TECH TALK: Lisa Smith
By Helena Biggs | 01 May 2017 | Feature, Tech Talk
Lisa Smith reveals why she works from home and in mobile environments, as well as why she’s enlisted the help of a local photographer…
When and why did you choose to become a nail tech?
A few years ago I was going to a friend’s wedding and I had my nails done to co-ordinate with my outfit. I left the salon, and was hugely disappointed and needed to return to get them sorted. I was made to feel an inconvenience and thought to myself I know I can do a better job than this, and people should be made to feel like they have had value for money, received good service and more importantly love and enjoy their nails. So, in January 2015 I decided it was time to get myself trained up and do just that!
Why do you choose to work from home as well as being mobile?
I wanted to be at home for my children and to continue working alongside my husband in his IT consultancy business. I love the flexibility of working from home, but I think it is important to offer a mobile service because some of my clients have a busy life that means they struggle to get to a salon.
What are your favourite nail brands to work with and why?
I use a range of different products and brands and reading Scratch to keep up to date with new ones is one of my favourite pastimes! At the moment my personal favourite for great colour pigment, longevity and colour range is Supernail Progel. I am also a huge fan of The Gel Bottle Builder in a bottle. It is perfect for so many of my client’s requirements including length, strength and replacing false nails.
How do you like to wear your own nails?
Firstly I would like to say that I never leave the house without my nails done, to me they are as important a fashion accessory as my shoes and handbag! My nails are currently an almond shape and I favour either nude tones or very dark colours. Every now and again I step out of my comfort zone to experiment with different colours and brands so I know how they will wear on my clients.
How did you come across Julia @jmhphotostories, and why did you decide to work with her?
Julia is local to me and came to me a few months ago to get her nails done. We talked about our businesses and as I was struggling time wise to take photos, I asked Julia to work with me on some ideas I had. Working with another small, local business is a joy, we support each other whenever we can.
In what ways has the partnership benefitted your business?
I now have photos that are not just quick shots of a client’s hands before they leave my salon. Julia really works with me, she takes time to talk through ideas and I love having some more eye-catching photos for my social media. The prices are also affordable which is obviously very important.
Who has had the biggest influence on your nail career?
Victoria White of Sculp-tor Nail Design, based in Northampton. I’ve known Victoria for years and have always loved her work. I would talk nails with her whenever I could and it was Victoria that inspired me to step into the nail industry. She was always extremely helpful and encouraging. I attended a training course recently which she delivered as part of Nail Artists UK, highly recommended!
If you could work on any celebrity’s nails, past or present, then who would you choose and why?
The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. She is so gorgeous, stylish and classy. I think her nails would be a joy to work with, very elegant just like her and the time spent on them would be accompanied by lots of chat and laughter I’m sure!
What are your future career ambitions?
I admire Nickie Rhodes-Hill and her work as a session manicurist; I enjoy photography and admire the work she produces. One day I’ll maybe get the opportunity to do some similar work! I am also focussed on continuing to learn and improve my skills, and more importantly to continue to love what I do.
