5 minutes with Helen Burton-Ward
By Kat Hill | 27 July 2019 | Feature, Tech Talk
We chatted to Helen Burton-Ward, Scratch Stars Awards 2019 Natural Nail Care Specialist of the Year, about her love for competing, CND Vinylux™, and her ‘Dream Nail Pro Dinner Party’…
Tell us about your training…
My journey in the nail world started at just 15 years of age when I completed school work experience in a nail bar. I then went into to complete a Nail Technicians Diploma with an independent college at the age of 17.
Four years ago, I made the decision to retrain in all systems and CND™ was my brand of choice. Since then, I have completed almost every CND™ class available and in 2018 I achieved my CND™ Grand Master qualification. In May 2019 I graduated as a CND Education Ambassador.
What is your all-time favourite nail product?
My all time favourite nail product is without a doubt CND Vinylux™. It’s a simple two-step system with no base coat, with impeccable coverage, super high shine and – best of all – it dries in eight minutes!
I absolutely could not live without it – especially for pedicure clients as the ‘pro light’ technology in the topcoat means it hardens overtime. It’s every nail professionals dream polish!
Who do you admire in the industry?
There are so many incredible people in our industry to pick just one! So, my ‘Dream Nail Pro Dinner Party’ would have to be:
- Doug Schoon – because I love big words!
- Marian Newman – because, it’s Marian Newman
- Gigi Rouse – The Mother of Nails
- Liza Smith – to be as successful for the period of time that Liza has been active and to still be relevant is an incredible achievement. She’s also an incredible business woman too!
What designs do you love to create?
My nail style is fairly classic. I love to master the basics and nothing gets my heart racing more than a hot red polish painted to perfection. Bliss!
If you had to pick one, what nail colour would characterise your personality?
CND™ shade Wildfire. A classic that is still fierce and fiery!
What treatment or nail technique are you planning to add to your services?
I would love to expand on my one stroke skills. It’s an area I hesitantly tried a few years back but haven’t really expanded my skills with since. It’s a beautiful technique that I would love to perfect.
What are your next steps?
Nailympia 2019 is firmly on my to do list. I love to compete and really push myself out of my comfort zone. I can say that my biggest growths as a nail professional have come not from wins, but from losses. It’s a real journey of self-discovery and you really do learn so much from those experiences. They are fundamental in the growing as both a person and a professional.
What is the most exciting thing about the UK nail industry?
The evolution of it. It’s always growing, changing and expanding; it’s never static. It’s such an exciting time to be part of this ever-evolving industry.
I think, as professionals, we all need to take responsibility for some of the negativities we are seeing to ensure the continued growth of our amazing industry.
If you weren’t doing nails, what would you be doing?
Nails have always been pivotal in my life. However, before I retrained with Anna Lee, I did do a short stint in the City selling office space. It’s as dull as it sounds! Although, I’d like to think I wouldn’t still be doing that if not for nails.
Follow Helen on Instagram by clicking here!