“I WAS working from the dining room, and then converted the garage - it’s a really, relaxing room which my clients love.”
Selina Scholes runs her successful business Nail Angel from her former garage. “It has worked out really well,” she says. “I decorated the room and upcycled furniture - I have made the space my own.”
Nail Angel - our Telegraph & Argus Trader of the Week - offers a wide variety of treatments including luxury manicures, gel nails - including the popular builder gel - acrylic nails and nail art.
Footcare is also offered with ‘heavenly pedicures’, file and polish and gelish treatments.
Selina has always been interested in nail care. “Even before I considered becoming a nail technician I liked looking after my own nails,” she says. “I also took care of the nails of members of my family and my friends, and really enjoyed it.”
When Selina’s daughter was growing up she wanted a job that offered flexibility and a good work-life balance.
“I wanted something to fit in with family life and decided that a nail technician could offer me that. I was going to train in beauty but was not really interested in other areas of it.”
In 2005 she enrolled at Creative Nail Design in Leeds, training in all areas of nail care, including manicures, pedicures and acrylics.
She went on to study for an NVQ at Bradford College, gaining NVQ Diploma Level 2 - when she was Student of the Year - and Level 3 in nail services.
“I was very determined to do well,” she says. “A lot of people think it must be quite easy but it can be difficult. I am a perfectionist - my clients know that.”
Setting up on her own, she says, was nerve-wracking. “You worry if you are going to get clients, especially as you have only just finished training.
“I had a little space at home where I practised on friends and family, and then I rented a room a hair salon in Saltaire. I was busy but later moved to a salon in Eccleshill closer to home which was easier to combine with childcare.”
“I set my business up in the utility room - I hid the washer and other things, and it worked really well.”
After moving to Thackley, she set about converting the garage.
She enjoys the creativity of decorating nails. “It helps if you have an artistic flair. There are so many amazing designs painted by hand - the talent you come across in this industry is incredible.”
Some designs have been challenging, says Selina. “I did a Lord of the Rings design with an inscription on the side which was tricky, but it turned out really well.”
Colours change with the seasons. “Brights are in throughout summer, with pastels in spring and in winter browns and burned oranges are popular. People like reds and lots of glitter at Christmas.”
Selina, who also advises on nail care, has many regular clients who visit at two, three or four-week intervals. “A couple of them live abroad and see me when they come to visit relatives, so I share their care with their local nail technicians overseas.
“I have been doing some women’s nails since they had their school prom, and they are now married with children. I have made a lot of friends through my business and new clients are welcomed.”
*nailangel.net
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel