Get inspired: Nail pro, Lucy Price-Marshall, shares her journey to dominating the nail industry
By Lilly Delmage | 09 February 2025 | Feature, Salon & Spas, Tech Talk
Natural nail specialist, OPI educator, salon manager & multi-award winner, Lucy Price-Marshall, shares her career story and how she balances various industry roles…
Tell us about your journey into the nail industry…
While I was at school, I worked at my mum’s nail salon, Nailspa in Huddersfield, on Saturdays, assisting with reception duties and making drinks for clients. When I turned 16, I trained privately with my mum, Belinda Price (OPI UK&I education manager), in manicure, pedicure and gel polish services.
I originally planned to attend university to pursue a different career path, but at 18, after completing my A Levels, I undertook a Level 2 beauty apprenticeship while working full-time in the salon. After completing a Level 2 NVQ in beauty, I worked towards a Level 3 qualification as an apprentice, gaining salon experience as I studied. I then completed Level 3 Nail Services, Level 4 Advanced Beauty & Salon Management qualifications and most recently undertook my Level 5 diploma in Education & Training, which I graduated with in 2023.
I believe that these skills helped me gain my finalist place in the Scratch Stars Awards for Educator of the Year 2024.
Lucy at her graduation for her Level 5 diploma in Education & Training qualification.
Describe your typical working week…
My weeks are incredibly varied. As an educator, I am very passionate about continuing to work within the salon. So, I tend to work a minimum of four days with clients, to hone the skills I teach.
I am an OPI educator and member of the OPI UK&I Artistic Team, and I educate at least one day per week. I also create content in the salon for Katie Barnes Tool Range. Some days are client heavy, some days I create content and do TikTok lives, and other days I educate for OPI and provide in-salon training for the Nailspa team, so weeks can become very busy if there is also an industry event at the weekend.
Lucy at the Scratch Stars Awards Judging Day 2024.
How do you juggle your various responsibilities?
It is a fine balance, and one I don’t always get right. This year, I have tried to make time for exercise as a non-negotiable, and ensuring I get that done in the morning usually sets me up for the rest of the day. I’m not one to turn down an opportunity, so there will always be some weeks that are busier than others. I am lucky to be surrounded by a supportive team.
What do you consider your career highlights of 2024?
Winning the Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year award for the second year in a row, doing nails at the Victoria Beckham Paris Fashion Week show, growing my network and competing in London, Dublin and Manchester have been amazing milestones.
Other highlights include developing my own course and being recognised as a finalist in competitions such as the BABTAC & CIBTAC Awards, Professional Beauty Nail Competitions and the Scratch Stars Awards. Being part of the Katie Barnes Tool Range creator team, with my creator box selling out in just eight days, was another amazing achievement.
Education & events
What do you enjoy most about being an educator?
There are always new things to learn as the industry grows and brands innovate, so I love being able to share my knowledge and skills. After completing my education qualification, I became determined to help raise industry standards and share updated knowledge, including new techniques, my favourite tools, filing routines and troubleshooting tips.
The OPI UK&I Artistic Team at the Victoria Beckham Paris Fashion Week show.
Tell us about your experience at the Victoria Beckham Paris Fashion Week show…
As part of the OPI UK&I Artistic Team, I was invited to work on the nails of models for the Victoria Beckham SS25 showcase at Paris Fashion Week. We were led by industry pro, Sammy MacDonald, and fellow OPI educator, Charlotte Lowe, was the first lead. We carefully curated manicures and pedicures for 40 models to complement the outfits.
Lucy was joined backstage at Paris Fashion Week by sister & fellow member of the OPI UK&I Artistic Team, Jessica Price.
Awards adventures
Tell us about your Scratch Stars Awards experiences…
Winning the Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year title in 2023 is one of my ultimate career highlights. I have always believed that the natural nail is the foundation of every nail service, so knew it was the category for me to enter.
After being a finalist in 2022 and experiencing a nerve-wracking judging day, I was determined to improve the following year. The annual judging day is an amazing opportunity to meet like-minded nail techs who are determined to raise industry standards. This was one of my favourite parts; everyone was so supportive and incredibly kind, especially in my first year, when I left a key part of my kit behind.
When I won the category for the second time in 2024, I was over the moon. I was quite nervous about going for it again after winning the year before, as it felt like extra pressure, but as a good friend of mine says, ‘pressure makes diamonds’.
Lucy with mum, Belinda, and sister, Jessica, at the Scratch Stars Party 2023.
What are your top tips for nail techs keen to enter competitions?
Just go for it and enter your first one! The feedback you receive is invaluable. I have found that competing has helped me build my confidence, find my niche and expand my network. I have met so many amazing techs, judges and industry experts. Competing will always be a little scary, but you will gain so much from it. Take the feedback on board and be prepared to put in the practice.
Lucy outside the ExCel London exhibition centre, after competing in Nailympia London at Salon Beauty 2024.
Nail focus
What are your go-to nail products and tools?
I use OPI GelColor in the salon and for competitions. The shade range, pigment and shine are incredible, and my clients love the results. I use the Katie Barnes Tool Range silver tools, favouring the KB Precision Perfector. I also use the OPI x KB Portable E-File to complete combi prep.
How do you wear your own nails?
I choose practical nail enhancements that last, wearing builder gel with OPI GelColor. I keep my nails short, in a soft square shape.
How would you describe your personality?
I am laid-back and love bringing fun to nail appointments and training. I tend to attract clients with a great sense of humour, who are also quite particular about their nail styles! I am a good listener, and once I start chatting, I often won’t stop. I can talk to myself about all things nails on TikTok live for hours! Though, I can be a little shy when meeting lots of new people.
Who do you admire in the nail industry and why?
There are so many in the nail industry I admire, so it is hard to pick a few. I always seek out education from those who inspire me. Everyone has their own specialism, and I admire the way they hone and own their craft. I could write a dissertation on nail techs and industry pros I admire!
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