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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During her maternity leave, Sophie Raymond decided it was time to follow her dreams of pursuing a career in the beauty industry. “I realised that life was far too short to spend every day in a career that was making me miserable. I love nothing more than making others feel…
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Scratch chats to Sara Pereira of Sara Sofia Beauty about her love for Spring-themed nail designs and her admiration for fellow nail techs… “The thing I love most about nails is the simple fact that it allows me to be creative. “Creativity is so important to me,” Sara explains. “It’s…
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Danielle Pulford opened her salon after the second lockdown, after her local salon she was employed at shut down. “I wasn’t in a position, nor did I feel ready, to open my own salon with other staff, so I thought converting my garage was the way forward, especially with the…
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Scratch chats to Grace Andrew of Nails By Gracie about the support she’s found within the nail industry and inclusivity… “My signature style is generally more spooky and witchy vibes. I just like to try to do stuff a bit different to what people are used to seeing. I’m obsessed…
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Emily Yafai opened her salon in 2021, after taking a break from her career to focus on her family. “It felt like the perfect time to find my feet again doing what I love. I found my base, and didn’t want to miss this opportunity to grow. I have wanted…
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Scratch chats to Chantelle Louise Baldwin of Chantelle Louise Beauty about her love for nails and where she sees her future in the industry… “I have launched knowledge and skill building courses aimed at those that have qualified, but have lost their confidence, or just want to keep up to…
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