TECHS & SALONS
Scratch Stars Educator of the Year 2025 shares secrets to nail industry success
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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Norwich nail tech: finding success with a rare neurological condition
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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Step inside the nail salon & academy by the sea on the Isle of Wight
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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Read the latest issue
Lee-Ann Moss enjoyed life as a mobile nail technician from 2017, but began to look for properties to rent during the lockdowns of 2020 in order to open her own salon. “The idea that life is too short hit home for me during the pandemic,” Lee-Ann remembers. “I was approached…
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Scratch chats to Camilla Vika Høgemark of Vegan Nails by Camilla about her favourite nail trends and the importance of using vegan and cruelty free products… Art is something I’ve always been into, ever since I was a little kid. I studied Fine Art in college, and later graduated with…
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Kelly Bradford, owner of Kels Gels has had a varied career before becoming a nail technician four years ago. From being a service engineer, to cabin crew for British Airways, Kelly shares her story… I started working at Somerfield as a checkout supervisor at 16, followed by NatWest bank as…
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After working in the industry since 2013, Rachel Dobson jumped at the chance to open her salon, when space became available in November 2020. “Since opening in December, I have already expanded when Danielle joined in April,” Rachel explains. “I plan to expand further by adding another two therapists to…
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Scratch Stars Gel Tech of the Year finalist 20/21, Oksana Smirnova, shares how she discovered her passion for nails, how it felt to be announced as a finalist and her next career steps… Tell us about your nail industry journey… I started my career as a nail technician in 2009,…
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Scratch puts the spotlight on famous nail industry dads and finds out more about them from their children… SAMUEL SWEET, co-founder/CEO, Sweet Squared & his son, Dexter Samuel Sweet has always been creative and, showing a talent for artistry, he was invited to work at his great aunt’s salon and learn…
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