Fresh off her (brand-spanking-new) salon launch, we chat with Boho Blonde founder slash renowned ‘blonde-whisperer’, Kim Haberley.
For those yet to scroll through Boho Blonde’s (vibrantly hued) instagram feed: you’re in for quite the treat.
From creamy, multi-dimensional blondes and pastel flirtations through to uber-gram-worthy highlights and balayage; one glimpse into the Boho Blonde world is sure to inspire a desire for transformation… or at least a second visit.
Brainchild of Perth local and celebrated ‘blonde-whisperer’ Kim Haberley, this boutique salon boasts a chic, modern aesthetic, an array of bespoke services… and a 200+ client waiting list.
And that’s just the beginning.
With a cult following of brand loyalists, influencers and newbies alike; Boho Blonde looks set to go from strength to strength, thanks in part to the salon’s 2020 relocation.
Evolving from a single-chaired home salon, the new look Boho Blonde boasts a spacious, light-filled site; with accents of bright pink, natural green – and neon, for good measure.
Culminating Kim’s passion, drive and 13 years of experience, Boho Blonde is also home to a hand-picked team of skilled creatives, all of whom share in a profound love for all things hair.
Fresh off the salon’s anticipated opening, we caught up with Kim for an exclusive first look!
TJ: Tell us… What’s new in the world of Kim Haberley and Boho Blonde?
KH: Where do I start? I’ve just opened my dream salon here in Perth. With the help of an amazing interior designer, we’ve created a space that’s warm and alluring. We have big goals for 2021; specifically, an expansion of the Boho Blonde brand. As for myself? I want to be the best boss and mentor I can be for my staff.
TJ: How have you been navigating salon ownership during the current pandemic?
KH: It’s been a very scary time for business owners. I’ve found the current pandemic a time to slow down; to reflect and spend time planning new goals. We’ve been lucky here in Perth, with our government managing to control the spread early on. We closed shop for a two-week period so as to enact the correct protocols and safety measures.
TJ: How long has the salon been in operation and what inspired you to create a concept space catering exclusively to blondes?
KH: At the age of 20, I gave birth to my son – and needed to be able to juggle work while staying home to care for him. I started a small home salon that kept me booked out for 9 years! Once he was old enough, I decided to create an Instagram page showcasing my work. I next hired staff and BOOM; Boho Blonde was born!
Specialising in blondes has always been my passion; it’s where I feel most creatively inspired. Being able to perfect and master blondes (exclusively) has allowed us to give our Boho Blonde babes scroll-stopping hair!
TJ: Talk us through your key service offerings.
KH: At Boho Blonde, we pride ourselves on being affordable, blonde specialists; providing clients with both education and a comfortable service – while protecting the integrity of their hair – a must for colour clients! The difference between a client choosing Boho Blonde over our competitors lies in our attention to detail and small personal touches.
The most important service you can provide is ensuring your clients feel welcomed and comfortable at every stage. I believe that everyone should be able to afford professional hair care and services; so, it’s also important for us to offer affordable luxury services.
Providing clients with education around the processes and science behind good hair – and professional product use – also help us to achieve and maintain gorgeous, healthy blondes!
TJ: For those yet to visit; describe the Boho Blonde vibe and culture.
KH: I would describe the Boho Blonde culture as vibrant, fun and inviting. We pride ourselves on delivering exclusive and high-quality hair services for all women (using the latest techniques) in a relaxed, modern-luxe environment.
TJ: How vital have such social platforms as Instagram been in growing/maintaining your business?
KH: I credit our rapid growth (13K followers, with a 200+ client waiting list!) to our only social platform: Instagram. When I first started the business, I had no money to invest in marketing, so I needed to find ways in which I could inexpensively grow my business.
Instagram has become a vital platform for us; enabling us to feature our work on multiple accounts globally. And this is only the beginning…
TJ: In your opinion… How important is prescribing the correct retail maintenance for blond clients?
KH: More often than not, blonde hair is placed at a greater risk of damage and breakage, and I can’t express how important it is to prescribe professional haircare to prevent and repair this damage – specifically for hair that has undergone chemical and/or mechanical services.
We recommend a few ranges that are specifically targeted to clients of all budgets, and are always on the hunt for new and breakthrough haircare systems designed for blondes.
TJ: Anyone (celebrity or otherwise) who’s blonde you’re DYING to revamp at present?
KH: I’m dying to revamp Gigi Hadid’s blonde! I feel as though she would be such a VIBE with a bright, Aussie blonde. It could be her new mum style… 🙂
TJ: Your advice for clients looking to make a drastic colour change? E.g. Advice around maintenance, choosing a hue to suit their complexion.
KH: Be realistic! Not everyone can pull of blonde hair – nor can everyone pull of a darker look. Nowadays, its hard for stylists to match inspo shots – as everything is manipulated and filtered for social media. Its super important to consider their underlying skin tones, the price of maintenance and upkeep of a particular colour when considering big changes.
TJ: Any colour horror stories… Or crazy colour revisions?
KH: Yes! Often we see unsightly orange tinges, or over processed hair – from the use of home bleaching systems and box dye. At Boho Blonde, we unfortunately can not service these colours – as clients’ desired results can not be guaranteed.
TJ: What’s next for yourself and the team?
KH: International baby! Education and expansion of the Boho Blonde brand. On a personal level; I would love to maintain a happy and healthy work life balance. Since opening our doors as a small, yet chic home salon, Boho Blonde has fast become an IT salon for luxurious locks and classy vibes – with a quirky, cool edge.
As we open the doors to our new salon, we invite our clients to experience our fun, natural vibe, with a touch of modern luxe – as we create the hair of your dreams.
Dream hair indeed!
Follow: @boho.blonde.perth