and witness how a small-town girl turned her dreams into reality on the global stage of fashion.
