Scratch Stars Award-winning nail salon owner: competition benefits & advice

Natasha Barker, owner of Scratch Stars Nail Salon of Year 2024, Niche Nails & Beauty, reveals advice for succeeding in the competition.

The 2024 awards were not the salon’s first entry into the competition. Natasha explains: “I had entered the awards previously on behalf of the salon, and we had been lucky enough to be a finalist in the Nail Salon of the Year category before.” She adds: “After a few years’ break, I felt it was time for us to enter again. We focused on judges’ feedback from previous years to help us make improvements where needed, and we really worked on becoming a five-star salon.”

When asked how it felt to eventually win the title, Natasha exclaims: “I was ecstatic when I found out that we had won! It makes me so proud of my team for always believing in me and the salon’s vision – and for helping me create an award-winning salon!”

One of the biggest takeaways for Natasha was to not compare yourself to others, as she reveals: “It’s easy to think that the bigger and more ‘Instagrammable‘ salons are better than yours. But what counts is the customer journey and experience, and giving value in your own unique way.

“I would recommend anyone who’s thinking about entering the Scratch Stars Awards to go for it! Although winning is incredible, it’s the lessons you learn, experience and feedback you receive from the judges which are truly invaluable.”

Her advice also includes taking your time to fill out the application and speaking to previous finalists for advice. She adds: “If you don’t get into the final the first time, really learn from any feedback you receive – that’s the gold dust!”

Click here to register your interest for the Scratch Stars Awards 2025, and find out more about Niche Nails & Beauty here.