Meet Kate Smith, the Sunderland hairdresser defying the odds

Left Tori Haig (Owner of The Black Door Hairdressing salon), right Kate Smith (Hair by Kate).

Meet Kate Smith, owner of “Hair By Kate Smith” located within The Black Door Hairdressing Emporium in Sunderland, part of Mackies Corner.

Katie is a vibrant, energetic 20-year-old, self-employed stylist, specialising in all aspects of colour & extensions. She qualified over a year ago via the Black Door Academy training program and after two years of in depth training with manageress and owner Tori Haig, who trained and worked at Toni & Guy for 13 years as Creative Director and Educator.

“I want to work with more alternative, high-fashion, edgy styles for more dramatic colours, using vivid colours and extensions”

Kate has a condition called Poland Syndrome, which affects the right side of her arm and hand, limiting her arm rotation and grip. But Poland Syndrome has never stopped her from doing anything as it’s all she has ever known. After months of being in limbo about her career, she began working at The Black Door Hairdressing salon in Sunderland as an apprentice where she trained endlessly to become the best colour technician that she can be.

Blackdoor hairdressing in Sunderland

“I was told I could never be a hairdresser due to my disability at just 16, leaving me unemployed and questioning myself & my capabilities”

At 18 she wanted to push her boundaries even further and decided that self-employment was the way she wanted to go. She loves working with “lived in colour” giving her busy clients a low maintenance method to having their hair stay all year round without the stress of harsh regrowth lines.

“My condition is something I would never let get in the way of my passion and love for hairdressing, and I have always been blessed with an amazing support system such as family and friends, and especially my work colleagues”

Kate Smith.

Now with three plus years working in the hair industry, Kate is living the dream she has always wanted, and her condition does not affect her in any part of her life. Kate’s focus has always been on creativity, grabbing every opportunity there is going and concentrating on positivity.

“I hope to keep building my clientele and be the best version of myself I can be”

Want to learn more? Find Hair by Kate Smith within The Black Hairdressing salon at Mackies Corner 107-108 High Street West, City of Sunderland SR1 1TX!