Are you a neurodiverse nail tech? This Facebook group offers support to neurodivergent pros

“Neurodiversity refers to the different ways an individual’s brain processes information. It became clear that I am neurodiverse when I was in my late 30s,” says Cheryl Holland, founder of Facebook group, Neurodiversity in Nails.

The owner of Spicy Sakura Nails, Worksop, and press-on business, Nail My Ride, set up the group earlier this year as a ‘safe space’ for neurodiverse nail technicians like herself.

“A diagnosis is not needed, but you must be neurodiverse to join,” Cheryl shares. “I want the group to motivate neurodiverse nail techs, help them embrace their neurodiversity and share ways to navigate the nail industry. There is no one size fits all when it comes to neurodiversity: individuals are affected by different things at different times.

“It is important to me that Neurodiversity in Nails allows members to speak out and ask questions without fear of criticism or hate.”

Cheryl began her career as a mobile tech, adding further skills to her portfolio over the years, such as beauty and holistic therapy and make-up artistry. “I would hyperfocus on one thing, for example reiki, then jump to make-up artistry, then back to nails. Little did I know that I’m neurodiverse! But I always seemed to turn to nails,” she tells Scratch.

A post by Cheryl in the Neurodiversity in Nails group.

Cheryl was inspired to create the Neurodiversity in Nails group after negative online experiences. “Neurodiverse people may have RSD (rejection sensitivity dysphoria), meaning they have an emotional reaction to negative judgements, exclusion or criticism beyond what most people feel,” she says.

“I have been called awful names in groups before, due to misunderstanding of my direct approach, as a result of my neurodiversity.”

The nail pro, who has undertaken around 100 industry courses, is studying for a level 2 mentoring qualification to help her lead the Facebook group, which she manages alongside a chronic illness. She publishes a ‘no pressure accountability’ post each Monday, where members share two goals for the week: usually one work-related and one personal goal.

“A check-in happens each Friday to see if the goals have been achieved,” Cheryl explains. “If not, there is no sense of shame and the aims can be set for the following week. For those who experience overwhelm, choosing two aspects to focus on can be helpful. Other posts focus on motivation and self-care and encourage members to ask questions, and I plan on creating neurodiverse-friendly nail art tutorials in future.”

A post by Cheryl in the Neurodiversity in Nails group.

Click here to join the Neurodiversity in Nails group.

Check out Scratch’s feature on neurodiversity from the September 2024 issue here.