READERS GALLERY

Sunderland-based nail stylist, RUTH LISLE-SANGSTER of Coffin Nail & Beauty, opens up about her training, preferred techniques & career ambitions

Name – Ruth Lisle-Sangster

Age – 38

Business name – Coffin Nail & Beauty

Location – Hairhouse, Sunderland

Years in nails – Six and a half

Trained with – I enrolled on a beauty-focused evening course at Sunderland College when my daughter was 10 weeks old. Since then, I have completed various nail art courses, which have been invaluable to my career. I hold a degree in Fashion and Contour Design and have a deep-rooted love for the arts. I believe that my creative passions enhance my nail artistry.

Favourite products – I’ve worked with a variety of brands, but currently use The GelBottle Inc products. Its Builder In A Bottle (BIAB™) has been a great addition to my treatments, and I use it on most clients to support the growth of their natural nails. For detailed nail art, I choose Born Pretty’s metallic Drawing Gels.

Favourite nail technique – I love to add depth to nail designs by using a mix of colours and shapes alongside strong, defined patterns. Blooming gel is a great way to achieve striking looks.

Favourite nail design – I enjoy creating vivid and bright manicures: particularly those with a different pattern on each nail that cohesively produce an eye-catching finish. I love when a client arrives at their appointment with a napkin or scrap of fabric as inspiration, or gives me a brief that allows me to use my imagination.

Career ambition & vision – I’m grateful that I’ve been able to carve a career and business from my passion, and that I can work flexibly, so am able to enjoy time with my children and partner. I’d like to start hosting workshops and share my skills with other nail techs, as I’ve learned so many techniques on my journey that make work easier. I also have a vision of owning a salon.

Who do you admire in the industry? Valoro Boss (@gaudyoctopus) is an incredible artist, and she creates such detailed artwork on tiny nail canvases. I study her designs to try to understand how she achieves such intricacy. I am also inspired by the style and aesthetic of Devin Strebler (@nailz_by_dev), who creates designs that remind me of my childhood.