SALON & SPAS
Unique salon décor: The Birmingham nail salon featuring a piano as its reception desk
Founder of Birmingham-based nail studio, Icey’s Beauty Lounge, Aysana Druga, shares the story behind the salon’s impressive entrance… In 2015, Aysana and her husband spotted a piano in the window of a charity shop. She recalls: “We had no idea where it was going to go at the time, so…
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From DIY nails to owning a home salon: how one tech turned her passion into a business
Bedfordshire-based nail tech, Jodie Day of @talonsbyjodie, started her nail journey simply wanting to learn how to do her own nails, however she enjoyed the training so much that she decided to turn it into her career. Jodie began her training in 2021 while pregnant, seeking a creative outlet. She…
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Award-winning home salon owner: the 5 essential tips for success
Scratch Stars Home Nail Salon of the Year 2024 winner, Kirsty Brown of @paintbrushnails, shares her top tips for building a successful home salon… Having won the prestigious Scratch Stars accolade for her Stirling-based home salon, we asked Kirsty to share her top tips to inform and inspire nail techs…
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South Devon tech: At 30 I decided to train as a nail technician – and I’ve never looked back
Having undergone a career swap at the age of 30, Devon-based nail tech Bonni Higson, the owner of Bonni File’n’Style in Dawlish, shares her story… After having children, Bonni decided to train as a nail technician. She says: “I enrolled at South Devon College and qualified at NVQ level 2…
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The Suffolk nail tech who transformed her lockdown hobby into a thriving salon business
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…
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How a part-time job at a nail brand inspired an employee to become a nail tech
Ellie Toms’ part-time job at nail brand, Lecenté, inspired her career change to become a nail technician. Here’s her story… The now tech ‘fell in love’ with the brand’s products, so much so that it inspired her to become a nail tech so she was able to use them. The…
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10 Halloween-ready salons to give you inspiration
Halloween offers a perfect opportunity to have some fun in the nail space, so take inspiration from salons that have got clients in the spooky spirit with themed décor… 1. Beauty by Joan, Wisconsin, USA 2. Hope HQ, Manchester, UK 3. Hush Salon, Leeds, UK 4. Revel Salon, New York,…
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I visited TGB Spa in Brighton for a luxury pedicure – & here’s how it went
Nail brand, The GelBottle Inc, has opened its much-anticipated TGB Spa: a sanctuary for beauty treatments in the bustling city of Brighton. I was invited to explore the space and indulge in a Luxury TGB Gel Pedicure – and it didn’t disappoint. I arrived at Brighton train station and I tapped…
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A fan of low-key nail looks and dainty designs, Jennifer Oatham styled her salon to match; with a minimalist aesthetic, neutral shades and a fresh, tidy finish. “I keep all of my products in drawers to ensure the salon is clutter-free. My clients always comment on how chilled they feel…
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Determined to continue to pursue her dreams of being a professional nail artist despite her battle with cancer, luxury manicurist and acrylic specialist, Shara Lise Taylor, shares the story of her salon and nail journey. Qualifying in 2017, Shara has continued to hone her skills as a nail tech with…
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Long-time nail fanatic, Sarah Rushworth, struggled to find time to translate her passion into a career, in between working two jobs and raising a family. However, in November 2018, she decided to buy a garden shed and convert it into a nail studio, ahead of her nail training the following…
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Wanting to create a salon space to reflect the professional and friendly services she prides herself on offering, Gemma Brown styled her salon using a grey, white and silver colour scheme, creating an elegant and contemporary feel. Leaving school in 2001, Gemma completed her Beauty Therapy NVQs at Levels 2…
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Karen Bolland shares her Parisian-themed salon setup with Scratch, revealing the inspiration behind her decor choices. After graduating from university with a History degree, Karen Bolland began her beauty training alongside her full-time job in 2003. Studying at evening classes at Phoenix School of Health & Beauty in Chelmsford, Essex,…
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Nail art specialist, Hazel Martin of Nail Creations by Hazel, shares her home salon set-up, revealing how she’s styled the space to suit her home. “I always knew I wanted to go into this industry, so went straight on to college after I finished my GCSEs,” Hazel remembers. “I originally…
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