Salon in the Spotlight: Luma Nails, South Lanarkshire

After juggling her duties at the local council, her family life as the mum of two young boys and a client list bursting from her part-time work as a mobile nailista, Lisa Blair knew it was time to seek a space of her own. “I started doing nails in July 2016 while I was on maternity leave,” explains Lisa. “It was initially a hobby but soon became an obsession. I start with home learning course with Essential Nails, before deciding to take it even further by completing training with NSI and CND™.

“Initially, I was mobile alongside my roles as a debt advisor with the local council. I couldn’t believe how quickly things grew for me and by the November I was renting a space in a hair salon and gave up my council job. I worked in the hair salon for a year and a half years and all I had was a tiny desk on the back of the salon. There was zero space to manoeuvre and I spent most of the day with my back to the wall!

“I was getting busier and busier so decided to look for something on my own. I found a little office space in an industrial unit and had a vision to turn it into a little nail and brow bar. It was hard work but my clients and family were so supportive I couldn’t not go for it.

Now open for over a month, Luma Nails has progress well. “I offer nail services, HD Brows and LVL Lash Lift treatments. Nails are my absolute passion; most of my treatments are nails, but it’s nice to offer the little additional treatments.

“When choosing the decor for the salon I wanted something that reflected my personality and black is my happy colour!’ Lisa laughs. “I had a look online trying to find inspiration. I couldn’t find furniture that I liked so decided to head to an antique store. I just loved the look of the vintage furniture, so started to think of ways to incorporate this. I found an amazing furniture restorer who agreed – under duress – to paint the furniture matte black. He was baffled as to why I wanted to ‘spoil’ the beautiful vintage furniture! However, when the job was complete, he called me and said he took it all back as the finished furniture looked amazing! I recovered the little Victorian chairs myself; I absolutely love them now. My desk has an original leather top which is a little worn but adds to the charm.

“My clients absolutely love the salon! When I show them the before picture, they often can’t believe it. An office is a little bit of a strange place to have a salon, but so far it’s working out for me.

“I’m already thinking about expanding and taking on another nail tech. It’s hard to strike a work/life balance; I don’t want my kids to feel that the salon is more important than them. By the end of this year, I will have another nail tech and a lash technician on board.

“I also plan to invest more in myself and complete training with the amazing Katie Barnes too which is incredibly exciting. I’m also most of the way through all the CND™ L&P course and I’m hoping to complete my master by the end of this year as that was my aim.

“It’s been a crazy busy few months but I’m loving the ride. Never did I think doing a manicure and gel polish course while on maternity leave would I end up with my own salon in less than two years. It’s crazy – but amazing!”

See more of Luma Nails by clicking here!