Time to shine the spotlight on the real superheroes - Nail Professionals...

We chatted to Lucy Webber, a professional nail tech who uses SmartPolish and lives in enviable beautiful North Wales. The beauty and nail industry is a hard graft and we think it's time the unsung heroes got a mention. You are what keeps us in business after all and we can't thank you enough for that, so we've decided to make a regular feature of getting to know our customers - first up is one very talented lady who knows stepping out of your comfort zone is crucial for your nail business.

Tell us a bit about yourself? 

'Hi, I’m Lucy. Mum of two boys and live with my partner in rural North Wales along with our dog Frank and cats Ronnie Kray and Kindle.'

How did you get into doing nails?
'I had my first experience as a client a few years ago and I wasn’t too thrilled with the product or customer service. Then I had major surgery and was off work for a month. I was an Area Sales Manager for a leading cosmetic brand and felt it was time for a fresh start. I spent a couple of months stalking the industry to see what's available and to put together a business plan.'

Where did you train?
'I found ‘Greg Solo’ of Young Nails on YouTube and his method of sculpting nails clicked with me. So I booked on with my local educator. I also did a course with Cuccio. I was lucky enough to train with Stephen, their Creative Director.'

What's the best benefit to using SmartPolish?
'TIME! I'd been taught Base, Colour, Colour, Colour and top. Here's SmartPolish and I'm like WOW! I bought the ‘Try me kit’ and discovered LED 30 seconds. But I'm also sold on the customisation of the gel. I can blend a ‘colour match’ for clients’ events.'

Have you got any tips for applying SmartPolish?
'I stick to thin even coats, some need 2, some 3. The strong pigment allows me to use it for nail art too.' 

What's the longest you've known SmartPolish last?
'4 weeks. Chip free and still shiny. You really can't ask for more!'

What nail trends have you seen emerging?
'I think it's all about effects right now. SmartPolish brought us THAT video of the chrome pigment and it's gone nuts. We've also got Holographic pigment and a new trend that's been showcased by Lucy Fell is the rough glitter finish. Set into a tack free topcoat. Which SmartPolish gel polish has. No need for extra top coats!'

What do you charge for treatments?
'I offer a Deluxe Gel Polish from £15 and charge extra for effects, Swarovski Crystals or nail art. Sculpted Acrylics with Gel Polish start at £32. For a group booking, I offer ‘Express Gel - £10’. I can only offer this because of SmartPolish. It's so fast. 15 mins and I'm done with a basic colour set. But SmartPolish has an excellent selection of colours, I have over 60 from the range.' 

What treatments do you offer?
'Basic Mini Mani to full on Encapsulated acrylic with One Stroke and Bridal work. I also offer Lash treatments including Lash Lifting which is very popular and Lash Extensions.' 

Are you based in a salon or mobile? What do you prefer?
'I'm mobile. I tried being Salon based last year but mobile works best for me. My clients prefer it and I don't suffer from ‘No Shows’ any more. I think I get to know my clients better as at home they're much more relaxed. I do have a client that lives in Chester who drives to my home for her nails, every three weeks.'

Have you got any tips for other nail techs reading this?
'Train hard and practice harder. We all have to step outside our comfort zone. There are so many great Nail Techs out there who love to share their experience and knowledge. Forums are great too. I'm currently stalking Miss Lucy’s (Lucy Fell) who is amazing.

Make the effort to go to at least one Beauty show. See what's out there, it's so easy to stay safe, but new brands are producing amazing products. It's not just about the reputation of the brand, it's how the product works for you.
Know what your competition is. Who they are, what they do and how they do it. How does your service compare? I've never worried about my pricing, I'm by no way the cheapest, but I sculpt. I offer a loyalty card and I try to be as flexible as possible. I don't work 9-5 and my day off can change week to week. That works for my clients and it works for me.'

Sound advice from our nail tech of the month. Thank you so much for contributing Lucy, we appreciate everything you do and will always be thankful to have you as a customer. We'll be giving Lucy a voucher to use at www.smartpolish.co.uk for giving us her valuable time, it could be you next month! Did you enjoy reading about Lucy? Do you want to be our next featured nail tech? Leave a comment below. 

Follow Lucy on Instagram to see more of her work. 

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