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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“I originally started my nail business working on mine and my family’s nails as a hobby while I worked as a nanny,” remembers owner of The Beauty Box, Nicola Robbins. “I decided it was time to get some training so I could launch a part time business. I chose to train with Nail…
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We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! “With the arrival of spring, cherry blossoms have started to bloom,” smiles Diana Pajeva. “More and more of my clients are asking for pretty pastel pink and lilac shades with Sakura tree nail art. It’s an easy and quick…
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We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Viv Brennan celebrated the opening of her new studio, Nailvinara, in style thanks to a perfectly pink design. “I always wear really long nails,” explains Viv. “I used INK London’s Acrylink L&P system and sculpted in Mrs Clear. “I encapsulated iridescent chunky pink…
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Luxury nail business, The Hand & Foot Spa, is seeking nail technicians and a nail bar manager. Full and part time vacancies are available and applicants must have exceptional customer service skills – as well as nail skills – and be friendly and enthusiastic with immaculate attention to detail. All…
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With its quirky decor and open-plan design, Nail Couture Nails & Beauty is a conversation starter – and its clients agree. “We are a very sociable salon,” enthuses owner, Cathy Lansbury-Palmer, “We created our unique trio pedicure station and reception area with this in mind. Clients love to talk and chat, as do we.…
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Here they are; the talented 2017 finalists hoping to shine later next month and be crowned a Scratch Star. Each year, the challenge gets tougher, as more and more entries amass for Scratch magazine’s industry awards – the Scratch Stars. Following a scrupulous first round of judging, finalists in each category…
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