Salon in the Spotlight: Nancy Loves Nails, Middlesbrough
By Kat Hill | 13 March 2019 | Feature, Salon & Spas
“I moved into my current salon four years ago,” remembers Sophie Dale. “I had turned 18 and had just finished college, and was looking for somewhere of my own after working from my parents’ house. They were finally sick of clients coming in til 10pm! I posted on Facebook looking for somewhere and on the same day I found my place, which is above a hairdresser and it was only a minute down the road! It needed a complete revamp but I love interior design so couldn’t wait to get my hands on it and put my own individual stamp on it.
“My goal was for my salon to not be your traditional salon,” Sophie continues. “An all-white salon just isn’t me! I wanted it to be a space where everyone felt comfortable. I get so many clients who wouldn’t get their nails done before coming to me, so I wanted a chilled vibe where people wouldn’t feel intimidated and could relax. I wanted to feel at home, for both my clients and also myself as I spend most of my time here!
“I recently redecorated the space last year,” smiles Sophie. “I chose dark, luxe colours with a huge neon hanging behind my desk and oddities hanging on my walls. I went with a jungle theme which actually wasn’t intentional. I started off with monkey wallpaper and just kept buying more and more jungle themed bits.
“People love looking round when they come in as there is so much to take in! I get so many compliments and it’s great because it’s all my work. I brought a lot of items from London and tried to source different things that people won’t have seen before.
“In January last year I expanded to another room above the salon to do LVLS and brows, so I have the whole of the upstairs to myself now! It’s lovely and quiet and private which is just what I wanted. The room is much fresher with lighter colours and relaxing lighting with the addition of plants and hanging butterflies. I take a lot of my pictures in here as it’s a better lit room!
“Currently it’s just myself in the salon; I don’t think anyone else could put up with me! I’d love to have someone in a couple of days a week carrying out treatments in my LVL and brow room. I’m looking into in the future!”
Sophie specialises in quirky nail design and random client requests. “I specialise in nail art using,” explains Sophie. “With my lash and brow treatments, clients come for everything at once can with the ease, and in the space of one appointment!
“I use The Gel Bottle Inc and Gelish products. I recently trained with HD brows and LVL also! I like to train with the best to give my clients the best treatments.
“I feel with my salon, what you see is the treatment you are given – something a bit out of the ordinary!”
