BEHIND THE GRAM

Get to know social media nail stars as they offer an insight into their lives & share content creation tips

Janine Orpen – Swindon, Wiltshire

What makes me happy

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, attending concerts, reading and going on holiday.

With Chloe Ferry.

Celeb clients

I was flattered when Geordie Shore star, Chloe Ferry, reached out to me to request press-on nails during lockdown. After she shared a photo of them on social media, my work received a lot of interest, and I then created press-ons for TV’s Olivia Attwood. After lockdown, I had the pleasure of doing the nails of Chloe Ferry and Love Island star, Megan Barton-Hanson.

My nail journey

I loved art lessons at school, and after working in care and having children, I sought a career that would allow me to be creative and maintain a good work-life balance. Nails was a new area for me, but I undertook training and within a few months, I was working from home and had built up a client base. I’d love to offer nail art masterclasses in future.

Representing Glitterbels at Olympia Beauty.

Signature style

My favourite nail looks to create are funky mix and match designs. They allow me to experiment with colours, whatever the season. I’ve been using Glitterbels products since I started doing nails in 2018, and was asked to be a brand ambassador in 2019. Being an ambassador has given me so many opportunities, such as working on the Glitterbels stand at Olympia Beauty in 2021, attending launch events and trying upcoming products. My favourite Glitterbels product is Unbelievabel Gel. The formula is highly pigmented and offers great coverage, so is ideal for hand-painted nail art.

Glitterbels Unbelievabel Gel in Luscious Lilac £9.95 inc VAT

A day in my life

I wake up, get my children ready, do the school run then start work – although it never feels like work, as I love my job!

Career highlight

My biggest career achievement so far is winning the first place award for Nail Technician of the Year at the UK Hair & Beauty Awards 2023.

Social media advice

I noticed my Instagram getting a lot of engagement when posting Reels of Glitterbels Acrylic Powder swatches and Disney character designs. Something I took away from lockdown was my love of creating content, as I had the opportunity to try new techniques. I use the Inpreview app to plan and schedule social posts.

My top social media tips are:

1. Occasionally reshare content that previously received a high engagement, for example a different photo of a popular design.

2. Use relevant hashtags: not just the most used ones.

3. Stay true to yourself and your style. Post what makes you happy – not what you think will do well, and be consistent.