Award-winning nail tech partners with Croydon youth charity to empower future pros

Scratch interviews esteemed nail pro, Metta Francis of Nails by Mets, about her work with South London charity, Legacy Youth Zone…

How did your collaboration with Legacy Youth Zone come about?

“I first visited Legacy Youth Zone with my son, to attend a session which catered to early years. Having a nearby, drop-in service was ideal, and worked perfectly for me due to my irregular work schedule. By attending regularly, I was able to see firsthand Legacy Youth Zone’s incredible facilities and learn about its impactful work. I was truly inspired by the centre – it’s a fun, stimulating space for young people and plays such an important role in serving the local community.

“I had always planned to support a charity through Nails by Mets, but I wanted it to be a local cause where I could make a difference beyond giving money. Being born and raised in Croydon, Legacy Youth Zone felt like the perfect fit. I reached out to the team to explore how I could get involved.”

Metta visiting Legacy Youth Zone with her son.

Tell us about the work of the charity and your part in this.

“Legacy Youth Zone is a youth centre that is open seven days a week and provides a safe, inspiring space for kids aged eight to 19 years, and up to 25 years for those with additional needs. Homemade hot meals are available for £1, and an annual membership is only £5 and visits 50p. The centre’s facilities include a gym, sports hall, chill-out rooms, dance studio, music room, podcast studio, gaming area and wellbeing room! There are over 20 activities offered every week, which provides a diverse opportunity for members.

“Nails by Mets is financially contributing to the centre’s nail bar: an area in the wellbeing room, by providing a monthly monetary donation. I am also running quarterly workshops for members, which cover hand and nailcare, nail painting and art and anything else nail-related members want to learn. I’ve donated nail products for members to use. Syreeta Whittle, inclusion and wellbeing coordinator at Legacy Youth Zone, ran a competition to name the nail bar and support its branding. Following this, the nail bar has been called ‘Love, Slay, Good Nail Bar’.

Metta donating nail products to Syreeta Whittle.

What do you hope to achieve through the collaboration?

“I hope to show members that being a nail technician doesn’t necessarily mean working in a salon. As a business owner & mobile nail technician, I hope to expose them to the business side of things, from setting up a brand and doing marketing to stock keeping and managing finances. Who knows, this might ignite a passion in the next generation of nail technicians!

“I want to show members that there are multiple sides to the nail industry, and that it can be a very lucrative career. These are things I had no idea about when I first started out!

“I also want to help by providing a well-stocked nail bar, so that members can take time to tend to their nails and even raise money by painting nails. I find it so therapeutic to paint and am a big believer in colour therapy.”

Why do you feel it’s important to share your expertise with younger generations?

“I started my career in nails later in life, after I’d been to university and was established in the corporate world. Times have changed and the traditional educational route isn’t for everyone or always financially viable. I want to show younger generations that there are options and no one-size-fits-all. If I can teach members a skill that they can turn into their own businesses, I’ll be happy. Running the workshops may even help members paint loved ones’ nails and offer pampering experiences to them, and I love that nails can create special bonding moments.”

Youth worker, Shukri, painting nails.

Legacy Youth Zone adds:

“It’s been an exciting time to have Nails by Mets supporting Legacy Youth Zone. Working together introduces a new dimension to the space, offering our young people the opportunity to explore the world of beauty and self-care. With the generous donation of nail products, our senior members can enjoy creating a professional nail bar, while gaining valuable insights into a potential career in the nail industry.

“Beyond practical skills, this is a chance for our young people to express their creativity, build confidence and develop entrepreneurial skills.

“The financial support from Nails by Mets ensures we can continue providing enriching experiences that empower our members to grow, discover new passions and enhance their sense of self-worth. The support plays a big part in our mission to give the young people of Croydon the opportunity to discover their full potential, through positive activities and inspirational youth workers, in a safe environment.”

To support Legacy Youth Zone and its nail bar by donating nail polishes, hand and nailcare products, nail art and manicure tools and items to jazz up the space, email info@nailsbymets.com