Nail Tech Talk: Leanne Briggs of Empowering Beauty
By Callie Iley | 20 March 2024 | Feature, Tech Talk
Rebranding her business to Empowering Beauty, Leanne Briggs reveals the meaning behind her name choice and shares the story behind her luxury mobile nail and beauty business…
Growing up, Leanne’s mother was a hairdresser, giving her exposure to the beauty industry from a young age. Attending college at the age of 16, Leanne began her beauty training. She went on to work in a range of salons around London, remembering: “I formed some of my closest friendships in the industry, and I’m so grateful for the opportunities I had which have shaped my journey.
“It wasn’t until later in my career, with the introduction of CND Shellac™, that I developed a passion for nails. I was drawn to the long-lasting effects of gel systems and the joy they bring to people and how they feel about themselves.”
Based in Brentwood and covering a 15-mile radius, Leanne offers a range of luxury mobile nail, beauty and massage services via Empowering Beauty, visiting clients in their homes to perform salon-standard treatments. “I arrive fully prepared with a wide selection of colours, a pop-up foot spa and even my own waste bin,” she explains.
“After becoming a mother, I realised how challenging it was to find the time and childcare to visit a salon for my own beauty treatments. This inspired me to start my mobile business, bringing the luxury and ambience of the salon experience to my clients’ homes.
“My goal is to make every client feel fabulous and relaxed in the comfort of their own home,” Leanne shares. “By eliminating the hassle of travelling, parking and dealing with weather conditions, I ensure that my clients can indulge in a pampering session without having to step outside.
“I recently rebranded my business to Empowering Beauty to reflect my mission to empower busy women and mothers to prioritise self-care without feeling guilty.”
Minimalist manicures, clean finishes and subtle nail art accents are signature styles for Leanne. “Many of my clients are busy, so appreciate quick yet stylish options, such as foils to enhance a nail look for maximum impact.
“Currently, my most sought after service is builder gel nail enhancements, and clients appreciate the durability of the product,” she notes. “In addition to nail services, I offer a diverse selection of beauty treatments including waxing, facials, and massages. I take pleasure in offering a wide range of services to my clients. I enjoy performing each treatment and feel grateful to be able to do what I love every day.
“Amy Guy of The Nail Tech Org is an inspiring figure to me,” Leanne continues. “I deeply admire her journey in the industry. Amidst the challenges of lockdown, she came up with a beautiful space for nail technicians to gather, exchange ideas and enhance their skills.
“Amy has also gone to great lengths to shine a light on the pricing structure within our industry with the National Nail Tech Price Increase Day initiative, urging techs to value their services and charge accordingly without hesitation.
“I have immense respect and affection for women who uplift and empower each other in both life and our industry.”
Leanne adds: “I’m committed to staying updated on the latest trends and advancements in education. I believe it’s crucial to continuously expand my knowledge, even after over 20 years in the industry. I hope that nail technicians will receive the recognition they deserve and have the confidence to increase their prices without fear of judgment or losing clients.
“There is much for UK-based nail techs to learn from USA-based techs who charge hundreds of pounds for a set of nails. I believe that the UK is lagging behind in this aspect, not only in the nail industry, but in the beauty sector as a whole. I am currently in the process of reevaluating my pricing structure and am confident that I can make these changes successfully and continue to thrive.
“There are so many things I adore about working in the nail industry,” Leanne smiles. “The freedom of creativity it offers is truly amazing, especially as I used to be an artist before starting a family. I find joy in turning my clients’ nails into miniature works of art.
“The sense of community within this industry is also special. It’s heartwarming to see how many nail technicians come together on various online platforms, forming bonds that feel like an extended family. As a mobile technician, I often work alone without a team around me, but thanks to beauty podcasts and social media pages, I still feel connected and supported by my peers.
“Running my own business is a huge achievement and I feel so proud of what I’ve created. I have been incredibly fortunate throughout my career to work with many amazing clients,” Leanne concludes.
“One particular highlight is having the opportunity to work with one of the Spice Girls during their peak popularity. I am still a huge fan of the group and eagerly anticipate the possibility of a reunion.”