Sophie Dale on her ambassador role, simple nail art & community spirt

Tell us about your training…

I actually won my training with Nail Harmony UK back in 2012 with the Gelish Gives Back campaign, from which five people won starter training and a kit. I’m very thankful for this opportunity as it set me up for life! Seven years, I still love doing nails. Next year, I aim to complete further training with The Gel Bottle Inc.

What is your all-time favourite nail product?

This is a super difficult one but I have to say the one that’s changed my tekking life and my clients’ life the most is The Gel Bottle Inc Builder In A Bottle. It keeps my clients’ –and my own – nails strong and allows them to grow.

I was an acrylic lover until this product came along. Now, I wear my natural nails all the time. Teddy is my absolute favourite shade and I use it with a lot of my sheer designs. It’s a favourite with my clients, too.

Who do you admire in the industry? 

The amount of support nail pros give each other online. The ‘girls supporting girls’ movement is massive at the moment and I definitely think it’s here to stay. We are all massively inspired by one another and keep each other going. I’ve made some of my best friends through my Instagram, as well as the best support system ever.

What designs do you love to create? 

My favourite designs to create are nail art designs with a sheer element. My cleints call them ‘grow out manis’! Simpler, the better for me.

If you had to pick one, what nail colour would characterise your personality?

My favourite colours are nude shades, but I wouldn’t want anyone to think my personality is ‘nude’! I’d like to think I’m a sexy, dark colour like Velvet Red from The Gel Bottle Inc but I’m probably more like a bright yellow, like Bellwort. I like to stand out!

What are your next career steps?

I currently work long hours in salon and have a full book, but I’m always looking for a new challenge. I’m starting to host workshops and 1-1 classes. I love these workshops and sharing techniques I’ve picked up over the years.
The response from my first workshop was amazing and so it spurred me on to do more and be confident doing it. I have four workshops planned currently: three in York and one in London. I plan to carry these out into the new year.

Tell us about an average day in your nail life…

On Instagram, nail life looks pretty glam, but I think the reality is dusty and messy! My working hours vary, but most days I work 10-10. I’m a fast worker so I can see up to 18 clients a day. That’s just the way I work.

I also try to plan Instagram posts and stories, which can be difficult when you have clients back to back. I often end up doing these late at night while I’m eating my tea at 10pm!

What is the most exciting thing about the UK nail industry?

I think for me personally is The Gel Bottle community. I only started using the brand’s  products two years ago, but I’m now an ambassador and have met so many gorgeous people through the brand and role. It keeps me challenged and constantly wanting to learn more.

If you weren’t doing nails, what would you be doing?

I would most definitely work with animals. I tried out being a vet for work experience at school but passed out! After that it was a definite no from me.

I think it would have my own business as a dog groomer or walker. I don’t think I would ever work for anyone else now; I’d always have my own business, whether it was selling something or doing something myself. It would also definitely have to be something creative!