Salon in the Spotlight: Stacey’s Gel Nails, Meriden, West Midlands

Stacey Cox worked in banking for 15 years, but was seeking more flexibility around her family. The lockdown gave Stacey the push she needed to start her new nail business.

“My studio was built in November, and we opened May,” she explains. “My husband Mark played a big role in getting my studio ready, creating my flower wall, making lots of DIY bits and most importantly, giving me support.”

“I am venturing into permanent makeup, so the services I offer will be expanding in February 2022. This will include eyebrows, eyeliner and lip blush. I wanted to mix the two loves and passions I have together,” Stacey enthuses. “I will be training with multi-award winning industry expert, Katy Jobbins. If I am going to do something, I will do it properly and to the best of my abilities.

“I use The Gel Bottle because the quality is amazing, as well as the ethics behind the brand. It’s cruelty free and vegan friendly so includes everybody. If it’s good enough for celebrities then it’s good enough for my ladies.”

“My salon is unique because of me. I really do take pride in making people feel comfortable and welcome on my property. It’s a pretty space with high quality furnishings. We are based in Millisons Wood, so pretty birds can be heard singing in a peaceful environment. People always tell me how much they have enjoyed themselves.

“I lost count of how many times I had gone to a salon and wasn’t offered a drink, not spoken too, kept waiting or not being acknowledged while waiting in reception,” Stacey reveals. “I don’t want the experience to feel like a transaction, it’s a service. I want people to walk out feeling happy and pampered. I am forever doing random acts of kindness, such as spontaneous, free nail art and a nice glass of fizz or pink gin.”

“I want to go out of my way to make people feel appreciated valued and respected.”

“I chose a pink peony flower wall to decorate my cabin. Peonies were my wedding flowers and when I think of my wedding, I think of my biggest supporter – my husband Mark. I wanted people to feel like they are visiting somewhere with a bit of luxury. I also wanted somewhere for clients to take a nalifie or a selfie to make it more of an experience,” she smiles. “I have a lovely pink cozy chair for my clients, a light up plaque with a personal message from myself, reminding my ladies they are beautiful and to enjoy themselves.

“The theme is pink, grey and floral. It’s neat, clean tidy and elegant. The decor influences the salon because it’s feminine, promoting some indulgent time for the clients. I’ve also used flowers to tie the salon to nature, as nature makes you feel more relaxed.”

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