Manchester nail tech launches self-employment guide for UK beauty pros

Nail pro, educator & beauty business mentor, Tina Jane, has published e-book, Ready To Go Solo: A practical guide to starting and succeeding as a self-employed beauty professional – UK Edition.

The Scratch Stars L&P Tech of the Year finalist 2024 has been in the nail industry for over 15 years, and wrote Ready To Go Solo to boost the confidence of pros just starting out, and help them grow and avoid the mistakes she made.

“When I first started my own business, I had no idea how to run it successfully,” Tina explains. “I had to figure out Self Assessment, finances, pricing and client management the hard way. Throughout my career, every time I’ve put money, time or energy into my development, it’s pushed me further. Writing the book is my way of giving others that opportunity.”

The e-book is designed for anyone considering becoming self-employed, who struggles with the business side of the industry. “Too many self-employed pros give up before they’ve had a chance to succeed,” notes Tina. “Around 60% of people working in the UK hair and beauty industry are self-employed, yet Department for Business and Trade data shows that the number of UK solo businesses has dropped by 11% since 2020.

“On top of that, 56% of UK small business owners experience poor mental health, with long hours and financial worries being big contributors. This shows that passion is there, but systems and support often aren’t. That’s why I wrote the e-book: to give pros tools, structure and confidence so they don’t burn out, quit or feel like they’ve failed before they’ve started.”

Understanding how overwhelming becoming self-employed can be, Tina has strived to make the book interactive and simple to follow, and cover key challenges faced by sole traders, such as managing finances, pricing treatments, staying organised and building strong client relationships.

“It includes tools that readers can use straight away, such as daily planners, checklists, finance trackers and consultation forms,” Tina explains. “Each purchase of the book also supports the Hair & Beauty Charity. The work it does makes a real difference to industry professionals most in need of support.”

Ready To Go Solo is Tina’s first step in her journey as a beauty business mentor, and she has big goals for the future. “What I’ve learned from business coaches has been invaluable, and I want to pass that on in a way that’s practical and easy to put into action,” she says.

“I’m focused on offering mentoring and resources that help professionals build thriving businesses, and creating a community where people feel supported and inspired. No one should have to figure everything out on their own.”

To purchase Ready To Go Solo, click here. Scratch readers can access an exclusive 50% discount: simply use code SCRATCH to save.

To find out more about Tina’s beauty business mentoring, click here.