TECH TALK
Get to know the Scottish nail stylist who led nail looks for Victoria Beckham
In Sammy Mac’s two decades in the nail industry, she’s won numerous awards, opened a thriving nail salon chain and led multiple teams backstage at Fashion Week events. So what’s left on the career tick list for this Scottish nail pro? “Leading the nail team for the 2024 Victoria Beckham…
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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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I’m a Scottish nail artist working in London. Here’s what I miss most…
“If anyone from outside Scotland asks me, I say I’m from Glasgow, but as Scottish folk will read this, I’m actually from Livingston,” smiles Becki Menzies. The nail pro lived in Scotland for 28 years before moving to East London in 2023, where she works within tattoo space, Soteria Studios.…
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Why nail technicians should enter the Scratch Stars Awards: tips from a nail competition maestro
Bespoke nail artist, Jiak Hing, who has won the Scratch Stars Gel Polish Stylist of the Year accolade for three consecutive years, shares insight into the competition, what to expect on the day and the benefits of entering. Why did you decide to enter the Scratch Stars Awards? To…
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Introverted nail techs: how to grow your skills & clientele comfortably
Do you love the creative aspect of being a nail professional: perfecting enhancements and getting arty, but find it challenging to converse with clients and colleagues? You’re not alone. A need to recharge after client interactions or feeling most comfortable in quiet environments are signs of introversion. The word ‘introvert’…
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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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Sarah Brenton-Sara, lecturer in Level 2 & 3 Nail Services & Beauty Therapy at Truro & Penwith College, shares how she supports her present and past nail students in the quest for a great career in the industry… My role as tutor, lecturer and assessor does not stop at the end of the…
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Discover who’s behind the handiwork at the Dream Nails chain of salons with an insight into its staff members… Lisa Le – Manager, Dream Nails Royal Wharf How did you get into nails? My interest started when I was in secondary school. I always came to school with the long acrylic enhancements…
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Over the last three months, Sienna X has been supporting its beauty therapists with its cashback scheme. The scheme offers therapists another revenue stream by retailing Sienna X products to their clients for a discounted price (with a unique code to use at the checkout) and receiving a financial commission…
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Scratch chats with Jess Rose, of Jess Rose Beauty in Thrapston, Northamptonshire, about her love for Magpie Beauty and passion for nails. “I’m Jess, I’m 27 and I live in Northamptonshire. My nail career is short and sweet but an incredible journey so far. I have always loved doing nails…
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Scratch chats with Jessica Prout, of Jessica Prout Nails, about her creative flair and love for all things nail art! In 2011, I stopped hairdressing, as it became something that no longer excited me. I had already trained in nails previously so continued my training in nearly all the Georgie…
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Blending a man’s world with a woman’s most of her working life, gives mobile nail tech and freelance educator, Louise Dennis of LouD Nail Design in Colchester, a unique perspective on life and a strong opinion on government thinking and direction during the 2020 corona crisis. After deciding A Level…
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