Job Dreams: Nail Technician

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As part of our Job Dreams series, we speak to professionals from different careers and share their advice with you. Last month, we learned what it's like to be a Tradeswoman. This month, we met Scarlett, who told us all about what it’s like to be a nail technician…

What do you do?
I own a beauty business that offers Gel Nails, Brow & lash treatments. I recently opened my own premises working on my own.

Can you tell us what your day-to-day is like?
Most days I walk to work and start with a coffee before my first client arrives. On average I have around 3 clients in the morning before a 30-minute lunchbreak. The afternoon usually consists of a further 3 clients. At the end of the day I have a clean down, disinfect all equipment and tools and lock up. I head home and tend to do an hour of admin each night. This can consist of working on my website, bookings, bookkeeping.

What do you love most about your job?
Firstly, my clients! They are like my friends and each day I feel so lucky that I get to do nails, brows and lashes whilst chatting away with my friends. I love being able to be creative, nail art is a great outlet. It is never boring!

What do you find most challenging?
Juggling my time around admin/stock keeping inbetween working with clients.

What did you see yourself doing when you were a kid?
To be honest I was never sure – my dad was self-employed and I always admired his work/life balance and flexibility. I think I knew I wanted to work for myself.

What challenges did you face in reaching where you are today?
Other than practical challenges such as funds, my main challenge has been self-belief. I have always felt like a bit of a failure as I could never settle in one job. I now know that this was because I wasn’t on the right path. You need to enjoy your job, especially as you spend so much time at work!

Where do you see yourself going next?
I’d like to rent out space in my new shop, host clinics and retails products. I’d love to train in more complex treatments and grow my knowledge.

What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you first left school?
That there is money to be made in the beauty industry! It was almost frowned upon to study beauty after school when I left. I wish I knew that it was an incredibly rewarding career path.

What advice would you give to someone interested in joining your industry?
Really research the treatments you are interested in offering. Research your trainers & products and find the right one for you. Also, there are enough clients for everyone, be confident and enjoy growing your business.

What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve been given?
In the beauty industry – never stop learning. You can never do too many courses and masterclasses.

What quote do you live by?
I would love to find one, or make one up but to be honest I don’t have one I live by!