Techs & Salons
The Scottish nail salon that grew from spare bedroom business to studio success
From starting out in a spare bedroom to owning a nail salon, Sarah Smith’s career in the nail industry has been a whirlwind of education, excitement and expansion. She spoke to Scratch about her success thus far… “My nail journey started in a spare bedroom at home in 2022,” reveals nail tech & salon owner,…
Read MoreThe Florida nail studio that prioritises personalised services
Irina Rulkova has been in the nail industry for five years, and in that time, she has not only made a name for herself locally, but globally on the competition circuit. Irina has multiple Nailympia medals and trophies, alongside a gold medal from the Global Talent Beauty Cup. The award-winning nail artist also shares her…
Read MoreThe Beauty Connective: the platform helping beauty professionals shine beyond social media
What happens when an educator with a passion for nails decides to make her mark on a new industry? Utah’s Kylee Hone shares her journey from teacher to nail tech and explains how she founded a thriving community platform for the beauty industry. Kylee Hone’s story starts not in a nail studio, but in an…
Read MoreThe nail artist who left the beauty industry for 6 years & found her way back
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…
Read MoreThe Staffordshire nail studio that prioritises inclusivity for neurodivergent clients
When Casey Hayzelden set out to open her own salon, she had one clear ambition: to create a space where clients can truly switch off. After six months of renovations, two attempts and one flood, the doors of The Nail Shed finally opened. A relatively new face in the nail industry, Casey began her professional…
Read MoreInside the editorial project of an award-winning nail artist
Explore the latest editorial offering from award-winning nail pro, educator & brand owner, Zrinka Vuksan Bolancha, as she reveals what inspired the daring nail designs. Internationally acclaimed nail artist, Zrinka Vuksan Bolancha, is the founder of Zrinka B Nail Academia and the Zer.0 by Zrinka professional nail brand. Her 13 years of industry experience span technical education, product…
Read MoreThe nail artist who earned an international title one year into her career
For Yuliia Lutsenko, doing nails was never just a career choice – it was a calling. The Florida-based Ukrainian nail artist has spent over a decade honing her skills, earning international competition titles and building a successful private studio. “My passion for nail art began 11 years ago,” Yuliia says. “I was inspired by the…
Read MoreGarage glow-up: the viral beauty salon that just got an upgrade
In 2020, Holly Rodgers opened home salon, Hr Beauty, in her parents’ converted garage. Six years later, she is embarking on a new, exciting chapter for her business… Holly began her beauty journey in 2019, training with Beauty Guild before channelling her passion into her career development. Her home salon, Hr Beauty, quickly built a…
Read MoreHollywood hands: an inside look into the life of a celebrity manicurist
Meet the nail artist behind Scratch’s May cover images, as she shares her nail journey, celebrity encounters and dream collaboration… Amber Studer is a nail pro with 31 years’ industry experience. Based in Southern California, she serves a loyal clientele, while building a reputation for crafting eye-catching nail looks for some of Hollywood’s most recognisable…
Read MoreStep inside the Haverhill beauty salon ‘where heritage meets luxury’
Rooted in history and driven by a passion for elevated nailcare, The Mills Beauty Boutique in Suffolk strives to create a salon experience that is not only luxurious, but tailored to each individual. Nestled within the historic Chauntry Mills site in Haverhill – once home to the well-known Gurteens factory – the salon has a…
Read MoreUK&I nail pros showcase talents at Scratch Stars Awards practical judging day
It was a day full of excitement, creativity and camaraderie, as nail pros from the UK and Ireland gathered at Stockport College to compete at the Scratch Stars Awards practical judging day. Supported by the Scratch team, finalists in the awards’ nine technical and artistic categories put their composure and skills under pressure in front…
Read MoreThe Ipswich nail & beauty salon that’s ‘All About You’
Six years ago, Samantha Deer was a mobile nail tech, travelling to and from clients’ homes to deliver quality services. But an overload of equipment and practical restrictions forced her to rethink her working model. After completing her NVQ Levels 2 & 3, and achieving diplomas in Reflexology, Aromatherapy and Indian Head Massage, Samantha Deer…
Read MoreThe Brighton & Hove nail salon offering polish, pugs & pops of colour
Just outside the hustle and bustle of Brighton and Hove sits a sanctuary of calm and colour. From the relaxing atmosphere to two friendly pugs, Emilia Caddy’s nail studio has everything a client needs to feel at home. Emilia grew up in France, where she trained as a beauty therapist before moving to the UK.…
Read MoreHow burnout inspired my nail salon’s feel-good rebrand
Lancashire nail art specialist, Holly Morris-Last, details how a bold rebrand has positively impacted her and her clients… (Lead image courtesy of Suzanne Nicolle Instagram.com/editsby_suz) After eight years of painting nails: I had a realisation. My job isn’t just about perfect cuticles or flawless gel application – it’s about how nails make people feel. Last summer,…
Read MoreFrom burnout to 244% growth: how one beauty salon crossed the VAT threshold & came out stronger
Since entering the beauty industry 16 years ago, Jamie-Lee Jones has honed her skills, built a thriving business and learned one uncomfortable truth: working harder doesn’t always mean working smarter. Inconsistent income and a business that depended entirely on her showing up led to feelings of intense burnout. Here’s how she turned things around… Where…
Read More