The nail artist who left the beauty industry for 6 years & found her way back
By Jess Watts | 13 June 2026 | Techs & Salons
Claire Fox always knew nails were her calling. She trained, she built her clientele and she made it happen.
Then six years ago, everything changed. What followed was a chapter Claire never expected, but one that ultimately led her back to the work that had always defined her. She shares her story with Scratch…
“My interest in nails began when I was old enough to have my own done in a local salon,” says Claire Fox, owner of Twisted Velvet Nails and Training in Huddersfield. She reminisces on her excitement while watching her first nail set being applied: “I was immediately hooked seeing the nail tech sculpting with a form: transfixed by the shaping, colours and glitter. I knew then I wanted to do that myself.”
Claire embraced her passion, enrolling on a night course where she learned the basics of manicures. However, her real enthusiasm lay in sculpting – something she did not have full training in.
After being offered a part-time job by a local nail tech, Claire learned as much as she could before actually doing nails. When she found out about a CND™ sculpting course, she immediately enrolled, finally able to round out her knowledge and qualify in the area she was so passionate about.
Armed with skill, Claire began her self-employed nail career as a mobile tech, but soon found that the long days took a toll. Luckily, a room became available to rent in a local hair salon, and after a quick renovation and six months building her client base, Claire says her books were ‘overflowing’. “I was thrilled; I spent all of my spare time learning new skills and training with other nail techs,” she smiles.
Claire’s dreams did not stop there – she had big plans to open her own academy, and after training to become an educator, her ambitions looked set to become reality. But then Covid hit.
A six-year break
“Not being able to work hit us all very hard. Overheads needed paying, as well as household bills,” Claire says. “I started doing press-on nails at home and sent them out to my clients, but the lack of work crippled me to the point where I had no choice but to close my business. I was devastated; my academy dream was crushed.”
For the last six years, Claire has been supporting her family with an independent candle making business. “I needed an outlet for my creativity, but I knew I would come back to the nail industry one day,” she states.
Back in business
At the beginning of 2026, Claire stumbled upon a new opportunity. “I found a room to rent in a local hair salon that had previously been used for storage,” she reveals. “I had also kept all of my nail business social media accounts, and once I knew I was coming back, I shared a post with my followers. My clients were either excited or thought it was a hoax,” Claire laughs.
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Fast forward four months and the doors to Twisted Velvet Nails and Training opened. Characterised by a botanical theme, the studio boasts a relaxing aesthetic. “I wanted to keep the colours in my studio the same as my logo: pink, white and purple,” Claire says. “However, I also wanted to use green due to the feeling of calm it provides.”
The standout feature of the studio is a large flower wall. “I love it,” Claire grins. “The whole studio gives me a huge sense of achievement; when I think of the six years I spent out of the nail industry, I sometimes still pinch myself that I’m back.”
The new space
Twisted Velvet Nails and Training is based in Kirkburton, a small village in Huddersfield. “My décor is inspired by my surroundings and the beautiful place I live in,” Claire shares.
While she specialises in sculptured acrylic nails, Claire also offers gel manicures and is ‘obsessed with nail art and glitter’. “Quality and adhesion are most important to me,” she notes, adding that she uses CJP Nail Systems products for her L&P acrylic work, alongside Magpie Beauty gel polishes and accessories.
Claire devotes her undivided attention to each client, meeting them at the door of her studio, before offering them a drink and allowing them to choose the music played. “I know the nail designs my clients want before they arrive, so I have everything to hand,” she adds.
The future
Claire looks to the future with excitement and plans to keep filling her diary. However, she also has hopes of expansion. “Over the years, I trained in lots of other services such as pedicures, lashes, facials and waxing, and I hope to add these treatments to my service menu,” she shares.
“Within the next six months, I will introduce 121 accredited training courses including sculpting, manicure, pedicure, E-filing and acrylic design,” Claire adds, noting that anything could happen in the next few years. “Who knows, I am a very ambitious person,” she laughs.
Follow Claire on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok.
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