Nail tech supports #SaveTheArts campaign with custom nail design
By Helena Biggs | 18 October 2020 | Feature, Tech Talk
Abi Markey, of Nailed It Beauty, South Wales, reveals why and how she’s helping to raise awareness of the #SaveThe Arts campaign, an initiative that encourages support of those working in the entertainment sector throughout the coronavirus pandemic…
“As a self employed nail tech with with my own salon, this year has been so incredibly tough. I had to close my salon, took a huge loss in earnings and wondered if I’d ever be able to open again.
“However, I was lucky enough that restrictions eased and I was able to work once again. The same can’t be said for all of the creative industries, and so many brilliant actors and actresses have been out of work since March. This includes one of my closest friends, Sophie Evans, who played Glinda in Wicked in London’s West End.”
Abi has been helping to raise awareness of the support needed for this sector by creating a theatre-themed nail design, featuring hand painted art from the likes of The Lion King, Wicked, Les Miserables and The Phantom Of The Opera.
Her friend and actress, Sophie Evans, comments: “It’s amazing to see people who aren’t even in my own industry spreading awareness and support for the arts. I’ve personally been affected being a singer/actress. The majority of my work was cancelled back in March and I’ve only been able to do a handful of gigs with minimum capacity – meaning I got paid less than usual. I wasn’t given any help from the government and have had to diversify myself and basically become a teacher over night after 10 years in the entertainment industry.
“I’m one of the lucky ones as I have a bit of a following so I can do online things that people can watch and support, but, many of my friends have had to find other jobs. Lots have moved home away from London back in with family and many are saying they can’t see how they could ever move back under these circumstances. The arts make life worth living for a lot of people. Film, TV and theatre are such a joy to be a part of and our lives just don’t feel complete without it.”
Abi continues: The beauty industry stood by each other and we fought for its right to open again, ensuring everyone we were safe and ready to start working again. We now need to stand for the other creative industries and demand action for those still struggling.
“No matter who you are or how old you are, the theatre is an incredible experience for everyone. Sitting in that theatre and watching the the magic happen in front of them on stage brings so much happiness to people, and I hope that my nails help make as much noise as possible about the support needed for the industry and that they can quickly return to doing what they love, safely.”
#SaveTheArts