TECHS & SALONS
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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London-based session tech, Sylvie Macmillan, shares an insight into her career, British Beauty Council role, passions and dreams… Tell us about your journey into the nail industry… I’ve always loved creating intricate work, and undertook a Technical Arts & Special Effects qualification, primarily focusing on model making. I worked in…
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Creating a tranquil salon space in The Studio, Doncaster, for her clients to unwind, find out about Lian Davey’s neutral décor choices and the vibes she hopes to create… Having worked in the law sector since her teens, Lian entered the beauty industry after the birth of her son, enrolling…
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Rosie Leek of Nice Girl Nails, Wolverhampton, shares her sources of inspiration for her eye-catching nail art and reveals how her pink palace nail salon ties to her personality… Recalling a love for nail art from a young age, Rosie Leek highlights airbrush looks and Tumblr-trending crackle nails as old favourites.…
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Jessica Roach had a double celebration on her 30th birthday, as it not only marked a milestone, but she attained a nail qualification with LIT Training Academy to turn her nail styling hobby into a career. The creative found enjoyment in painting her nails during lockdown, and while on maternity…
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Do you want to build and raise your profile in the nail industry? There are several ways you can do this, including via social media, a business website, Google profile and word of mouth. Another very effective way to do this is through entering competitions. I started my competition journey…
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Get to know Emma Stephens of Gemini Nails Sussex, as she shares her story as a nail artist living with chronic illnesses and reveals the inspiration behind her dazzling nail designs… Emma remembers seeing press-on nails for the first time at Claire’s Accessories, noting that since that moment, she was hooked. “Nails…
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