Career tips for nail techs from a session nail stylist & salon owner

Marie-Louise Coster shares lessons learned from her nail career…

It is the end of another year: a strange year in many ways, perhaps even more of a rollercoaster than usual? And while I sit here to write this, I am compelled not to write about your business, but instead about you and the most valuable commodity you will ever hold – time.

I had a health scare very recently and there is something quite interesting about the profound effect travelling to a hospital appointment, and waiting in the waiting room, has on a person. The fragility of life becomes evermore apparent. You sit in the waiting room surrounded by people: some will receive great news and move on with life, and others will receive news we all dread.

The experience got me thinking about what advice I would give to my younger self, or you – the Scratch reader – who is perhaps struggling. Maybe with your mental health, maybe business isn’t as good as you hoped, maybe your confidence has been knocked, maybe you are waiting for the right time to start a business. So, what wisdom do I have to share?

I look at the world we are in today: defined by social media, and I have to say, I don’t like it. Social media has its place, helping us to grow our businesses and interact with clients, but I also spent the first 10 years of my career without it – and with great success. Social media has free value and offers instant advertising, but it has downsides.

There are keyboard warriors who may say all manner of unpleasant things about you and your work, and might cause you to doubt yourself. My advice is ignore them! Don’t give them the opportunity to live rent free in your head.

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My 10-year-old daughter was having trouble with some girls at school and asked me: ‘Do I need to worry about what other people think of me?’. What a loaded question. Whether it’s the client who only came to you once or the local nail tech who questions your skill, do you need to worry about it? We do, naturally, but does it matter in the grand scheme of things?

I told my daughter what I am about to tell you: concerning yourself with other people’s opinions of you is completely pointless. Opinions can often be created from jealousy and not based on fact. It isn’t your job to change people’s minds and why should you? You don’t want people in your life who make you fight for them to see your worth. Get your head down, perfect your skill and be the best you can.

The most liberating thing you will ever do is not concern yourself with other people’s opinions.

To those of you waiting for the right time to start a business or retrain, this is the time to do it. I have put things off until there is more money and so on, when in fact the right time just does not exist. All we have is right now. Because, truly, what are you waiting for?

Don’t take time for granted: it will run out and we can’t earn anymore. So see the places you want to see, do the job you want to do, experience the things you want to experience, chase every dream and never listen to the people who tell you it can’t be done. You absolutely can do it – and what is the worst that can happen? The job isn’t what you thought it would be or the business didn’t work out as hoped. At least you know, and you tried.

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Always make time for yourself: to switch off, recharge and clear your mind. You are no good to yourself, or anyone else, if you are frazzled. Do something for you every week, at least. Whether it’s a pilates class, a massage, reading, take a long bath or going for a walk, do what helps you to relax.

Don’t be afraid to call upon those you trust and ask for help when you need it. You don’t have to do everything alone, so welcome the support. Don’t keep things bottled up, as they become too overwhelming, so deal with one small chunk at a time and talk to someone if you are struggling.

Remember: there is value in everything you do. And most importantly, appreciate the value of time. Money is not the most valuable thing in the world – there will always be the opportunity to earn more money, but you will never have the opportunity to earn more time.

So don’t make any excuses: make a plan that 2026 will be the year that you achieve goals. Write a list of three to begin with. The dreams and ambitions you have will happen for someone, so why shouldn’t that someone be you?

Wishing you a wonderful 2026!

Follow Marie-Louise:

• Instagram: @mlcnailartist
• Facebook: Marie-Louise Coster Nail Artist