IWD 2020: Nail tech launches project to create jobs & opportunities for all

Scratch puts the spotlight on inspiring & successful women in the run up to International Women’s Day, 8 March…

A nail technician from Leeds has entered a national competition to support her passion; to open a nail salon, training academy and centre and create a number of opportunities for aspiring techs and fellow pros.

“Since qualifying as a nail technician near the age of 40, I have dreamed of owning my very own nail salon, eventually with the addition of a fully equipped training centre and academy,” Claire reveals. “However, my continued as a pro came to a standstill when, in the early stages of my new career, I had an unexpected diagnosis.”

Clare was diagnosed with fibromyalgia spinal and joint osteoarthritis and hypermobility and put on a lot of medication to try and help her cope daily. “I struggled for many years, staring at four walls and a ceiling all day which didn’t help me mentally or physically.

Clare’s current salon setup

“I began to wonder if i could be a nail tech again and do what i set out to do in the first place.”

Clare found some inner confidence to start tekking again as and when possible, and has learning experiences with the likes of Sam Biddle, Hazel Dixon and Paulina Zdrada under her belt. “Little did I know that nails would be my therapy,” she continues.

“Doing nails is therapeutic, whether you’re learning, teaching or practicing, and I want others to find this therapy.”

Clare’s next goal is to rebuild and run her nail business successful, and create and run a West Yorkshire (Leeds) Training Centre and Academy alongside her salon large enough to host training courses, bootcamps and fellow educators.

Clare’s idea captured the attention of the Crowdfunder Bring It 2020 NatWest Business Back Her Business competition, which aims to make it easy for people to test their idea and grow their customer community.

The competition, which closed for entry in January, sees NatWest, Ulster Bank and Royal Bank of Scotland pledge £200,000 to support new businesses. Clare, a successful finalist, is crowdfunding until 30 March, and winners will be announced 7 April; each winning a significant amount of money to fund their new venture.

NatWest has pledged £50 towards Clare’s target amount of £1000 by the end of March.

She also hopes to eventually launch a ‘Nail Hub’ hotel with a meeting/party room on the side of the centre, with small licensed bar and kitchen/restaurant area -creating full and part time jobs in the local area.

“I want to take the stress and worry out of looking for a hotel close to where nail technicians and educators are training or teaching, whether they’re training at my academy or another academy in the area,” Clare reveals. “I think it’s important to have a hub where people can catch up, relax and learn.

“We need to find more ways to make our industry as therapeutic, exciting and skilled as it is meant to be, and this is something I want to try and create for the dedicated nail technicians that want to keep learning and make our nail industry far better place.

“There is so much more to my dream, but let’s focus on one thing at a time to help this grow.”

Follow Clare’s progress on FacebookandInstagram.