The Suffolk nail tech who transformed her lockdown hobby into a thriving salon business
By Lilly Delmage | 07 November 2024 | Feature, Salon & Spas, Tech Talk
Jemma Cornell, behind JC Nails, started her nail journey during lockdown in 2020 and four years later, has transformed her hobby into a full-time career.
The Suffolk-based tech felt she needed something to ‘keep her busy’ during the challenging Covid-19 period, and decided training in nails was the answer. She says: “As a lover of nails, getting them done religiously every three weeks, I turned what I loved into my job. It was the best thing I ever did!”
The tech trained online with New Skills Academy, then continued to hone her skills by taking courses with numerous other training schools. Have trained from home, it felt natural to start accepting clients in the same space – allowing her to work around being a mum to her young son.
“I then decided to start working in a salon in town, but soon decided I needed my own space. I moved to a little unit for about a year, but outgrew it quickly,” shares Jemma. It was then that she found her current salon space, located in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
The tech used her ‘quirky and vibrant’ personality as inspiration behind the interior design of her salon: “My salon is a home from home kind of vibe – cosy, unique and fun. I wanted to express my personality, so I had to include a feature wall in my favourite colour: black.”
Jemma offers a variety of services, including L&P acrylic nail extensions, builder gel (BIAB™) and pedicures, using The GelBottle Inc, Nail Order and Urban Graffiti products.
On her future aims, she notes: “I hope to become a trainer and have my own training school. That’s the end goal!”