Salon in the Spotlight: Cutie Patootie Nails, Fife, Scotland
By Callie Iley | 10 November 2021 | Feature, Salon & Spas
Claire Watters began her nail journey in 2017, after training in Glasgow.
“I finally plucked up the courage to leave my job at Asda and started to take on clients at their home. After doing it mobile for a short time I decided to set up a room at home, so I could fit in more clients while my son was at nursery. From there, my business went from strength to strength. My clients were regular and the products I invested in seemed to be giving me a boost of confidence.”
“My clients range from all ages – my eldest client is 91, who definitely goes all out when it comes to nail art!” Claire laughs. “My passion is freehand nail art, and I love trying new designs. My clients are very willing to let me try out new designs on them.
“I attended the Scottish Beauty Industry Awards in Glasgow 2019, and I won nail technician of the year. I am a finalist again for 2021. My next ambition is to offer one-to-one training courses.”
“I want to help other people follow their dreams and truly believe they can achieve anything, if they work hard and dream big.”
“I work in my salon alone as it’s not a large space,” she explains. “I had an extension added to my house to make it separate from the rest of the home.
“In the future, I want to look into expanding to a shop on Thornton Main Street, so I can stay local and be close to my family.”
“I try to help small local businesses since they have struggled in the pandemic. I decided to make a space in my salon to display products that my clients could purchase,” Claire smiles. “I have had such a great response from people selling things like homemade jewellery and melt wax burners.
“I don’t take any fee to display their items and it seems to be helping them so much getting their products seen, especially at such a difficult time for a lot of families.”
“My vision for nails definitely reflects in my salon. I have animal print, florals and sparkle, whilst also trying to keep it looking tasteful.
“My clients always comment on how beautiful it is,” she beams. “With having a house full of boys, it’s the only room I like to keep girly!”
“I have been using The Gel Bottle for about 3 years now, and I don’t think I will ever change that. They have such a variety of colours and products and it has help my clients grow their nails and keep them healthy.
“At the moment I offer gel extensions, overlays and gel toes,” Clare states. “I’d love to offer more – I’m always looking to further my training and provide more services to clients.”
