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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Kara Kotsonis, founder of the award-winning NailSquad Nail Bar in Deal, Kent, explains why businesses affected by Covid-19 could be eligible for a music license refund… If you use, play, or listen to recorded music at your business or organisation, the chances are that you may need or already obtain…
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For a nail artist that lives close to a shoreline in Rye, East Sussex, it was only fitting that she create a set of oyster shell style nails – and they’re a delight to behold. After working with children for 20 years, Paiwa Drew, who goes by the business handle…
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We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Mihaela Pirliteanu, of MP Nails & Beauty, wears a dreamy peacock-inspired design. “As a nail artist, these types of intricate, hand painted designs are what I do for my customers and sometimes for myself. “These nails are made from hard…
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Celebrity manicurist & international nail fashion designer, Naomi Gonzalez-Longstaff, reveals the differences & similarities between working as a nail tech in the UK and the USA… I have been travelling globally for my career over the past 12 years. I’ve been to Mexico, Puerto Rico and Spain, to name just…
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We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Sherrie Farris, of Sherrie’s Nails, wears a pretty pastel bumblebee and daisy-inspired design. “I’ve always loved pastel yellow nails but personally never been brave enough to wear it… Lockdown gave me the opportunity to try it and I love it!…
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Talented tech, Scarlett Senter, shares how she created this sparkling Disney-inspired design and the inspiration behind it… “During the UK lockdown, my daughter has been watching a lot of Disney movies and this sparked an idea for these nails. Plus, who doesn’t love a bit of Disney? “To create the…
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