TECHS & SALONS

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Lancashire tech: The local council didn’t recognise my nail & beauty salon as a valid business

By Lilly Delmage | 22 February 2025

Owner of The Nail & Beauty Lounge, Julie McCabe, shares the challenges she faced when trying to set up her business, as well as its growth and success… Julie McCabe was excited to open her salon after finding the perfect space. She details: “It is a former hair salon in…

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Nail & beauty apprenticeships: salons share benefits, their experiences & advice

By Rebecca Hitchon | 16 February 2025

In a recent poll on Scratch’s Instagram, almost 80% of respondents shared that they’re considering taking on apprentices. Here, two UK salons share how they’ve reaped the rewards of the apprenticeship process… Nailspa, West Yorkshire “As a business owner, I believe that when it comes to employees, you cannot beat…

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Ashford beauty salon: how exceptional customer service creates relaxing client experiences

By Lilly Delmage | 15 February 2025

Sarah Webb, owner of Bella’s Little Nail Boutique, takes pride in her standout beauty services, which place an emphasis on the client experience. Working in customer service for over 20 years, Sarah knows how to offer clients an exceptional appointment. She explains: “My clients receive a coffee and biscuits, and…

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SLN Nail Training launches online school

By Chloe Randall | 19 August 2021

Scratch chats to Stacey Nicholls about her Online Nail School launch, being the founder of SLN Nail Training Academy and her journey in the nail industry… With nearly 100 training courses under her belt, Stacey started her self-employed career 8 years ago. She quickly completed her teacher training, mentored students,…

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Salon in the Spotlight: The Village Retreat, County Durham

By Callie Iley | 18 August 2021

In 2018, Ashley Wilson purchased a neglected convenience store to renovate into her own salon, taking on a big job to extend the property and adding walls to create separate rooms. “I was pregnant with my first baby at the time of purchase, however this didn’t stop me getting involved…

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TECH TALK: Meet Sarah Kay Abbott, Scratch Stars Polish & Paint Artist of the Year

By Emma Hobday | 17 August 2021

Kirkaldy-based nail stylist, Sarah Kay Abbott, scooped the Scratch Stars Polish & Paint Artist of the Year title at the Scratch Stars Party 20/21 owing to her passion for the craft, incredible artistic skills and keen focus on client care. “I wasn’t initially going to apply, but I saw it…

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Salon in the Spotlight: Gels by Lucy, Hartlepool

By Callie Iley | 11 August 2021

Halo VIP Lucy Woodward works from a cabin in her home, valuing the privacy the space affords her and her clients. “I work alone in my space which I love, I manage my own appointments and have no one to rely on,” she explains. “My clients know anything they say…

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NAIL TECH TALK: Jessica Smith of The Nail Club

By Callie Iley | 7 August 2021

Scratch chats to Jessica Smith of The Nail Club about growing up in a family of nail technicians and leaving an office job to pursue nails full time… Coming from a family of nail technicians, I have grown up watching my mum and auntie create such beautiful sets of nails.…

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Salon in the Spotlight: Dolled Up, Suffolk

By Callie Iley | 4 August 2021

Dolled Up was established in 2013 by salon owner, Emma Hayes, who took the plunge into the beauty world after being encouraged by her friends. She’d been painting their nails in her spare time, around looking after her two young children, and they recognised her natural skill. “My assistant, Kate…

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