When Amanda Wesley-Smith was applying for work as a dental receptionist in early 2020, she could never have imagined that by the end of the year, she would be a fully-qualified nail technician about to enter yet another national lockdown.

“At the beginning of 2020, I accepted a job as a dental receptionist, but unfortunately the job offer was withdrawn due to a member of staff on maternity leave changing her mind about her working hours. Then, the first lockdown was announced, so I had plenty of time to rethink my future.”

“I’d always been interested in beauty, particularly nails, which pushed me to pursue my nail training in June 2020. I completed an online course, covering gel manicures, pedicures, and acrylic extensions. In September of the same year, I attended and qualified at a practical acrylic course run by Gateway Workshops, and have since also completed a practical course on gel extensions with NTC.

“And that was the start of Nails by Amanda,” Amanda beams. “I can honestly say that pursuing a nail career was the best decision I’ve ever made, and I love what I do every single day!”

Amanda works alone in the salon, offering gel polish, gel on toes, gel extensions, acrylic extensions and builder gel manicures. “My most popular service by far is a gel manicure,” she shares.

“My favourite brand for acrylics is Wow Bao, and I like Bluesky for gel polish. The coverage is great and I love how the products apply.”

“My typical client is pretty much like me,” Amanda smiles. “Generally they are middle-aged to slightly older females, with a good idea of what they want and like.

“Most of my clients have an idea of what colour they want before arriving, but a few rely on me to make suggestions.”

“My room is the perfect size for just myself and a client, and no more,” she explains. “I think this makes my salon unique as it allows me to offer a personalised, one-to-one service.

“As each client arrives, they are welcomed, offered a drink, and made comfortable. Everything in my salon is set up and ready for their chosen treatment before my client arrives.”

Amanda takes pride in creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere in her salon, making sure that each visit is as comfortable and easy for her clients as possible.

“I always knew I wanted to create a very personal service for my clients, with plenty of time allowed for each treatment, and I wanted to ensure that there were no queues and no rushing involved,” she notes.

“I have a very clear flamingo theme in the salon. It’s very pink and very feminine. Our entire flat has a noticeable pink theme – it’s my favourite colour, and fortunately, my husband loves it too!

“The decor gives a warm, relaxing feel, helping the clients enjoy their experience in a pretty environment,” Amanda smiles. “I have everything to hand, and all my clients comment on how relaxing it is when they visit.”

www.nailsbyamanda.co.uk

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