TALONS & TAILS

Join team Scratch behind-the-scenes at Shepreth Wildlife Park for Nail Safari: a five-day event combining nail education & animal magic

WHAT? Nail Safari is an event that welcomes guest educators across five days, to teach a variety of nail skills to attendees. It also incorporates visits to zoo enclosures and opportunities to feed the animals, and offers prizes to be won via a number of individual and team challenges.

WHERE? Shepreth Wildlife Park, Royston, Herts.

WHEN? 13-17 November 2023

ORGANISERS: Alex Fox, Marian Newman, Jennie Nippard, Catriona Leith, Jacqui O’Sullivan & Kay Dodd.

Nail Safari attendees.

Nail Safari organising team.

Nail Safari co-founder, Jennie Nippard, comments: “Nail Safari is born and run from a place of true love for the nail industry and all within it. It’s a safe, non-competitive space in which everyone wants to become the best version of themselves. It starts with the organisers, who endeavour to create an exciting event. The educators then deliver high-quality education and each nail ranger puts 110% into everything they do. The education is intense, but every day is heavily sprinkled with love and fun. One of the most rewarding things to observe is the delegates forging deep and meaningful friendships.

Shepreth Wildlife Park offers an inspirational setting, which can be enjoyed from a classroom window or during a lunchtime stroll. Nail Safari welcomes all skill levels, as the multi award-winning educators tailor their courses so everybody learns, no matter what stage they are at in their nail journey.”

Organiser team member, Alex Fox

DAY 1

Walking into the fourth Nail Safari, the organising group was ready, willing and in high spirits: eager to open the doors to attendees, or ‘rangers’, who would be split into three competing teams. New team leader, Jacqui O’Sullivan, joined Jennie Nippard and Cat Leith to guide and support the teams throughout the week, and proved a more than brilliant addition to the event. Fellow organiser, Kay Dodd, and I greeted the nail rangers on arrival and escorted them through Shepreth Wildlife Park into the event space. With a welcome wag of our tails, we highlighted housekeeping, park protocols and introduced zoo director, Rebecca Willers, to the room.

Keen to get into the nail groove, the event opened with Andreea Simona Ignat, who delivered a class in her delicate teaching style. Setting a gentle mood across the room, Andreea eased rangers smoothly into their new surroundings, while opening Nail Safari with rich content. She notes: “This was my third time teaching at Nail Safari and I think it is an amazing event, as you are able to see all the gorgeous animals in the park. For 2023’s attendees, I showcased how to correct a convex nail and use Fast Forms, which offer a quick way to help build and correct nails.

“I really enjoyed seeing nail techs from previous years, as well as new attendees. Alex and the team do a wonderful job organising the event, and I hope I’ll return in the future with new and exciting ideas to teach.”

After a hearty lunch, Kirsty Meakin brought her distinctive vitality into the class, with a focus on nail designing with inks. Kirsty set the room and talent alight, and cites: “Nail Safari: Talons & Tails was one of the most epic adventures of my life – and it wasn’t just because of the amazing animals. I was surrounded by nail techs who were hungry for knowledge and ready to break free from their comfort zones. There were so many good vibes, and I was on cloud nine the entire time, to the point where I contemplated never leaving. In fact, I ended up extending my stay just to soak up more of the incredible energy!”

Nail ranger, Abbie Rozée, notes: “This was my first Nail Safari and I was nervous of the unknown. However, on arrival, everyone was so welcoming and by the end of my first day, I felt I had a new nail family. Before attending, I felt stuck in my career and had almost ‘hit a wall’. Now, I feel motivated, the fire and passion is back in my belly and I have so many plans about what to do next. The energy, passion and family-feel created at Nail Safari is like nothing I have experienced before. I can’t wait to return to Shepreth next year.”

DAY 2

Helena Biggs, managing editor at Scratch

I saw a sea of fiercely concentrating faces in Shepreth Wildlife Park’s education room, as I arrived for the second day of Nail Safari. Spread across three tables were the capybara, otter and aardvark teams – each represented by a different coloured apron and with a team leader to support. A scoreboard was present at the front of the room, with points symbolised by paw stickers for each team. These were gained by competing in fun tasks or showing progress or great skill within each session.

Heads were down and a finger on each ranger furnished an extreme nail form, on which rangers sculpted Mino Vo’s signature Shanghai nail shape following a comprehensive tutorial from the pro. The award-winning nail stylist shared his competition experience and closely monitored the techniques of each attendee, offering guidance throughout.

The beauty of Nail Safari is that attendees possess a range of skill levels; some were industry veterans keen to learn new application skills, and some were in their industry infancy, enthused by the various nail styles presented to them at the event. “Nail Safari is a unique five-day event that brings together passionate nail enthusiasts and offers five full days of intensive nail education courtesy of award-winning global educators,” enthuses Marian Newman, Nail Safari co-founder. “Many of the rangers picked up an L&P brush for the first time with no pressure, and uncovered a passion for the system. Great personal achievements are the norm.”

The Avant-Garde Nails session required the entire day, and was met with enthusiasm and awe. Techs were taken off for short breaks in between styling their nail to spend time with the animals at the park. Tonya Smith, who had flown from Canada to attend, enjoyed feeding two red pandas, and revealed that she had been most excited for Mino’s class, after learning about Nail Safari via Instagram. “Mino’s tutorial has been amazing,” she shared. “I have enjoyed refining the nail and decorating it in black and gold, and I wanted to take one of the red pandas back to Canada! I recommend Nail Safari to everyone: it’s worth the travel and the experience is a nail tech’s dream.”

Back in the education room, extreme nails were finished with E-files and decoration, under the watchful eyes of Mino. “I returned to Nail Safari this year after attending the first edition in 2019 and it didn’t disappoint,” adds Claire Harris of Glamification By Claire, Borehamwood. “Mino Vo is a legend and I have loved working with L&P acrylic to create something beautiful from scratch.”

Mino commented: “This was the best Nail Safari to date. The rangers were such a talented group and had wonderful energy. The finished work of the Shanghai shape they crafted was excellent. There is always fun and good memories made at Nail Safari!”

Tonya Smith

DAY 3

Rebecca Hitchon, senior news & features writer at Scratch

Despite learning that some Nail Safari attendees had perfected their homework until 2am, I saw that spirits were high among pros upon learning of day three’s content. The morning session was hosted by Rebecca Isaac, who taught how to paint a llama character using the one stroke technique. She proudly displayed the nail designs that scooped her the Scratch Stars One Stroke Artist of the Year title for three consecutive years, putting her in the awards’ Hall of Fame. They served as a reminder of what can be achieved, not only with the one stroke technique, but by working hard to master nail skills.

“For my one stroke masterclass, I tasked students with creating a ‘no drama winter llama’, wrapped up in a hat and scarf in the snow and featured across three nails,” Rebecca shared on the day. “I’ve loved teaching, as all attendees worked hard to understand the range of blends I showcased and how best to use their products and tools.” Rebecca used Be Creative One Stroke Pens, which she created in collaboration with brand owner, Rebecca Orme.

“The Nail Safari class of 2023 was an amazingly talented group, with a passion for all things nails,” Rebecca Isaac continued. “What’s more, it was held in a beautiful setting surrounded by animals. I’m so thankful to have been part of it.”

“After Rebecca’s one stroke session at Nail Safari 2022, where she taught how to paint parrots, it was interesting to use the technique to create a llama,” commented Sarah Blundell of Hertfordshire salon, Naughty Nails By Sarah B. “I could put what she taught previously into practice and take time to work on my technique. I returned for Talons & Tails, because my previous Nail Safari experiences helped me to adopt tricks that have improved my work, and the event brings together a beautiful family of nail pros.”

Animal delights for day three included feeding capybaras: an experience adored by myself and Rebecca Isaac in particular, while others met the park’s aardvark family. Offering a break from the nail desk, attendees returned reenergised, inspired and with an animal-themed selfie or two to show their families and friends.

The afternoon session saw Chantelle Vermont of Clawgasmic Nail Network lead a nail art workshop. Her first experience of Nail Safari, the delight on Chantelle’s face was instant as she was greeted by a pack of eager techs in the animal-themed education room. “I’ve absolutely loved teaching salon-friendly nail art designs for autumn and winter,” Chantelle told Scratch at the time. “The students were so responsive, kind and hard-working, and it’s been such a wholesome experience.

“Educating at Nail Safari has been a highlight of my year. The venue was out of this world and the attendees were lovely. The room was filled with smiley faces and I could feel the fun and genuine bonds the guests made while there. It was an honour to be a part of it.”

Featuring animal print mixed with chrome, foil and swirl styling, five designs were showcased by Chantelle. As attendees followed her tutorials, she shared time-saving tips and how she’d adapt the looks for seasonal occasions. “Nail art is one of my favourite skills to practice, so I loved Chantelle’s advice and will put my own spin on her designs using different pigments and glitters,” said first-time Nail Safari attendee, Amy Lambourne of Reading business, Amy Lambourne Natural Nail Tech. “My first Nail Safari experience has been truly immersive. Before I arrived, I was able to join a WhatsApp group to get to know all those attending and I’ve made friends, tried new techniques and used products I’d never worked with before. The hands-on animal experiences were a great bonus and the goodie bags were extremely generous!”

Clawgasmic Nail Network’s Chantelle Vermont demoing animal print designs.

Rebecca Orme & Rebecca Issac

“Nail Safari is not just an experience that is good for improving your nail art skills, but an experience that is good for your soul. It doesn’t matter what level you are; there’s so much to learn from every educator. I adored saying hello to the animals every day and was always given such a warm welcome by the organisers. I couldn’t believe how the friendships grew so quickly as we all helped each other with the classes, sharing tools and techniques with each other. I can’t wait for next year.”

DAY 4

Callie Iley, copywriter at Scratch

On my arrival to Shepreth Wildlife Park, I was met by ranger & organiser, Alex Fox: just in time to watch two Nail Safari attendees feed a pair of red pandas. “Being amongst the animals is really special,” commented attendee, Gemma McCarthy of Gemini Beauty, Dublin – a Scratch Stars Gel Tech of the Year finalist 2023. “Nail Safari is an incredible experience, as it combines two loves in one: animals and nails.

“The event has allowed me to make connections and meet like-minded industry people. It has such a fun energy and there is so much love and positivity in the classroom. The educators have given each of us time and attention and have been on hand to help throughout their sessions, with tips and tricks to use back at the nail desk.”

Gemma’s enthusiasm for Nail Safari was reflected by all delegates within the Education & Discovery Centre. As I circled the room, I heard lighthearted chatter and business advice being shared, and techs offering each other support on the task set by Hazel Dixon, awardwinning nail artist & founder of HD Nail Artist Academy. She hosted a fantasy nail art workshop, showing the attendees how to create giraffe character, Melman, from the Dreamworks film, Madagascar.

“Fantasy nail art is one of my favourite classes to teach,” shared Hazel. “It’s so much fun and pushes skills to a new level. So many nail techs feel this type of art is unachievable and impractical, and while I agree that clients won’t wear this type of art in everyday life, the skills needed are invaluable and help refine salon work, such as layering product, product and brush control, shading and highlighting, referencing from images and using mixed media. I loved watching the progression of students from the start to the end of the day, achieving results they didn’t think were possible.

Hazel Dixon showing the sculpting process for the Melman character.

“The environment that techs get to learn and work in at Nail Safari is a nail artist’s dream location, with inspiration everywhere. It’s one of few events that caters for all abilities, from newly qualified to advanced techs. All educators are highly skilled and ensure their lessons are planned carefully with precision, so that every attendee can learn and improve techniques.

“It’s a relaxed and inspirational setting, offering both educators and students the perfect environment in which to learn and grow,” Hazel continues. “They make lifelong memories and take home an immense amount of knowledge and skills that they can use in their businesses.”

I loved watching the Melman characters take shape, and it was fascinating to see Hazel break down such a detailed, intricate design into smaller shapes and pieces. All attendees were so friendly and it was a great opportunity to catch up with familiar faces, as well as get to know some new ones.

Joanna Marshall, a first-time Nail Safari attendee, shared: “I’ve met some amazing people who I wouldn’t have been introduced to without this event, such as Tonya Smith from Canada. The best part of Nail Safari has been the connections I’ve formed with other techs, and the skills and knowledge it has allowed us to share with each other.

“I’ve really enjoyed the fantasy class, and while I found one stroke artistry challenging, I managed to create a design on a nail and for that I am happy. The support from the educators has been amazing and I feel like the event has given me friends for life.”

I acquired a Nail Safari apron and proudly wore it on my adventure around Shepreth Wildlife Park. My first stop was the bat cave. When Alex asked me if I wanted to feed some bats, I jumped at the chance. I also saw alpacas and otters, and watched capybaras hang out with ducks.

I left Nail Safari feeling refreshed and with a renewed sense of creativity. It really highlighted for me the passion of the nail industry and showcased the hard work, dedication and determination of the attendees. They pushed the boundaries of what they thought they could achieve, and it was inspiring to see. The wildlife setting is so unique and offers a special way to reconnect with nature. Nail Safari really is unlike anything I’ve ever been to!

“The 4th Nail Safari was a joy for all: an environment of passion, love, laughs and learning. We always plan to under promise but over deliver, and we did it again this time.”

DAY 5

Organiser team member, Alex Fox

The Friday frenzy began as a normal day of education. Marian Newman delivered her morning medicinal dose of science and theory, then Sandy Cheung arrived. The Japan Nail Association (JNA) judge, nail artist, educator, distributor & multi-salon owner brought fresh flavour to Nail Safari with a class on Asian-style bohemian art across five nail tips. Gifting the class some of her gel paints with a set of Japanese nail art brushes, Sandy delivered new techniques for nail styles, which were warmly received.

“Hats off to the exceptional hosts of Nail Safari! Your guidance and expertise have truly enriched the learning experience for all participants,” she enthused. “Congratulations to all those who completed the bohemian jewellery nail course. Your professionalism and meticulous attention to detail shone as you mastered various new techniques. I witnessed rapid progress and am amazed by the expertise of rangers. Beyond skills, the supportive community is commendable. Whether pursuing a career or enjoying nails as a hobby, I’m sure you’ll thrive.”

Behind-the-scenes, the bat team began preparing for the Crystal Graze treasure hunt to precede the final class on crystal placement by Scarlett Senter. Sponsor, Crystal Parade, gifted a series of accessories, which were given to nail rangers who answered clues. These took them to certain enclosures where rhinestone pots could be found, which were swapped for gifts.

“Nail techs embarked on a transformative journey at Nail Safari, where creativity met skill and innovation could thrive,” comments Scarlett Senter. “I was thrilled to explore the wild side of nail artistry, where passion and talent collided.”

During the last class, a runway was created, a disco light set up and all rangers were invited to sashay down the catwalk wearing their Nail Safari nail creations from the week’s classes, with their chosen piece of sparkly attire. A light-hearted awards ceremony closed the week’s proceedings as tearful goodbyes were shared all round.

Sandy Cheung providing support in her bohemian nail art class.

Dominique Sharpe, overall winner at Nail Safari: Talons & Tails 2023.

“Nail Safari is much more than nail skills, education and networking; it’s a full-blown immersion of self while building skills and making friends. It’s a nail, body, mind and soul experience.”

Nail Safari sponsors 2023:

Nail Safari: Nails & Scales, which will take place 11-15 November 2024 at Shepreth Wildlife Park, has sold out. To join the reserve list, message the rangers via social media:

Scarlett Senter with Poppy Pennington of Crystal Parade.

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