Manchester tech: I run my nail business from a shipping container

Laura Kelly, owner of House of Beauty Manchester, shares what it’s like to run her nail business from a shipping container.

“I work from a shipping container yard in Ancoats, on the edge of Manchester city centre. It’s a really special place full of creatives, with a lovely community feel,” shares the tech.

“I think the salon being in a shipping container is one of our unique selling points. There are also several different businesses in the yard, from coffee shops and an Italian takeaway restaurant to a pilates studios and dog grooming parlour – so it can offer a whole day out!”

The pro reveals that Ancoats was voted the 20th coolest neighbourhood in the world in 2021 by global media and hospitality business, Time Out. This, in addition to being next to the town centre, makes the location ideal for attracting clients. She says: “The HQs for clothing companies, Pretty Little Thing and BoohooMAN, are also close by, so we get a lot of their staff visiting for manicures. We also go into BoohooMAN on a monthly basis to offer its staff manicures!”

The inside of the shipping container boasts a pink theme, as Laura explains: “I wanted the space to be predominantly pink with a minimalist feel. I added panelling and built a wall, so we can have a private kitchen and break area, where I also offer spray tans.”

Laura works alongside fellow nail tech and friend, Kathryn (@tailored.beauty_with_kathryn), offering The GelBottle Inc Builder In A Bottle™ and gel polish manicures, and pedicures using Elim products. “After testing a number of different brands, these were the ones that offered the best results,” Laura shares.

Noting her favourite thing about having her own salon, she says: “I love getting to choose my own working hours to suit my son, family life and school events. I also like chatting with clients all day, and many have become friends!”

Looking forward, Laura would like to invite another nail tech to work in the space and seeks to become an educator. “I would really enjoy helping other nail techs to enhance their skills,” she explains.

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