Scratch chats to Danny Manchip of Beau’s Beauty Box about his Scratch Star Award win, career journey & goals for the industry…

What sparked your interest in nails?

I had been working in retail for 12 years and as I was approaching my 30th birthday, I concluded that I didn’t want to work in retail until retirement. I’ve always been a creative person and I wanted to do something to express this.

I started to follow Magpie Beauty educator, Sophie Hudd on social media when she started her nail career as we had been friends before she started, so I watched her grow over the years. Her work had always excited me, and it was from watching her journey that I fell in love with the craft. I admired Sophie’s talent and reached out to her to ask about training etc. I booked my first course with her, and the rest is history!

What do you love about working in the nail industry?

What I love most about working in this industry is being creative. I also enjoy working for myself and building my business as it is so rewarding. I love the people I have met in the industry and meeting different types of clients is always fun too. I’m a chatter box so I love talking to people and I’m lucky that I have the best clients!

Who inspires you in this industry?

• Sophie Hudd- Magpie Beauty educator
• Chantelle Vermont- founder of Clawgasmic
• Amanda Byrne- Magpie Beauty educator
• Sarah Shakespeare- Managing director of Magpie Beauty
• New nail technicians

What are your highlights of your career so far?

 One key highlight for me was going self-employed in July 2021 as it was the best decision I made. Featuring in Scratch magazine multiple times has also been amazing as when you start out, you soon realise how big of a deal Scratch is so I’m very grateful to have been featured. Winning my Scratch Stars Award for Home Salon of the Year was also a key moment as never in a million years did I think I would win, it was an incredible feeling that I will never forget.

Tell us about your home salon…

I converted our small bedroom into a nail studio. It is warm, inviting and is decorated with a feminine touch, I love it. I’m a very organised person so everything is in perfect order and nothing is out of reach when I need it and my clients can see all that is on offer.

Why did you enter the Scratch Stars Awards?

I listened to Scratch’s managing editor, Helena Biggs on a Clawgasmic podcast and she was encouraging people to go for it and enter so I did! I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and experience more of the nail industry and the people within it.

What did it mean to you to win a Scratch Stars Award?

 Winning a Scratch Star really helped with my confidence. It meant that what I was doing and how I was working was recognised as the best and I still can’t believe it if I’m honest.

How has winning a Scratch Star changed your working life?

It has made me believe in myself a lot more. This industry can make you doubt yourself because everyone is so amazing! There are some very high standards to contend with but there is definitely space for everyone.

What advice do you have for future techs who wish to compete?

It doesn’t matter if you don’t win because you will still gain so much experience through the process. It will also help you believe in yourself. The only one to stop you from doing something, is you. Plus you could win!

What has been your key to success?

I really do believe a big part of it is me. I’ve stayed true to myself and my ethos. People can see my passion, kindness and willingness to learn! Also, my long retail history has helped with the marketing and business side of things.

What are your hopes for your future in nails?

I’d love to have a chain of salons which offer a safe space for all walks of life around the world. I would also like to try my hand at educating, as I’m super passionate about the industry and believe we need to do better as a whole. Also I would like to try and create some products which offer solutions to problems and help to create a more sustainable industry.

Check out Danny on Facebook and Instagram