Chloe Randall

Like mother, like children: The mums and kids working in the nail industry

By Chloe Randall | 19 March 2023 | Feature, Tech Talk

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The nail industry has often been described as ‘one big family’, but for many nail brand owners, techs, and educators, it really is a true reality.

Due to the fun, loving nature of the industry and the many family run businesses which are passed down, many people in this sector work with their husbands, wives, parents, siblings and in some cases, even the family dog spends time in the salon.

To celebrate Mother’s Day on 19 March, Scratch shares the stories of mums and children who work together in the industry …

1. Belinda Price and daughters, Lucy, Jessica, Natalie & Catherine

Belinda Price found her way into the nail industry at the age of 16 after being introduced by a friend and landing a job in a salon. She then went on to work as a mobile nail tech while her children were small and then opened a salon over 20 years ago called NailSpa, based in Huddersfield.

Her daughters Lucy and Jessica now run the salon while Belinda focuses on her role as OPI’s UK&I Education and Capability Manager, and Natalie and Catherine are also qualified nail techs and have previously worked in the salon.

2. Charli Jepson and daughter, Adonia

After receiving a grant to train in nails, Charli took a leap and trained in the industry to provide a better life for her and her daughter, Adonia. Charli is now in her third year as head of education for Glitterbels and Adonia is currently the Lancashire educator for Glitterbels, running classroom and online training in Blackburn and at HQ.

 

 

3. Fiona Wallace and daughter, Fee

In the lead up to her 40th birthday, Fiona Wallace made the decision to start her own business after years of having her own nails done by a CND education ambassador and realising the potential to grow a business in an industry that was still becoming mainstream in the UK.

Now, Fiona is retired but her daughter, Fee, followed in her footsteps and her current role involves testing, creating, and innovating as part of Global Team CND and she also works closely with Sweet Squared as their CND Brand Master, providing online education and support for the CND community in the UK.

4. Geri Bangeeva and daughter, Ivana

For Geri and Ivana, a love for nails & beauty has been running for generations in the family, with Geri wanting to become a nail technician after visiting the salon regularly from a young age with her mother and seeing the happiness and satisfaction of clients when they left.

Now, Geri has been in the industry for 30 years and has become a beacon of knowledge for the nail industry in Bulgaria. She is an international distributor & educator for Cuccio in Bulgaria, Kosovo, Moldova, Cyprus and more. She also has been a Nailympia judge for eight years.

Her daughter, Ivana, is also a nail technician and has been for six years. She works with Geri as a distributor and educator and is also hoping to start her competing journey.

5. Susan Gerrard and children, Paul, Lisa & Danielle

After getting engaged to her hairdresser husband, Ian Gerrard, nearly 60 years ago, the pair opened a hair salon together and Susan enrolled in The Revlon School of Manicure so she could qualify and offer manicures in the salon.

Since then, the couple launched distribution brand, the Natural Nail Company (now Gerrard International), after Susan discovered Jessica Natural Nail Care and more recently have founded Mii Manicure & Pedicure.

Susan’s daughter Lisa is now managing director of the company, Danielle is director of international sales and Paul is director of marketing and brand communications.

6. Hazel Dixon and daughter, Keileigh

 After giving birth in 2006 to her third child, Keileigh, Hazel decided that she wanted to do something that would enable her to work around her children.

She took a step into enrolling in to the beginner’s course with CNDTM  and since then, has run a salon, founded Hazel Dixon Nail Artist Academy, launched HD Nail TV and has started a distribution brand for Akzentz and her own line of products, HD Professional Nail SystemsTM.

Her daughter Keileigh’s role is part of the product & distribution business. She creates all the digital images, marketing and label design for HD Professional and helps out with website updates when needed.

7. Lezlie McConnell and daughter, Lexy

 After moving back in with her parents after a challenging time, Lezlie decided to make use of her business and marketing background and set up her own salon, ‘Lexy’s Salon’ to help provide for her two young children.

She later married polymer chemist, Jim McConnell and they wanted a better gel line for the salon so Jim created one with his knowledge. After the roaring success of the range, they decided to sell it and Light Elegance was born.

Now, Lezlie’s daughter, Lexy, is creative director of the brand after going to art school and getting a Graphic Design degree.

Read the full feature in our March 2023 issue here