Posts by Callie Iley
Nail Tech Talk: Nicola Julian of Oakwood Nails
Overcoming self-doubt to pursue a career in the nail industry, Nicola Julian of Oakwood Nails discovered her love for nail art during the pandemic before completing her training in 2021. Having had an interest in make-up, hair and nails from a young age, Nicola Julian initially pursued a career in accountancy after she left school.…
Read MoreSalon in the Spotlight: Mayfair Aesthetics & Beauty, London
Offering a one-stop salon for nail, beauty and aesthetics treatments in a contemporary central London salon location, Mayfair Aesthetics & Beauty shares its journey since its establishment in 2001. Since opening in 2001 offering nail and tanning services to clients, Mayfair Aesthetics & Beauty has developed and grown its business to offer a range of…
Read MoreWINNER ANNOUNCED: Scratch Snap July 2023
The winner of Scratch’s monthly nail art challenge has been announced as Stephanie Connolly. In a showcase of talent, techs stepped up to the Scratch Snap challenge for July & created nail designs inspired by ‘Undersea Adventure’ in the bid to win a prize from Nail Alliance. Judged by Scratch‘s copywriter, Callie Iley, and Gelish master educator, Amy Martin. The winner,…
Read More15 common nail conditions & how to deal with them
Do you know what to do when you’re faced with a natural nail concern? Scratch shares expert advice and product recommendations for 15 common nail issues… Addressing the issue The natural nail is the foundation of any great nail enhancement, so knowing how to approach common issues if and when they present themselves is key.…
Read MoreNail Tech Talk: Tammy Fontaine of Nails By Tammy
Without an artistic background, East London-based tech, Tammy Fontaine, shares that when completing her training in 2006, she never believed she’d have the patience for nail art. “Nail art didn’t come naturally to me,” she remembers. “I trained in basic manicures and pedicures at college, gaining my NVW Level 2 and 3. Just before the…
Read MoreSeeking a removable alternative to nails? Check out Karen Boyle’s press-on nail rings
Managing her nail career alongside a full-time IT job of 34 years, Bolton-based nail tech & press-on nail artist, Karen Boyle of Gel A Licious, shares her venture into the removable nail realm… Karen Boyle wouldn’t have described herself as artistic, so was surprised to discover her passion for nail art when she began learning…
Read MoreSalon in the Spotlight: Nailed it by Jo, East Kilbride, Scotland
With a background in finance and a BA Honours in Business Management, Jo Simpson’s passion for nails and nail art remained as a hobby until 2019, when a serious infection led her to re-evaluate. “I had a long recovery and a few stays in hospital, which really made me reflect,” she remembers. “This is when…
Read MorePhenix Salon Suites unveils second flexible UK workspace location for beauty pros
Following the success of the opening of its first UK venue in Manchester, Phenix Salon Suites expands its franchise with the unveiling of its Birmingham site for self-employed beauty professionals. Covering 6,400 square feet, the workspace features a custom-built mezzanine floor, an exclusive colour bar, air conditioning in each suite, and high-quality finishes throughout. With…
Read MoreLooking to step up your nail art game? Check out Artistic Nail Design’s Art Paints
Offering three times the pigment of regular gel polish, bring your nail art concepts to life with Artistic Nail Design’s Art Paints. With a high pigment finish allowing for a one-stroke, fine-line look in both créme and metallic finishes, the Artistic Art Paints promise no marbling or wrinkling and a tack-free finish with no inhibition…
Read MoreSalon in the Spotlight: K.M.Nails & Beauty, Wroughton
Having had dreams of entering the beauty industry for as long as she can remember, Kasey Beasley remembers watching nail art videos on YouTube and having her mum and sisters model for her practice. “I knew I had to do this as a career,” she shares. “When I left school in 2015, I went to…
Read MoreShear Haven anti-domestic violence salon training celebrates two-year anniversary of UK&I launch
Shear Haven anti-domestic violence salon training celebrates its two-year anniversary since its official launch in the UK & Ireland. Training salons, stylists and therapists in over 100 countries around the world, Shear Haven training has been accessed over 92,000 times by professionals since its launch in 2021. Co-founded by salon owner and stylist, Susanne Shepard…
Read MoreNail Tech Talk: Abi Hassan of Hot Wheels Nails
With a colourful nail art library & an equally bright personality to match, Abi Hassan, owner of Canterbury-based salon, Hot Wheels Nails, sits down with Scratch to discuss the importance of creating an inclusive & accessible salon space… “When I was a little girl, I looked up to my older sister, who had completed her…
Read MoreSalon in the Spotlight: Luxury Glam Nails & Beauty, Chorley
Curating a fresh and girly look for her salon, Vicky Lea used a pink and white palette for her salon, adding soft touches such as florals and pampas grass to soften the clinical elements. Training with NSI in 2002, Vicky Lea has been doing nails ever since. “It’s been over 20 years, and I still…
Read MoreNail Tech Talk: Susan Steel of Susan Steel Nails
With big career dreams and a lifelong passion for nails, Susan Steel shares her nail journey & reveals her hopes for the future of Susan Steel Nails… “I’ve always loved nails and beauty from a young age, but I never realised that it would be my dream career until I was a bit older,” Susan…
Read MoreSalon in the Spotlight: Pretty Miss Nails & Beauty, Abertillery, South Wales
Inspired by her love for the hue, Laura Ann Francis’ cosy salon has a pink palette running throughout, using her decor to create a ‘home away from home’ for clients to enjoy. “Pink has always been my favourite colour,” Laura explains. “It was a no-brainer that the salon was going to be pink, which has…
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