Through the Keyhole

Scratch unlocks the doors to two Derbyshire-based nail salon setups

Location: Ilkeston

Ellie Aldred describes her taste in décor as ‘simple and minimalistic – with a bit of an edge’. Her nail studio is located at the bottom of her garden, accessible via the side of the house, with a sophisticated black and white theme. “Most of my clients are from the local area,” she shares. “Elrose Beauty is easy for them to get to, and a space in which they can relax, feel heard and enjoy being pampered.”

Ellie opened the studio in June 2020, while on furlough from another job. She had completed training with Melanie Lewendon, Scratch Stars Educator of the Year 2023, and qualified to offer manicures, pedicures, L&P acrylic and builder gel enhancements. However, she struggled to find a space to rent a desk, so while both she and her partner were off work, they transformed a space at home. “My partner decided to build a bar at the bottom of the garden to keep busy, and after several discussions, we split the space so I could use one side as a nail studio,” Ellie shares. “This meant that he wasn’t able to squeeze in a pool table – and he doesn’t let me forget it!”

The nail pro works solely from the studio space, having left her other job to focus on growing her clientele. She offers gel polish and builder gel enhancements using products from The Pro Gel UK, for which she is an ambassador, and loves working flexibly, around the needs of her children. “I’ve built amazing relationships with my clients and bring the outside into the nail space with green highlights amongst the décor,” Ellie continues. “Elrose Beauty is my happy place!”

@elrose.beauty

Laura Lou Treatments

Location: Osmaston

Aesthetics practitioner & beauty therapist, Laura Louise

Higgins, began her nail journey from her kitchen, but soon outgrew the space and sought a better environment from which to offer treatments. She wasn’t able to take up a salon role around her family commitments, so ordered a log cabin that she could assemble in her garden.

“I decided that the cabin should be pink,” smiles Laura Louise. The Glitterbels fanatic has completed a number of courses with the brand, and wanted to channel its signature look in her own space. “I painted the salon in baby pink and introduced gold blinds and emerald green accessories,” she continues. “I added white wisteria outside, and my training certificates hang in gold frames for clients to see.”

Laura Louise offers gel polish, L&P acrylic, builder gel and full cover tip services using Glitterbels and Nail Order products. “The cabin is a special place in which my clients and I can dream up designs and enjoy a good natter. I love that I make them feel comfortable and they can enjoy their treatments in a private, quiet location,” she adds.

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