Megan Thompson of Nails by Megan opens up the doors of her ‘dream salon’ – flaunting a minimalistic, chic interior.

The 23-year-old, Belfast-based nail tech initially set her sights on becoming a make-up artist, taking a beauty therapy course at Belfast Metropolitan College. However, once introduced to the world of nailcare and treatments, the self-proclaimed ‘serial nail picker’ unexpectedly fell in love with manicure and pedicures.

She says: “I went on to complete my level 2 nail technology course, which confirmed for me that this was going to be the career for me!”

The private tech never looked back, and 2019 saw the opening of her home salon – located in the spare room in her house. “I practiced on my sisters for months to build up my confidence, before finally working up the courage to open up to the public,” she tells Scratch. “In January 2020 I took in my first clients, just as COVID hit.”

Despite the unfortunate timing, the tech spent the pandemic period honing her skills. She relays: “I used the time to invest in learning as much as I could, by practising on my family. Online workshops and nail groups were a godsend. As soon as I was able to open properly, I jumped straight back into taking clients and building up my regular clientele. Fortunately, it seemed everyone could not wait to get back to salons, and a steady stream of clients came through my doors.”

Four years later and just down the road from her house, Megan has opened her dream nail studio. “My salon is clean, bright and modern, which are all elements I love and need for my space to work. I can’t relax or focus in mess or clutter! I chose black, white and grey for the colour scheme, with lots of greenery for pops of colour,” she shares.

“My shelves lined with Halo products by Pure Nails are always commented on by my clients. They look so sleek and professional on display.”

Optimising the space she has, the studio features a functional pedicure station. Megan explains: “I don’t have room for a full pedicure setup. Instead, clients sit on a bar stool with their feet rested on a two-level step stool. This way, I can work on one foot while the other is in the lamp curing on the bottom step. This doesn’t take up much space and can be easily hidden when not in use.”

Creating a personal and relaxing experience for clients is at the forefront of the business. The tech says: “I find most of my clients want to avoid the busy hustle and bustle of a traditional salon environment. As I am a private nail technician, they get my full one-to-one attention for the duration of their appointments. They can speak freely and open up to me in private, knowing what’s said in the salon stays in the salon; or they can relax and enjoy the peace and quiet away from the chaos of the world for an hour or two.”

Despite being located in the bustling city of Belfast, Megan assures there is no competition. She says: “Although where I am based there are roughly three other nail salons, this doesn’t bother me. There is room for everyone in our ever-growing industry and we all bring something different to the table. Each place has different décor and signature nail styles that attract varied clientele.”

Her speciality though, lies within natural nails. She explains: “I only offer builder gel and gel polish services to my clients. I love being able to give my clients beautiful natural nails they are proud of, with results that they never thought were possible for them – especially those who were serious biters and/or pickers.”

She continues: “My clients love seeing the results I can give them using The GelBottle Inc BIAB™ (Builder In A Bottle). I love that the shade range is constantly expanding and improving, particularly the HEMA-free options.”

Megan has also made a name for herself as a nail artist, noting: “I enjoy creating nail art and have always loved to paint, draw and get creative. My clients like to bring inspiration pictures and give me a challenge! A lot of my clients have told me that many salons don’t offer, or like doing, art so they love coming to me because they know I’ll always be up for a crazy nail design.”

Looking forward, Megan sees herself continuing in the nail industry, and potentially going down the education route. “I love to help others in the industry where I can. I can’t wait to see where this new venture in my own space takes me,” she comments.

Keep up-to-date with Megan’s salon via Instagram and Facebook.