Through the Keyhole

byKIMI Nails

Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire

Nestled in a cosy corner of Kim Hearn’s back garden is her ‘dream nail studio’. Its minimalist-chic interior was an intentional choice to encourage a soothing ambience. “I wanted to create a relaxing atmosphere in which clients can unwind,” Kim tells Scratch. To achieve her sanctuary-like space, she opted for a colour palette of ‘neutral hues, mixed with warm oak and gold accents’.

The nail pro previously worked from a console table in her living room, and found that this not only left her three children without a space to play, but hindered the growth of her business. She decided to run byKIMI Nails from a studio in her garden, allowing her to create a more definitive work-life boundary. “I’ve always wanted to work from a space at home, and moving the business into the garden has meant that I can welcome clients, while being close to my family,” Kim shares.

Since qualifying in 2021, the tech has offered services from her home, and notes the benefits for clients: “I have ample parking surrounding my house, which reduces stress for first time customers. My salon is also very central in Kettering, so is easily accessible.” Kim finds many personal benefits of owning a home salon, too. “I love the lack of commute, the low running costs and the feeling that when I’m in my studio, I’m catching up with friends,” she smiles.

At byKIMI Nails, wooden shelves showcase bottles of Kim’s chosen nail brand, Glossify. Kim’s treatment menu is designed to maintain the health of the natural nail, and clients can choose from gel polish overlays and builder gel enhancements as desired. The tech prides herself on her nail art skills, which she offers in three tiers.

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Olivia May Studio

Location: Bolton, Greater Manchester

Olivia Riley opened her salon in September, and centred its interior around a painted arch feature wall: an idea she first saw on TikTok.

“I chose white furniture to give a fresh feel to the space, and accessorised with gold accents, candles, plants and pampas grass,” she says. These stylistic choices seek to promote positivity and tranquillity. “The neutral colours are gentle on the eye, the plants bring life into the room and the candles relieve stress,” Olivia explains. “I want each client to leave the studio feeling ready for the rest of their day – and with an amazing set of nails!”

The Bolton-based tech received the keys to her salon just two weeks before opening, meaning it was all-hands-on-deck amongst her family and friends to bring the blank canvas to life. Working late into the evening the day before opening, Olivia says that ‘it felt like an episode of 60 Minute Makeover!’ She recalls: “I cleared out old products, my stepdad built shelves, my sister put up the logo, my boyfriend helped to stock cupboards and my mum and brother-in-law cleaned product bottles.”

Olivia May Studio is located above a boutique shop, and Olivia notes that the two businesses complement each other. “My clients will browse the boutique on the way to their appointments, and the shop’s customers visit me for nail services,” she says.

The pro believes that the unique selling point of her business lies in her nail art skills. “I am one of few salons in the area that offers a high skill of nail artistry, from on-trend leopard print looks to Disney’s Bambi nails,” she reveals. “I have also built a great relationship with my clients. I consider my studio to be a safe haven for anyone who visits.”