The ‘snail mail club for nail techs’ who want to reconnect with their craft & creativity
By Rebecca Hitchon | 26 September 2026 | Health & Wellbeing
When Nottinghamshire nail and make-up artist, Lucy Hicken, took a solo trip to Japan last year, little did she know that it would not only transform her approach to her work – but inspire her to launch monthly mail club, Nail Notes.
“Although Nail Notes officially launched in February 2026, it really began when I took a month away from the nail desk and travelled around Japan the year before,” Lucy reveals. “I’d planned to keep working while I was away, but ended up coming off social media completely – and I realised it was the first time in years I’d properly switched off.
“I had a fully booked diary, never took days off and was always trying to learn more; it just wasn’t sustainable long-term. I was anxious every day and exhausted, and I’d lost sight of why I started doing nails in the first place: as a creative outlet.”
By giving herself the space to recharge and be creative while in Japan, Lucy realised she wanted her path to be ‘slower, more intentional and meaningful’. “Nail Notes was born from my experience of burnout and needing to redefine what success looks like,” she tells Scratch.
What is Nail Notes?
“Nail Notes is a snail mail club for nail techs who feel the pressure of always being ‘on’, and feel like they should constantly be doing more,” Lucy explains. “Each month, members receive an envelope in the post designed to help them slow down, with no screens or expectations. It’s a way to reconnect with your creativity, remember why you started doing nails and learn something new.”
Designed for nail pros who are ‘craving a proper reset’, each month’s envelope has a different theme, featuring a letter from Lucy, a nail art tutorial, design inspiration, plus creative extras like wall art, stickers and journal prompts. “Recent issues have also included self-care surprises, such as tea bags, electrolytes and eye masks: items I believe nail techs can use to slow down,” Lucy shares.
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Offline opportunities
Nail Notes is completely physical and analogue: an intentional decision by Lucy to remove the pressure to always be online. “Personally, I’ve found that online overconsumption and comparison can take away joy you once had for your craft, and leave no room for creativity,” she states. “The response to Nail Notes has been incredible so far, as nail techs have related to my experiences, especially around the expectation to constantly post on social media.
“Sitting down to be creative each month, without screens or the need to record or share what you make, can really ground you and help you stay present. Nail Notes is designed to teach nail art in a slower way, with a gentle and relatable tone.”
Subscription specifics
A Nail Notes subscription costs £14.99 per month, and can be cancelled at any time, and nail techs can sign up by clicking here. “Sign up before the 8th of the month to be included in that month’s delivery, which is posted on the 9th,” says Lucy.
The nail pro is dedicated to implementing the slow and intentional approach of Nail Notes into her life as much as possible. “While I want to continue building a community where nail techs feel seen, welcomed and never alone, I also want to enjoy the journey,” Lucy reveals. “I’ve spent far too long feeling like I should be doing more, achieving more and moving faster, but now I’ve found so much peace in slowing down, taking my time and being present for the life I’ve worked hard to build.”
Follow Lucy and Nail Notes on Instagram: @bylucyhicken & @nailnotes_, and TikTok: @bylucyhicken & @nailnotes_
