Breaking Down Barriers

DEBORAH TAYLOR

Owner of East Beach Nails Lossiemouth, Scotland, UK /EastBeachNailsLossiemouth

@eastbeachnails_lossiemouth

Nail techs share how they navigate challenges to flourish in their careers

I love being a nail technician, as I get to work with glitter every day. I’m self-employed, so can manage my workload and downtime, which are important factors when dealing with chronic and lifelong health issues.

In the RAF.

I live in the coastal town of Lossiemouth and am a former veteran. I used to be a chef in the RAF, and now serve up sparkly nail delights. When I came out of the forces, I felt lost, but discovered the world of nails and the enjoyment I get from being creative with colour and art. I started my nail business in May 2016, achieving my dream of establishing a summerhouse salon in my garden two years later.

I have dealt with gastroenterology issues for a number of years and was told I suffered with IBS. However, following numerous tests, I learned that I have Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI). This means that digestive enzymes aren’t produced, causing pain, sickness and deficiencies. I manage this with medication, but still have flare-ups, which I cope with better now that I work from home. feel that they’

“I’m determined not to let my health conditions beat me, so I use my work as therapy.”

I also have Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos (hEDS): a painful connective tissue disease that has led to early arthritis, especially in my knees. I had right knee replacement surgery in 2023, and surgery for my left knee was cancelled last year. Hopefully I’ll reach full bionic status in 2025! Being self-employed, I was able to effectively manage my return to work after surgery.

The effects of Raynaud’s Syndrome.

Additionally, I struggle with vasculitis, type 3c diabetes and Raynaud’s Syndrome. My vessels restrict blood flow to my fingers and toes in cold temperatures, which is very painful and can be triggered by stress and emotions. I keep my work environment at a regulated temperature to prevent flare-ups, and also have a specialist chair and height adjustable nail desk to support my other health needs.

Despite dealing with all of this, I have managed to successfully run my nail business. I use an online booking system to free up time, and am transparent with clients about my circumstances. I feel that if they’re informed, they’ll understand if I need to reschedule appointments. Thankfully, I don’t have to do that often. I’m determined not to let my health conditions beat me, so I use my work as therapy – in fact, I think glitter should be on prescription!

I’ve never entered any large-scale nail competitions, as the pressure would trigger a flare-up and exacerbate a tremor in my left hand, caused by a neurological disorder. Instead, my achievements in the nail industry include being accepted into Bluesky’s cooperation programme and being made a brand ambassador for Kiki London. I am also proud that my business survived the pandemic, as during the first lockdown, I made and distributed nail pamper boxes and gel polish removal kits.

I will continue to do nails for as long as my body allows – or until I am buried under a pile of glitter! I am thankful that I have found a balance between work, my personal life and my health.

Tips for techs with health conditions:

• Listen to your body and be kind to yourself. We all need to make time to rest.

• Learn to say no, for example to taking on more work than you can manage. If you don’t feel well, it can reflect in your work.

• It can be isolating when you are dealing with health issues, but you’re not alone. There are a lot of techs that sparkle and make others sparkle, even during the hardest days.

• Furry friends create a calming atmosphere. I have three Yorkshire Terriers who frequent the salon for belly rubs.