Hull home nail salon owner: How I prioritise the mental health of clients

Lucy Allman, owner of The Nail Shed, shares about the supportive ethos of her East Yorkshire garden salon…

In 2021, Lucy Allman was made redundant and welcomed a second child. It was this change in lifestyle and need for flexibility that inspired her to carve a career in the nail sector. She explains: “I trained with a local nail technician, and after choosing Magpie Beauty for my core nail products, I completed its conversion course.”

An advocate for mental health, Lucy was adamant that she wanted to create a nail environment in which clients could relax. “Having suffered with poor mental health in the past, I know the importance of self-care and how vital it is for clients to take time for themselves,” she shares.

“An appointment isn’t just about creating nice nails, but offering a form of therapy.”

This ethos inspired the ‘chilled, maximalist and cosy’ décor choices at The Nail Shed. “The walls are adorned with prints and mirrors, art by local artists and inspirational quotes,” Lucy continues. “I wanted my salon to reflect my personality and allow clients to disconnect from their worlds and step into mine.

“It’s a safe space where clients can talk freely and without judgment, and where optimism lives.”

Lucy’s aptly named nail business is within a shed in her garden, but getting the venue ready to welcome clients wasn’t without challenges. “Concept to completion was a quick turnaround: a month, as I pride myself on being an organised person, but the night before it was due to be plastered, there was heavy rainfall,” she recalls. “Water came into the shed, so a soakaway needed to be installed around it with watertight sealant.”

Gel manicures are most popular with Lucy’s clients, and the pro also creates bespoke press-on nails, so that nail enthusiasts across the UK can wear her designs. On the goals for her business, she reveals: “I want The Nail Shed to be more widely recognised within the nail and beauty industry. I encourage my children to dream big, and because of them I strive to be best I can be. This is ultimately why I decided, in the uncertainty of lockdown, to teach myself a new skill and master the nail craft. After it taking 35 years to discover the profession for me, I’m proud of how far I have come.”

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