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…
Read MoreUnique 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…
Read MoreI’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.…
Read MoreWhy 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…
Read MoreIntroverted 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’…
Read MoreFrom 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…
Read MoreSouth 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…
Read MoreEclectic, inclusive and filled with talented pros, GOOSE’s doors were opened in 2019 by Arabella Wildgoose, a hair & beauty specialist whose training began in 2005. Since her initial training, Arabella has continued to collect an array of qualifications in her time in the industry, seeking training in nails, lashes,…
Read MoreYork-based nail artist, Alex Hilton of By Alex details what she loves most about the nail industry and shares her plans for the future of By Alex… “I’ve always had an interest in the beauty industry,” Alex remembers. “From the young age of about 11 years old, I would ask…
Read MoreUpon finding the perfect space to set up her own salon, Sophie O’sullivan approached former colleague, Katie Woodworth to create The Beauty Hive with Sophie & Katie, a clean yet comfortable salon space in Greater Manchester. “I qualified in VTCT Level 3 in Nail Technology in 2017 and completed my…
Read MoreWith dreams of one day owning her own luxury nail salon, Cherie Whitlock of Ma Cherie shares her next steps in her career & reveals what she loves most about being a nail tech… Cherie’s creative streak instantly attracted her to the industry, led by a lifetime of talent and…
Read MoreEnrolling in her first of many beauty courses in 2010, Kay Willmott opened her salon, Elle Belle’s Beauty Studio, in 2017, named after her daughter. With ten members of staff in the salon, including herself, as a beauty therapist and laser technician; salon manager, nail tech and masseuse, Rosie Jo;…
Read MoreFashion-forward beauty therapist best friends, Nikki Hutchings & Sonia Ghag, designed a range of salon wear to suit the modern beauty pro without compromising on style or comfort. Beauty therapist duo, Nikki Hutchings and Sonia Ghag, met when their children started at school together. With both having an interest in…
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