Beauty with purpose

Nail industry educator, NINA LEWIS, shares how she’s transforming careers & elevating standards from her London academy

Nina Lewis blends timeless artistry with modern education to deliver an exceptional experience for nail and beauty enthusiasts. Passionate and dedicated, she has shaped countless careers from the Nina Lewis Beauty Academy in London: promoting excellence and innovation, while honouring the techniques that first captivated her.

Nina has long admired the sophisticated beauty of classic film stars like Ingrid Bergman and Joan Collins, and the elegance of polished nails. “I would watch Dynasty and stare at Joan Collins wearing striking red nail varnish on beautiful oval-shaped nails,” she reflects. “The irony is that I ended up creating this nail style for her when I worked in the hair and beauty department in Harrods.”

Nina’s journey into nails was an unexpected turn of events when, disappointed with a professional nail service, she redid her nails and discovered a talent and passion for artistry. “I love that I can transform somebody’s hands, and I get great pleasure in seeing a client’s reactions to the end result – not only in their words or facial expressions, but in the way they move their hands,” she regales.

A visual learner by nature, Nina quickly taught herself the fundamentals of nails and formalised her education. She recalls: “I went to college in the ‘90s to study Beauty Therapy, which consisted of learning manicure and pedicure alongside other beauty treatments. I realised I didn’t really enjoy the beauty therapy side, so I changed my course to Theatrical & Media Make-up, Art & Textiles. Once that course was completed, I studied Nail Technology with Star Nails.”

Following her initial nail training, Nina attended trade shows to watch nail competitions and cites: “I noticed one person who was dominating the highly rated nail championships, and found the courage to speak to her. Before I knew it, she was teaching me nail techniques one-to-one in her home. This was one of the UK nail industry’s pioneers: Sue Marsh. I also had the pleasure of one-to-one training with Jessica Vartoughian, founder of the Jessica Nails brand.” As well as her deep respect for Sue and Jessica, Nina cites Lisa Bennett, the former director of OPI UK, and Alex Fox, the global director of Nailympia Competitions, as industry figures she admires. “These women have been at the forefront of the UK nail industry, and paved the way to help it develop and thrive,” she states.

Nina with Sue Marsh and Alex Fox.

Building blocks

Nina’s reputation in the industry grew thanks to her dedication to consistency, quality products and professionalism. Carefully selecting brands including Jessica, Essie, OPI and Cuccio to work with over the years, Nina remains steadfast about using products in their pure form, without mixing. This meticulous approach, combined with a commitment to taking her time with each client, helped her build a loyal clientele long before the era of social media. “At the time of my introduction to the nail industry, there was no social media and word of mouth was the only means of communication,” Nina highlights. “It was imperative back then to not only work well, but look the part. This meant that my nails always looked immaculate, to inspire clients and show them what could be achieved. I love the nail industry because, even though it’s forever changing, foundational knowledge is key and some old techniques will outdo new ones. Colour always inspires me, as well as the instant transformation of hands and feet.”

Nina credits her patience, precision and sense of humour as qualities that have aided her success. Her industry journey has not just been about skills, but self-improvement. She has constantly critiqued her own work, learning from her mistakes and striving to grow in her craft. She reveals: “Every day is different. If I’m not teaching in my studio, I might be teaching at a college, working on ITV as a hair and make-up artist or participating in charity events. No two days are ever the same, and life is never boring.”

Stephen Mulhern and Nina.

Experience & recognition

Nina’s career includes many highlights, from seeing her work displayed in The Body Shop windows to working with notable figures like Simon Cowell. She is currently working with television presenter, Stephen Mulhern, for ITV and was a judge for Nailympia London at the Salon Beauty exhibition in October.

A notable achievement was realised in 2019, after Nina won Scratch’s prestigious The Great Scratch Shoot Out photographic nail competition. Next, her teaching academy became VTCT-certified in 2023, beginning a new chapter in her mission to elevate industry standards and train the next generation of nail professionals.

Nina’s winning entry for The Great Scratch Shoot Out 2019.

Founded in 2017, the Nina Lewis Beauty Academy offers a range of VTCT-accredited courses, including Levels 2 and 3 Nail Technology. The academy provides professional nail artists for editorial bookings, events and contractual services, supporting budding techs with Nina’s high standards. Her philosophy on education extends beyond technical skills, as she emphasises foundational knowledge, safety and ethical practices. She is a vocal advocate for industry regulation, calling for standardised training to ensure safe practices in salons. Nina also believes in maintaining product compatibility, stressing that mixing brands or using incompatible equipment compromises both product and client safety.

Embracing tradition & change

For Nina, while the nail industry constantly evolves, the foundation remains vital. She believes in mastering timeless techniques, which she considers superior to many modern trends. Nina values change as it drives innovation, but is selective about what she adopts, testing new techniques thoroughly to ensure they meet her standards. A creative soul, she draws inspiration from daily life, often envisioning designs in her dreams, and her approach to nail art is deeply personal; every design originates in her mind and is brought to life with her unique touch. For her, nails are a form of self-expression, reflecting cultural, musical and fashion influences.

Competition, community & giving back

An avid supporter of nail competitions, Nina sees them as a vital way for technicians to build confidence, hone their skills and make industry connections. As a judge, she values the opportunity to give back, offering constructive feedback to participants and fostering a supportive community. She admires the way competitions push artists to think creatively beyond salon life, encouraging exploration and skill refinement, and notes: “Competitions are a great way to meet like-minded people and potentially create a nail community. Beginner nail techs can develop and grow techniques, communication skills and confidence. Once the initial fear is faced and pros have developed and cultivated their craft, advanced competitions throw them in the deep end, as each competition category is timed. Nail competitions also give individuals a chance to be recognised within the industry and championed. The benefits are exposure: of the competitor’s self and business, and to companies.”

On judging such competitions, Nina relays: “This role enables me to stay grounded and remember where I started. I also enjoy giving constructive feedback and criticism when necessary. On a personal note, it is great to be around people in my industry and make new connections. I also feel that this is my way of giving back to the nail industry. Competing stretches and fine-tunes nail skills, extends and explores creativity. It’s where a nail tech can shed salon life and create without boundaries.”

Nina’s goals for the future are rooted in celebrating her achievements and expanding her academy to reach a broader audience. Her vision includes a larger training centre that upholds the standards of excellence she has set. Her advice to aspiring nail artists is to plan their careers in stages, emphasising that while trends may change, core skills endure.

Nina encourages nail artists to never limit their dreams, and to understand the anatomy and function of nails and skin. By embracing what makes them unique and staying grounded in foundational skills, Nina believes that long-lasting success can be achieved.

www.ninalewistraining.com