Salon In The Spotlight: Nails By Arlene, Chapelhall, Airdrie
By Kat Hill | 15 August 2018 | Feature, Salon & Spas
After being made redundant from an insurance service, Arlene Fraser decided to dream big and follow her passion. “During the six month leading up to my redundancy, I sought education to learn how to do my own nails,” explains Arlene. “My usual technician had to reduce her hours and appointments became sparse; I felt that no one could fill her boots. I soon realised that I hated doing my own nails but loveddoing them for others.
“After my redundancy, I got a new job that I hated. Its lasted about eight to nine month, before deciding I wanted the self employed life and to stop being scared of the unknown. I ensured my skill was salon quality before I opened up by attending loads of course. I was terrified of failure and it took a lot for me to open the salon and a lot of persuasion from my other half, Martin.”
Starting out with a rented space within a hair salon, Arlene found her business go from strength to strength. “I had to move into my own larger space only three short months later,” Arlene continues. “As well as being fully booked for months at a time, I became a training academy in partnership with Cindy Mackenzie Beauty Training Academy (CMBTA). I now offer beginner acrylic and gel polish courses as well as 1-2-1 support sessions. I had to bite the bullet and take on an extra pair of hands to help with the volume of bookings I have, so Lisa Danskin joined the team after I had trained her earlier in the year. I also became a brand ambassador for Nail Tech Network (NTN) and I admin the Facebook group.”
Decorated in blush tones, the salon feels welcoming. “I wanted to go for a relaxed and homely vibe in the salon so we kept it light and airy,” Arlene explains. “I have brick facings on the main wall and this is teamed up with powder pink walls. My amazing dad made my polish display frames from mirrors and good old DIY building and painting. I finished it off with white furniture, rose gold accessories and nice green plants – as well as all my unicorn and mermaid accessories! The decor is not ‘busy’ and I wanted to make it feel like a quiet and relaxing little space. I wanted my clients to feel relaxed and I think I’ve nailed that for them.”
