Cambridgeshire nail tech: how I created my dream salon space after 20 years

Dominique Sharpe’s Godmanchester nail business rebranded to The Nail Editor in May 2024, and the nail stylist moved into the professional studio she had longed for since qualifying as a nail tech in 2004.

In the early stages of her career, the three-time Scratch Stars Awards finalist struggled to find an environment in which she enjoyed working. “After qualifying, I spent a few years working in salons, but began to lose my passion for the industry after working late nights and receiving a low income,” Dominique shares. She made the move to an office job, but quickly realised this wasn’t for her.

After the birth of her second child, Dominique decided to retrain in gel and acrylic services and launched her nail business. At first, she worked from a portable table in her living room but found this to be challenging, and using her conservatory as a base came with limitations. “It was either too hot or too cold, and when it rained, the noise on the roof made conversations difficult,” she explains. However, the tech’s resilience paid off last year.

Dominique’s double garage has been transformed into a space that facilitates her creativity, and it prompted a rebrand to The Nail Editor. “I finally have a studio in which my clients can truly enjoy their experiences, and in which I can work efficiently and professionally,” she smiles. “Clients love it as much as I do! I like spending time in there, creating beautiful nails and experimenting with various mediums and nail art designs. The studio truly reflects who I am.

“I wanted to create a safe space for genuine conversations. Many of my clients have visited me for years, and our time together is about more than beautiful nails. They can open up about all aspects of life and feel heard.”

The gel and nail art specialist has created a ‘calm and inviting space’ nestled between Cambridge and Peterborough, and her branding boasts a green, gold and brown colour palette with pink accents. “The salon’s interior is sophisticated, with a professional atmosphere,” adds Dominique. She offers hard gel, builder gel and structure gel enhancements, alongside gel manicures and pedicures, using Magpie Beauty and Lecenté products. “Both brands offer an extensive selection of shades and nail art items, allowing me to create stunning designs,” she reveals.

Dominique completed the AET Level 2 educator qualification in 2022, has taught for Lecenté and seeks to invest more time into sharing her nail art skills. “I’m gradually building my academy and can’t wait to take it to the next level,” she reveals.

www.thenaileditor.com

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