Salon in the Spotlight: Polished By Gem, Shrewsbury, Shropshire

After finishing school, Gemma Siverns trained at a local beauty college to complete her NVQ 2 in Beauty Therapy, but quickly after completing a nail course she knew straight away nails were her passion. “Once I qualified I applied for a job at a local nail salon, and luckily I got the job,” explains Gemma. “I then trained with the Creative Academy where I became a CND master nail tech.

“After a couple of years of working in the salon I was given the opportunity to buy the business, so just before my 21st birthday I became the proud owner of very own nail salon. It was a great little business, but 5 years down the line me and my partner Ed wanted to get married, and start a family. I knew I didn’t want the pressure of running a business alongside being a first time mum so I decided to sell.”

Gemma Siverns

Continuing to work for the new owner, Gemma balanced family life with her nail career, until she was made redundant. “I started working from a little nail room at my parents house until I decided what to do,” Gemma remembers. “I planned on only staying there for a short while, but a few years later I was still there. It worked well as I could fit work and mum life around each other, but I got busier and busier so I decided to covert our garage and set up from home. It was the best decision I’ve made, and I absolutely love it! I can now work more hours in a slightly larger space, and I’ve been able to put my stamp on it and make it feel more like a salon again.”

In her new space, Gemma’s business has thrived. “What I like about the studio is that it’s different to anything else I’ve seen here in Shrewsbury,” she smiles. “I wanted something clean and modern looking that wasn’t overly girly and pink. I also solely specialise in nails, which you don’t see as much of these days as often salons are nails and beauty combined. I offer all nail treatments – from basic manicures to acrylic nail enhancements. I also do pedicures and offer nail art, but the majority of my time is spent either rebalancing acrylic nails or doing CND Shellac™️ manicures.

“I pride myself on using the best and the safest products on the market. I also have a Vodex SalonAir FileOWAY extraction system in place, which helps remove harmful fumes and airborne dust that’s generated in the salon environment. I’ve also included a H13 HEPA filter into the system for extra protection.

“I’ve tried to make sure that every measure has been taken to ensure the studio is a safe place to visit, but not only for my clients, but for myself too! This is something that’s really important to me, and feel lacks within our industry. One positive that’s come out of Covid-19 is that nail techs and other beauty professionals are now focusing more on this issue and investing in good carbon extraction systems.

“The goal was always to create a clean, professional looking studio that had a modern twist to it, but looked a bit different to other salons in the area. I feel I’ve achieved this by using white on the walls to make it feel clean and clinical, but I’ve added a hint of colour with the teal chairs and black accessories. It’s not a large room so I tried to make it look and feel spacious, which I think I’ve achieved.

“I try to be as professional as I can, and I wanted the studio to reflect this. I want people to feel relaxed, and enjoy visiting me in a nice, clean environment.”

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