I’m a Scottish nail artist working in London. Here’s what I miss most…

“If anyone from outside Scotland asks me, I say I’m from Glasgow, but as Scottish folk will read this, I’m actually from Livingston,” smiles Becki Menzies. The nail pro lived in Scotland for 28 years before moving to East London in 2023, where she works within tattoo space, Soteria Studios.

The creative got her first professional manicure in her late teens, and enjoyed experimenting with art on her own nails while studying History & Politics at university. “I discovered that I was quite good at it, so my friends let me practice on them,” she shares. “It was 2019 when nail tech, @gallusnails, took me under her wing and showed me how to paint flames and smiley faces on nails: two big trends at the time.”

In February 2020, Becki enrolled on her first nail course; navigating lockdown restrictions before finding a role in July 2020 at LQ Nails & Beauty, Glasgow. She worked there for a year and a half before moving to a studio and then home, before settling in London.

“If you ask almost any creative person in Glasgow if they’ve thought about moving to London, they’ll probably say they have.”

“I have so much respect for the people making Glasgow a flourishing creative city despite numerous challenges, such as the government cutting Creative Scotland funding, a volatile housing crisis and lack of spaces for the community,” Becki shares. “I have a love for London and am making a name for myself as a self-employed tech, but I miss Scotland. I miss the hills, the clean air and fresh water, and the patter and the interactions you have on the street in Scotland that I don’t think you get anywhere else. And I miss being able to buy a crispy roll and square sausage for less than a fiver!”

The nail artist describes her style as unconventional, with nails inspired by ‘the beautifully imperfect forms found in nature: rock pools, precious stones, flesh and bones – or the absurd and mystical, such as a sylkie in a secret cave, mould growing in a rented flat, and even spaghetti hoops’.

Burns Night nails

Becki created Burn supper nails in honour of the 25 January event, which celebrates the life and work of poet & lyricist, Robert Burns. Scots often commemorate the occasion with a cèilidh (social event with dancing) and a supper, where they enjoy a classic fare of haggis, neeps and tatties.

“The idea for these nails came to me late at night, several days before I hosted a Burns Night celebration. As a Scot in London, I miss Tennent’s, so thought it would be fun if I could create a 3D nail design featuring the lager and a Burns supper,” Becki shares. “It took five days to create the design and I really enjoyed it, but was quite scared to post pictures of them on social media.

“I miss the Scotland that I didn’t appreciate: one of frolicking in the hills every day and exploring the islands. I miss my hometown, family and friends, so these nails were a love letter to my motherland.”

What does Becki love most about her Scottish heritage? “Probably that we’re the funniest folk on the planet – and modest, of course! Scotland is a beautiful, rugged country and I replicate its features in my nail styles more since moving to London,” she shares. “I long for close proximity I had to nature and have become more interested in the folklore of Scotland since I left.”

Follow Becki on Instagram: @holdmyhand.hmh