NAIL BITES

Gift of nails

Following her mother’s cancer diagnosis, kindhearted nail tech Kellie Underwood launched an initiative to help those affected by illness.

Underwood, who runs Enchanted Nails By Kellie in Bicester, Oxfordshire, is providing one free gel-polish manicure per month to someone going through serious illness. Now, other technicians following the hashtag #giftofnails have been inspired to do the same, pledging their support via social media. Treatments are open to nomination and Underwood will also extend the free service to families of illness sufferers.

WILD THING

5 minutes with

Catherine Lawson , new business owner of Catherine Lawson Do My Nails, Colne, Lancashire

I started out as a mobile tech but I managed to build a name for myself quite quickly and soon got to the stage where I had to turn work away, partially due to the travel time in between clients. So, when the opportunity came along to rent a shop, I took it. This has now evolved into my salon, which launched in October 2018.

It’s early days but I already plan to expand. In the near future I’d like to take on an apprentice.

I think it is really import to link with local colleges. My old tutor has been keen to stay in touch and has asked me to speak at open days. I also offer work experience for budding nail techs from the college.

I’m in the process of creating my own-label products although this is low key at the moment and will be kept separate from the salon.

I don’t offer web bookings because I prefer to deal with clients direct, and I love interacting with them. My clients come from all walks of life and even include a celebrity who lives locally. They all get the same high standard of service.catherinedomynails

@catherinedomynails