Jo Wickens on enhancements & education

What is your trademark nail style?

My go-to style is colourful, glittering designs, featuring Swarovski crystals or nail art. I am not afraid of colour, and neither are my clients! In fact, it’s rare for me to use the same shade twice in one day. I also love doing a French ombré; it’s my all-time favourite technique.

Tell us an average day in your life…

My typical day as a nail technician is to arrive at my studio by around 8:30am so the I can walk my dog, Winnie, in the park opposite the studio before clients arrive. I then see one or two clients before stopping for lunch. I am a true believer in having a break in the day; I know my concentration would not be the same without it.

I then see another two or three clients for the afternoon, depending how late I’m working that day. I don’t like to rush clients. I know I probably don’t see as many clients as others, but it’s just the way I prefer to work. It’s one of the biggest selling points for my clients.

Once I’ve finished for the day and tidied up, I walk Winnie again before driving home. My other love is food and cooking so making dinner when I get home helps me to relax and unwind from the day. I will then catch up with any work on my laptop before chilling out with my partner, Rhys, in front of the TV for the evening.

What is the key to your success?

A lot of hard work, alongside constant learning and education. I could paint a nail well, but enhancements were a struggle. It took years of hard work and continued education to build my nail enhancement skills. Never give up; believe in yourself and anything is possible.

If you weren’t doing nails, what would you be doing?

I would definitely still be doing something creative. I love food and photography so something to do with one or both of those. I would actually love to open a plant-based café or deli. Maybe if I won the lottery, I would do that!

What makes you proud?

Being able to represent Light Elegance as an educator. I always hoped I would be a part of a brand’s education team, but I could never have imagined being a part of something as great as Light Elegance.

Also seeing my students’ work is a great feeling, especially when you can really see improvements over time with individuals that have found certain things quite difficult. To see them achieve what they thought was impossible, but never giving up, makes me really proud of them.