Marian Newman BEM founds Federation of Nail Professionals to raise sector standards

Nail industry and education advocate, Marian Newman BEM, and a board of industry peers, have officially launched The Federation of Nail Professionals (The FNP) today (28 November).

The not-for-profit organisation is focused on supporting and raising the standards of practice, education, knowledge and development for UK nail professionals.

The initial launch invites supporters to sign up free of charge to keep updated on news from The FNP, with the opportunity to become a member and gain a number of benefits – if they meet and uphold the Code Of Ethics.

The FNP was born out of Marian’s Facebook group, Madge’s Chat Show, which provided accurate and factual information and support to the industry throughout lockdown 1.0. The FNP, run by a board of six industry professionals from all corners of the sector, has gained support from the Hair and Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA), the British Beauty Council and British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC).

“The Federation is proud to be collaborating with HABIA, the British Beauty Council and BABTAC on several projects and providing representation for the nail industry at government level.”

The FNP includes but is not limited to:

• Students
• Newly qualified nail professionals
• Qualified nail professionals
• Educators
• Salon owners
• Brands
• Distribution partners

Membership

Anyone can support the missions of The FNP by registering via its website. When membership opens, applicants can apply to join and select their membership options via a portal on The FNP website linking to an online application form.

Applicants must provide evidence that they meet each of the requirements on the application form in order to quality for membership and gain the Federation’s standard where appropriate. Payments can be made quarterly or annually.

“Individuals, the wider industry sector and nail communities that must come together with courage, kindness, clarity and creativity,” comments FNP chair, Marian Newman BEM.

“The effect and impact of regulation and licensing is questionable at this time. But, collectively, if we can applaud, recognise and embrace high levels of learning and skills and those individuals that uphold high professional ethics – we can lead by example and show what is great about this industry.”

The FNP seeks to recognise exceptional educators through its Licence to Teach initiative. The organisation aims to raise the standard of education across the board and not just for students, but for all levels of nail professionals including educators. There will be a requirement for all members to actively continue their professional development alongside plans to introduce feedback and reviews which will be publicly available for Licence to Teach educators via a fair and quality-controlled platform.

“We must choose our battles wisely as they can’t all be fought at once,” adds Marian. “The FNP, its members, supporters, collaborators and experts can be that voice, fight those battles and make the industry a better place now and in the future.”

Scroll down to meet The FNP Board Members & watch a video message from the team.

Register your support and interest in membership by clicking here. The FNP will be open to membership sign-ups in the coming months.

MEET THE FNP BOARD

Chair – Marian Newman BEM

Marian is a veteran of 30+ years who has worked in every aspect of the nail industry. She is an author of seven textbooks including The Complete Nail Technician. Marian is on the advisory board of the British Beauty Council and has been awarded the British Empire Medal for ‘services to the industry during COVID-19’.

Deputy Chair & Director of Information – Sue Davies

Sue Davies has worked in the nail and beauty sectors for 18 years within trade association management, international competition management and as a judge and educator. Sue is an award-winning salon owner, a writer and a recognised industry advocate.

“Having worked on a couple of association organisations previously, I’m blown away by what the FNP has achieved in the last few months and the initial support it has already gained with our collaborators. When I got the call from Marian Newman asking me to be involved in this earth shaking initiative, I didn’t think twice. This industry has been crying out for a true voice for a long time and The Federation of Nail Professionals will be the seat at the table that has been needed for so long.

“It is an honour to serve my industry and as deputy chair & director of information, my aim is to support Marian and to drive forward projects that help our industry to be stronger than it has ever been, as well as being the source of factual, current and reliable intelligence.”

Director Of Education – Donna Clayton

Donna has been in the industry for 22 years and helps salon owners to set up their training academies post completion of teaching qualifications. She coaches existing training academies to reach their revenue and business goals. Donna worked in salons and spas before beginning her teaching career and taught for 14 years in her local FE college teaching across all beauty, nails and holistic courses. Standards are a huge driving force within her ethos and business.

“I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to be part of an industry changing event and to Marian for the invitation to become involved in the conception. I see this as an opportunity and a responsibility as an educator to pay back into an industry I am truly passionate about and be a driver for change alongside my fellow board members.

“A good shake up is long overdue,  and the industry is demanding a change on many levels from education right through to best practice, The Federation of Nail Professionals is up to the task. The FNP has many projects well underway, that will tackle industry wide issues from many angles and finally give a voice to the nail industry at the highest level. It’s truly an exciting time to be a nail professional!”

Director Of Licence To Teach – Jennie Nippard

Jennie Nippard has over 22 years experience in the nail industry, with over 15 of those years in the education sector. Jennie owns Herts Academy of Beauty and is deputy head of education for Glitterbels, while also working as an international session nail artist.

“I’m so excited to be a founding director of the FNP. I’ve always known that our industry has been lacking in regulation, however when we went into lockdown, I really realised just how desperate the nail industry was for representation, guidance and a voice. I had a great conversations with Marian about what could be done to change this and how we could raise our industry’s standards from within.

“As a teacher, I am very aware that great education is crucial to really making a difference. So I am extremely happy that with Licence To Teach we will be celebrating excellent educators who are passionate and are aware of the huge responsibility that their position entails. We are responsible for raising standards in the industry right from the grass roots level. Together we can make the difference that our industry so desperately needs.”

Treasurer & Financial Director – Peter Borg

Peter Borg is an entrepreneur and founder of numerous businesses within retail, hospitality and Ecomms. He is owner of an award-winning salon, a growth strategist specialist and public speaker.

“The whole industry is in need of a voice, it needs to be understood and we need more exposure to how amazing, creative and talented everyone is. As a salon owner who prides himself in our salon standards and protocols, the lack of regulations across the industry is frustrating and collaboratively we will be pushing hard to create consistency throughout.”

Membership Secretary – Alexandra Cassells

Alexandra is an award-winning nail artist with nine years’ industry experience and a history of exemplary professional client services. Alex is also a Habia Champion and a session artist at London and New York Fashion Week.

“I’ve had some amazing opportunities during my time in the nail industry, and I am so happy and so humbled to be to be able to work with this incredible team to give something back. We all share the same drive to help lift the industry out of its current situation and I know there are many out there that share that passion; they just need a platform which we believe the FNP will provide. 

“I will be looking after memberships and will be ready to help everyone who shares our passion and wants to join us. The ongoing pandemic has made it even more visible where the gaps are in standards, confidence and education, and by forming the FNP we want to empower everyone working in the industry, no matter what level, to play their part in improving these critical areas.

“We will be giving them the tools, incentives and support to drive their own learning and development, which is so crucial! I believe that by giving people the opportunity to take an active role, both individually and as a collective, we can make a genuine, positive and lasting change for the future, and every member will be able celebrate and to take pride in having helped to make that change happen!”

www.the-fnp.com

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