READERS GALLERY

Bedford-based nail stylist, KAY COOPER, spills her career ambitions & shares her artistic creations

Name – Kay Cooper

Age – 36

Location – Bedford

Business name – Kay Cooper Nails

Years in nails – 13

Trained with – I started my nail journey with a local training provider in 2011, while I was pregnant. Since then, I have completed courses with brands including Artistic Nail Design, Gelish, Footlogix and Famous Names, and achieved an Award in Education & Training (AET).

Favourite products – I have used Artistic Nail Design for a decade and am an ambassador for the brand. I love working with its Brush-On Builder Gel as the consistency is amazing; it moves easily around the nail without being too runny, making extensions easy to craft. I also enjoy working with Artistic’s Correction Gel, which is ideal for encapsulation, and the Concealer Correction Gel is my go-to for a French finish. Dotting tools and Artistic Art Paints are essentials in my kit.

Favourite nail technique – I love fixing broken nails with silk wraps and builder gel.

Favourite nail design – This changes regularly, as my clients like to challenge me with their ideas at each appointment. I love having the freedom to create freehand pieces of art on their nails.

Career ambition & vision – A year ago, I moved house and restarted my business from home. I am lucky that I have attracted amazing clients, so hope my business continues to thrive alongside my session work. I would also like to win a Scratch Star Award.

Who do you admire in the industry? The nail industry is filled with iconic, innovative, inspiring and talented people. Charli Jepson has given me so much love and advice over the years, which I will always be grateful for, and my beautiful friend, Dani Bailey, has an admirable thirst for education. I am so proud of her achievements with the Nail Knowledge programme in Brazil. I also admire Kirsty Meakin and Hazel Dixon for the iconic wizardry they create on nails, Karen Louise for her session work and Marian Newman BEM. She is so knowledgeable, and dedicated her time during lockdown to offer informative lives to support nail pros.

Facebook: /kaycoopernails 

Instagram: @kaycoopernails