Salon in the Spotlight: Halo Nails, Maidstone
By Carter Rogers | 30 November 2023 | Feature, Salon & Spas
Despite falling in love with nails and qualifying as a nail tech in 2007, Chantelle Wicks had to return to her office job in 2008 after becoming a single mum to her young daughter. It was during the pandemic that she rethought her career and thus, in 2022, nails becoming her side hustle seemed like a natural choice.
Chantelle turned part of her lounge into a salon, and offered mobile services on Saturdays and in the evenings after her full-time job. Despite being worried that her clients would feel uncomfortable in her lounge compared to a traditional salon setting, Chantelle was delighted to discover that they were actually more comfortable. This led to her making the leap to run her business full-time.
“I joined the Nail Business Success Club, run by the amazing Joanne Tompkins,” she shares. “Running your own business is a rollercoaster of emotions, but I love it and have learned so much in the past year, not only about nails – but marketing, branding, building a website and pricing.”
With a soft feminine theme for her salon, comprised of pink, greens and whites, Chantelle decided to name her salon Halo Nails, as it reflects the pure, natural beauty treatments she offers.
“I love the quiet, relaxed vibe of the room. The window lets in a lot of light and I have purposefully designed the space so clients can look out of the window and have a peaceful view,” she says.
Chantelle offers Bio Sculpture gel and gel polish services, natural manicures and Elim pedicures, as well as lash lifts and tints since gaining further qualifications this year. Her most popular treatment is a gel polish with strengthener service, supporting her clients’ nail growth.
“I offer hot drinks, including decaff and camomile tea,” Chantelle continues. ” I play music and when I get to know my clients, I put on music that I know they’ll enjoy. I want my clients to know that their time with me is for them to relax, be looked after and be listened to. I did a year of training as a counsellor in 2019, and having good listening skills is part of being a great nail tech!”
Looking forward, Chantelle is excited to train in E-file, as well as learn eyebrow tinting and shaping.