TECH TALK: Laura Wilson
By Helena Biggs | 27 March 2017 | Feature, Tech Talk
We caught up with Laura Wilson, of Bellissima Nails, to learn more about her career and her rather quirky salon space…
When and why did you choose to become a nail tech?
I first enrolled on an acrylic nail course in 2006 after admiring the work of another local tech/educator called Jo Shirley. Once qualified I realised it could be a whole new career for me so I went on to gain qualifications in other areas of nail art.
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
The most rewarding thing is that my clients choose me over and over again to create beautiful designs for them. My clients are so loyal and I’m very grateful.
What made you decide to work from inside a caravan?
I worked from inside my home for a few years while my children were young but there came a point when I needed my own space to work. I looked into working from a conservatory or summer house but then my partner came up with the idea of turning a caravan into a nail studio. It’s located in my back garden and works brilliantly. My partner David did all the hard bits and my mum helped a lot by making the curtains and cushions. We managed to finish the renovation within two weekends.
What are the benefits of working from home?
It works wonderfully around family life. Most of my clients live in my village or very nearby making it very convenient for them.
How did you go about building your client base?
I built my client base through word of mouth recommendations and advertising appointment slots on Facebook along with photos of my work.
What is your nail brand of choice?
I use NSI. It self-levels beautifully and I love its range of cover pinks. I have recently tried Pure Nails UK and really like its products too. I get the majority of my products from Gemma Lambert’s The Nail Team. I’m so lucky that her store is only a ten minute drive away.
What is your most popular nail service?
Acrylic nail designs are my most popular. My clients love love love glitter and bling. Recently I’ve found that more clients are choosing to have infills rather than a design in gel polish.
What is the biggest challenge that you face as a nail tech?
At the moment my biggest challenge is trying not to turn away new clients. I have such a lovely, loyal client base that I have very little spare time for others.
Whose nail work do you admire and why?
Gemma Lambert. Her work is amazing and she has always been super helpful whenever I’ve needed advice on products or new techniques. I watched her on YouTube for months before realising she had a training studio only ten minutes away from me. She has since trained me on a few different nail art courses and there’s many more that I will do in the near future.
