Salon in the Spotlight: Samantha Laura Nails, Newport, Shropshire
By Rebecca Hitchon | 25 April 2024 | Feature, Salon & Spas
After her nail technician changed careers, Samantha Gripton was left missing her monthly treat of a gel polish manicure and was inspired to create her summerhouse studio, Samantha Laura Nails.
“I used all of my savings to renovate the summerhouse in my back garden,” Samantha tells Scratch. “I invested in a Beginner course from The GelBottle Inc, taught by educator, Ewa Crawford, in Birmingham and qualified in August 2023. My nail tech had used the brand, so it made sense to work with products I know and love.”
Samantha opened Samantha Laura Nails last October and hasn’t looked back since. “My summerhouse studio has an intimate and relaxed feel. When planning the space, I wanted my clients to feel comfortable and calm, and they often comment on how relaxing the salon is, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy town of Newport,” she smiles. “To achieve this ambience, I have included a snack station, in order to offer a home from home feeling.
“My clients also regularly express how much they love the one-to-one, personalised nature of appointments,” Samantha continues. However, the salon isn’t just a sanctuary for clients, as the nail pro notes that her favourite aspect of the space is that it is hers to share. “I’m a bit outnumbered in my house, with a husband and three sons, so I knew the premises had to represent me, with pink and rose gold tones,” she reveals.
Within her home salon, Samantha specialises in gel services, with builder gel and gel polish treatments being most popular. “I also offer gel extensions, however builder gel is my passion,” she notes. “I love taking clients on builder gel journeys, promoting natural nail growth and transforming short, bitten nails.”
Clients are treated to nearly 100 nail colour choices at Samantha Laura Nails. “I feel The GelBottle Inc offers all the products my business needs, from tools to skincare products and the Peacći range of nail polishes. My clients particularly love the brand’s scrubs for manis and pedis,” she says.
Looking to the future, Samantha’s main goals are to continue building her client base and learning. “I have the perfect setup, working as my own boss around a busy family, while meeting wonderful people each day. The enjoyment of learning keeps me passionate and I strive to continue making my clients feel special,” she concludes.