TECHS & SALONS

BFLY salon in Derby

The Derby beauty salon where clients & staff are ‘one big family’

By Jess Watts | 24 August 2025

Meet Holly Asamoah, owner of BFLY – the beauty salon creating a home from home. BFLY, located two miles south of Derby city centre, was converted from a tattoo parlour to a luxurious relaxation hub in 2024, spearheaded by owner, Holly Asamoah. The salon space is reflective of Holly’s preferred…

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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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Salon in the Spotlight: Base Coat Beauty, North East, England

By Kat Hill | 17 February 2021

When their family grew, Ella and Milly Shanks’ home salon relocated from a bedroom in the family home to a new garage conversion. “We’ve had our home salon for 3 and a half years,” the duo explain. “In the past, it’s been in our spare bedroom, which is now our…

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#NowTrending: White crystal nails by Ashleigh Rene Owens

By Callie Iley | 16 February 2021

Scratch chats to Ashleigh Rene Owens of Nails With Ashleigh, Denver, USA, about the nail art planning process & how she created this striking crystal design… “In 2011, I began doing manicures for my family and friends. What started as a hobby became my career after I realised that I…

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5 things I love about being a competition judge

By Alex Fox | 13 February 2021

Scratch chats to Denise Wright, who’s name is synonymous with nail competitions, about why she loves running & judging nail competitions   1: What it means to me Competitions have been an important part of my life since I started competing at the age of 24. From that very first…

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NAIL TECH TALK: Aminah Akhtar of Minnie’s Beauty Lounge

By Callie Iley | 13 February 2021

Scratch chats with Aminah Akhtar of Minnie’s Beauty Lounge about the messages behind her nail art and the progress she’s made during her nail career so far… “The thing I love about nails is that it’s so much more than just painting nails. Nail art can be used to make…

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Lauren michelle pires session tech

5 things I love about being a session nail technician

By Helena Biggs | 12 February 2021

Scratch chats to session nail technician & Scratch Stars Session Stylist of the Year 20/21 finalist, Lauren Michelle Pires, about her work life & the things she loves most about her role… Based in London, Lauren Michelle Pires works as a freelance editorial manicurist. She studied graphic design and photography…

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Naf salon team

5 things I love about being a salon owner

By Kat Hill | 10 February 2021

Scratch chats with Glasgow-based owner of NAF! Salon, Tammy Koslowski, about why she loves being a salon owner… 1 Our team & clients (the NAFIA!) I never knew people were my passion until I opened my own salon. I love that I get to work with – and support –…

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