TECHS & SALONS
Beyond The Brush: The nail tech community built on relationships, support & honesty
Gel nail educator & artist, Gemma Siverns, speaks to Scratch about her online community, Beyond The Brush (BTB) – a supportive, educational space she created for nail professionals. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Gemma is a natural mentor. She began her journey in 2000, earning her…
Read MoreSuffolk nail artist: ‘My salon isn’t just about treatments – it’s a whole experience’
Allie Eve, owner of The Nail Matrix, opens the doors of her bohemian sanctuary salon, unveiling a space to ‘spark creativity and escapism’. “The Nail Matrix is all about stepping out of the chaos and into a space where time slows down and the world melts away,” explains Allie. “From…
Read MoreNail tech’s maternal mental health struggles: ‘Talking & finding support saved my life’
New Mexico tech, Amberley Robinson, aka The Nail Tattooist, opens up about her maternal mental health experiences… When my first child was six months old, I juggled roles as a full-time beauty student and breastfeeding mum. Leaving my son with a caregiver each day made me feel heartbroken and guilty,…
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Read the latest issue
Following a diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in her eye in March 2021, Sharon Goodway reflected on her 16-year job in the finance sector and decided that she wanted to pursue a creative career. She enrolled on a course with Bio Sculpture in June 2022 and on qualifying, decided to hand…
Read MoreSeeking a career that offers flexibility around her family, Kimberley Hearn of byKIMI Nails shares her journey of establishing her nail business around her three children. Kim spent eight years working in the car industry, but was furloughed for 10 months during the pandemic, followed by maternity leave with her…
Read MoreOn a visit to her wife’s native town of Portrush, Northern Ireland, in Easter 2022, an empty premises beside the sea caught Naoise McGeer-Letson’s eye. Formerly a hairdressers, the original shop had closed due to the pandemic and remained empty since, until it was transformed into Nini’s salon. Moving from…
Read MoreA passionate educator determined to use her experiences to benefit other nail pros, Katie Dutra shares her career story and reveals her hopes for the future of the nail industry… With intentions of becoming a hair stylist, Katie Dutra enrolled in a full cosmetology course in 2011. However, her plans…
Read MoreFormer street artist, Miska, channelled her creativity into a home-based nail studio, from which she offers manicures and gel enhancements. “Street art made me who I am,” she shares. “Cutting stencils requires a lot of precision, and this skill led me to be good at nails.” Miska immersed in the…
Read MoreLolli Hamilton discusses her commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming salon space at Nail Artistry by Lolli, and explores the importance of individuality in the nail community. Formerly a freelance make-up artist, Lolli decided it was time for a career change during lockdown. Enrolling in a range of online…
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