Nail Tech Talk: Hannah Smith of Hannah Smith Essex Nail Artist
By Callie Iley | 27 May 2023 | Feature, Tech Talk
Having always enjoyed art and beauty, character nail artist, Hannah Smith of Hannah Smith Essex Nail Artist was quickly drawn to the nail industry, wanting to use her two passions to create a career for herself.
“The nail industry not only allows me to be creative every day, but it also gives me so much freedom and the ability to be my own boss,” Hannah explains. “I love the variety the industry provides – techs can have their own unique, individual styles but can be equally celebrated and recognised by all.”
Hannah’s signature nail style is character nail art, which she notes her passion for creating and how happy it makes her clients. Her go-to products for the detailed character designs are the Glitterbels Unbelievabel Gel range. “They’re an absolute dream to work with. Every shade is so pigmented, and Glitterbels have such amazing colour choices.”
Often referring to social media for inspiration, Hannah cites Instagram and Pinterest as her favourite apps for sourcing ideas. “The talent on Instagram is amazing, and I love how supportive nail techs are to one another on the app. Pinterest is great for character reference pictures. I get so many ideas from there.”
Hannah would characterise herself as a bold cerise pink shade, noting it as her go-to nail colour. “It’s loud, girly and fun,” she smiles.
“I work from home, so once I’ve dropped the kids off, I’m back at home, setting up the last few bits, making sure everything is clean and putting on the kettle ready to welcome my clients,” Hannah shares. “I usually see around four to five clients a day, who request anything a classic nude or French, to full-on glitter or a character design.
“I never usually know what they ask for before appointments unless they get super excited and send me inspiration pics beforehand. I love how much trust they have in me to go for it, it really gives me job satisfaction and I value my clients as much as they do me.”
Revealing that she’s always enjoyed working with L&P acrylic for many of her designs, Hannah shares her plans to enrol on further training to develop her skills in L&P acrylic design. “I’m so excited to take my skills to the next level.
“I also have plans to design lots of character sets and post them up on my social media as inspiration for clients and other nail techs to check out.”
“Being awarded 3rd place in the East of England for Nail Technician of the Year at the Hair and Beauty Awards UK was definitely a career highlight for me.
Winning was absolutely incredible. I genuinely never expected to get in the top 10, let alone the top three. The talented nail techs that took part in the HBA Competition have unbelievable skills, so for me to be placed alongside them was an honour, and I feel really blessed and appreciative to the judges who chose me. I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received following this achievement.”
