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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Sister duo, Martina and Yvette Parent, opened the doors to The Beauty Hut in July 2021 in memory of their mother, Linda Parent, who they lost to Covid in June 2020. “This business means everything to us and we’re trying our hardest to make it successful for our mum,” they…
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The Nail Yard has expanded its franchise with its eco-friendly nail bar on the Archerfield Estate, East Lothian, following the success of its Morningside location. Since the launch of its first salon in April 2015, The Nail Yard Edinburgh has sought to provide luxury services to eco-conscious clients, sourcing products…
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Lover of detailed, hand-painted nail designs, Wolverhampton-based Yasmin Hodge of Gels by Yas takes a stand against the stigma she’s faced as a disabled nail tech, opening up about her experiences in the industry. Regularly painting her own nails with polish or getting her nails done professionally, Yas decided to…
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With an eye-catching pink and gold salon hand built by her late father, passionate tech Kerry Delaney has had a lifelong love for nails, qualifying at only 15 years old. Kerry’s nail journey began with her Christmas list at five years old, requesting nail products as gifts. She celebrated her…
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After launching Get Press On Nails, a marketplace for nail artists to sell their own press-on nail designs for free, Rebecca Orme shares her goals of creating a bustling marketplace for press-on nails. Rebecca Orme discovered her passion for nail design as a child and enjoyed painting her own nails…
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A fan of low-key nail looks and dainty designs, Jennifer Oatham styled her salon to match; with a minimalist aesthetic, neutral shades and a fresh, tidy finish. “I keep all of my products in drawers to ensure the salon is clutter-free. My clients always comment on how chilled they feel…
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