TECHS & SALONS

Michelle brookes scratch stars educator of the year 2025

Scratch Stars Educator of the Year 2025 shares secrets to nail industry success

By Jess Watts | 21 August 2025

Michelle Brookes is an award-winning nail technician & educator who won Scratch Stars Educator of the Year for the second time in July. She tells Scratch what makes a good educator, how her processes have evolved and what’s next for her career… “Winning the Scratch Stars Educator of the Year…

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Jade fox nail tech with moebius syndrome

Norwich nail tech: finding success with a rare neurological condition

By Guest Writer | 20 August 2025

I’m Jade Fox and I have Moebius syndrome: a rare neurological condition that is present from birth and affects facial muscles, speech, eye movement and mobility. I face daily challenges that most people never have to consider, and these obstacles have shaped nearly every part of my life. Unexpectedly, they…

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Reverie beauty room on the isle of wight

Step inside the nail salon & academy by the sea on the Isle of Wight

By Jess Watts | 16 August 2025

The Gel Art Academy is the passion project of Rebecca Evans, a tech with a love for nail art and education. The cosy salon is located in Rebecca’s home on the Isle of Wight and provides the ultimate relaxation spot for clients. “The space used to be the utility room…

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Salon in the Spotlight: Gels by Lucy, Hartlepool

By Callie Iley | 11 August 2021

Halo VIP Lucy Woodward works from a cabin in her home, valuing the privacy the space affords her and her clients. “I work alone in my space which I love, I manage my own appointments and have no one to rely on,” she explains. “My clients know anything they say…

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NAIL TECH TALK: Jessica Smith of The Nail Club

By Callie Iley | 7 August 2021

Scratch chats to Jessica Smith of The Nail Club about growing up in a family of nail technicians and leaving an office job to pursue nails full time… Coming from a family of nail technicians, I have grown up watching my mum and auntie create such beautiful sets of nails.…

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Salon in the Spotlight: Dolled Up, Suffolk

By Callie Iley | 4 August 2021

Dolled Up was established in 2013 by salon owner, Emma Hayes, who took the plunge into the beauty world after being encouraged by her friends. She’d been painting their nails in her spare time, around looking after her two young children, and they recognised her natural skill. “My assistant, Kate…

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NAIL TECH TALK: Kimberley Sargent of Nail’d By Kimberley

By Callie Iley | 31 July 2021

Scratch chats to Kimberley Sargent of Nail’d By Kimberley about her journey into the nail industry and the importance of always improving your skills… During the first lockdown, I became obsessed with watching nail art tutorials on YouTube and TikTok, whilst always keeping up with the latest trends. I set…

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3 nail artists, 1 city, an ethical working code & abundance of creativity – all blend to serve up Supernatural Nails

By Alex Fox | 30 July 2021

A former graphic designer and illustrator, Lucy Allen based in the Kelham Island district of Sheffield, has moved her creative focus onto nails as the owner of Supernatural Nails, having trained as a nail tech three years ago. Opening her nail salon to address concerns she was having on issues…

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Salon in the Spotlight: Pinks Nail & Beauty Salon, Kingsbury

By Callie Iley | 28 July 2021

After working at Pinks Nail & Beauty Salon since 2015, Kate Szabo was given the opportunity to purchase the salon from its previous owner in 2019. “At Pinks, we focus on delivering the highest standard of service, focusing on customising treatments for our customers needs,” Kate explains. “Our whole team…

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