Claire Blincoe on her love of nail training & Gelish products

Claire Blincoe, of Magic Manicures & Magic Manicures Training, shares her career journey so far and why she loves her role as a mobile nail technician and educator with the Georgie Smedley Group…

Claire Blincoe

Tell us about your career so far…

I started working in training almost 30 years ago as a NVQ assessor in administration and IT, from there I joined the Forensic Science Service in the training and development department. I was there for 15 years and worked my way up to ICT project manager and chair of the Employee Forum, which was a senior leadership position. The government closed the Forensic Science Services as part of cost cutting and industry privatisation. At the time my children were age 6 and 9 and I wanted to spend more time with them. So, I swapped the board room for an emery board and trained to become a nail technician.

After being an independent mobile technician for five years, Georgie Smedley contacted me and asked if I’d like to become an educator for Gelish. I flew to Los Angeles later that year and sat my educator training and passed to become a master Gelish educator. For the last four years, I’ve continued as a mobile technician and also delivered courses for the Georgie Smedley Group.

What do you love about being a mobile nail technician?

I love the flexibility that comes with being a mobile nail technician. I can manage my diary easily, so I get a good work and home life balance. This can be more difficult if you have a salon with set times.

How has being an educator changed your career?

It has enhanced my career in so many ways.  I absolutely love teaching and I missed it when I changed careers. I love the feeling of pride I get when I teach a student a new skill and they become better than me at it! As part of my educator role, I’ve worked on the X Factor five times doing nails for the show. The Georgie Smedley Education Team is a very diverse bunch, and we all bring a different skill set.

I’m the science geek of the team. The fast pace of scientific advancement within our industry fascinates me.  I really enjoy breaking down the science into easy to understand language and getting my students as excited about it as me. Becoming an educator not only made me feel so proud to be recognised by the brand I love but gives me new challenges on a regular basis. I’m always learning and expanding my skill base.

Claire providing Covid-safe training

What do you love about the Gelish brand & product lines?

When I first decided to become a nail tech, I started looking at all different brands. I wanted to use a brand that developed its own products, had a great education team and a reputation for good customer service. Gelish ticked every box for me. The Gelish brand has everything a tech could need: Gel Polish, Structure Gel, Hard Gel, Acrylic, Dip, Polygel, Art Paints and now Soft Gel.  All of the Gelish products are made to the highest standards; they do exactly what they are meant to do and the education and support is second to none.

Why do your clients love the products?

My clients love how my products last on their nails. There are so many systems to choose from, so one always suits their nails and they are always surprised by how their nails are in great condition.  They also love the colour selection and additional art products that I use, such as Aeropuffing, as it’s quick so fits in with their busy lifestyles.

Polygel extensions with Aeropuffing art, by Claire

What is your all-time favourite product?

It’s difficult to choose as I love so many, but think it has to be our Structure Gel as it’s so versatile. It comes in Clear, Cover Pink and Translucent Pink and can be used to add strength to the nails and smooth out imperfections before colour. It’s so strong that it can also be used to create short extensions over tips and repair broken nails. It’s also great for creating raised art designs.

Who do you admire in the industry?

Georgie Smedley. When I first started looking into brands, I not only looked at the products but at the UK distributors. Georgie has worked as a nail tech herself, worked in developing products, won awards and runs her company with integrity. You always see her helping customers and leading by example. Georgie is the main reason I chose to train with and use Gelish back at the start of my nail career.

What designs do you love to create?

I’m a science geek and don’t have an artistic bone in my body so I’ve always found art difficult, that’s why I love Aeropuffing. It’s so easy to create airbrush effects and complex designs with the system. I’d be lost without it!

What treatment or nail techniques are you planning to add to your services?

I can’t wait to add Gelish Soft Gel to my service menu. The system sees full tips that you apply using a new soft gel, you can create a full set of perfect, matching enhancements in 30 minutes.

What are your next career steps?

As my kids are now getting older and don’t need me as much, I will be looking to set up my own salon. I want to grow my business further and start offering lash and brow treatments and training as Georgie Smedley Group now also offer these products with training.

Tell us about an average day in your nail life…

I start my day by dropping my kids off at school. I then head off to my first client of the day. I usually have four clients a day before picking the kids back up. I work within a strict geographical area, so I spend no longer than 30 minutes traveling between each client. I no longer offer any evening appointments as I teach at the weekend.

I specialise in natural nail care. The majority of my clients are professional ladies that just want natural, neat, manicured nails, so I spend most of my day doing Gelish treatments. I tend to use Structure Gel if a client has broken a nail and I need to create an extension on one nail. For full sets, I love PolyGel as there is no strong odour to the products so its perfect for mobile working.

I get home just after 4pm and sort out my kit for the following day. I wash and disinfect all my tools, get the next day’s client record cards ready and sort my kit for the following day. I only carry the products I need for the day, so I need to be super organised. Once all my kit is ready, I then respond to any training enquiries, check out social media and update my profiles with pictures of my work from throughout the day.

What is the most exciting thing about the UK nail industry?

The most exciting thing about the UK nail industry is the passion that runs through it.  Nails aren’t just a job; it’s so varied with competitions, different systems, new ways of working with products and the constant product development. You can never get bored as there is always something new to learn and new ways to stretch and improve yourself.

Learn more about the Gelish line of products at www.gsgroupuk.com

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