NAIL TECH TALK: Rachel Hemmings of Rachel’s Nails & Beauty
By Callie Iley | 06 February 2021 | Feature, Tech Talk
Scratch chats with Rachel Hemmings of Rachel’s Nails & Beauty about her time training as a nail tech and her future plans…
Tell us about your training…
My adventure started soon after leaving school. I decided to go to college and study level 2 and 3 Beauty Therapy, and qualified in 2015.
Whilst at college, I completed a nail course with Gelish. I also did placements in various beauty salons, but always found myself swaying more towards nails than any other beauty treatments. From there, I knew that this is what I wanted to specialise in.
What is your all-time favourite nail product?
I absolutely love The Gel Bottle Inc’s Builder in a Bottle. A lot of my clients used to have acrylic nails at every appointment, however I have now converted 80% of my clients to have Builder in a Bottle on their nails as a healthier alternative, and they’ve managed to grow their own natural nails with the help of this product.
What designs do you love to create?
I love creating floral nails, I think there’s always a floral design for everyone! Whether it be a very subtle flower on one finger or a different design on every nail. It’s a theme where the ideas are endless.
How do you keep your own nails?
I always have something on my nails. I keep The Gel Bottle Inc’s Builder in a Bottle on them for strength. I love to try out new designs that I’ve not yet tried on my clients on my own nails, and I like to change the design often!
During lockdown, I have been changing them daily to practice my skills.
If you had to pick one, what colour would characterise your personality?
I’m a sucker for a classic red, I think its a colour you just can’t go wrong with. There’s a shade of red for everyone and for every occasion. I personally love a bright red for summer, and a deeper shade for winter.
What are your next career steps?
In July 2020, I opened my own salon. I found the perfect location and it was a huge step for me, but was the best decision I’ve ever made.
My future plans are to grow my business, whether it be from training a junior or employing someone. I’d love to do some 1-to-1 courses or online workshops to help improve other nail technicians nail art skills, as this is something I would have loved when starting out.
What one piece of advise changed your career?
Never be afraid to make mistakes, keep testing yourself and I’ve always stood by the saying, ‘practice, practice, practice’!