PRICED FOR SUCCESS

Nail specialist, educator & multi-award winner, LUCY PRICE-MARSHALL, shares her career story & how she balances various industry roles

Who – Lucy Price-Marshall

What – OPI educator, natural nail specialist, prep and E-file trainer & salon manager.

Where – Huddersfield, West Yorkshire Why – A multi-talented nail pro, focused on education and elevating skills.

Tell us about your journey into the nail industry…

While I was at school, I worked at my mum’s nail salon, NAILSPA in Huddersfield, on Saturdays, assisting with reception duties and making drinks for clients. When I turned 16, I trained privately with my mum, Belinda Price (OPI UK&I education manager), in manicure, pedicure and gel polish services.

I originally planned to attend university to pursue a different career path, but at 18, after completing my A Levels, I undertook a Level 2 beauty apprenticeship while working full-time in the salon. I never intended for beauty to become my career path, however I have been working in the salon full-time for over a decade and cannot imagine doing anything else.

Which qualifications do you possess?

After completing a Level 2 NVQ in beauty, I worked towards a Level 3 qualification as an apprentice, gaining salon experience as I studied. The apprenticeship programme suited me well, offering the perfect balance of work and education. I went on to complete Level 3 Nail Services and Level 4 Advanced Beauty & Salon Management qualifications, which helped me gain business and management insights.

I love to learn, so attend courses regularly. I have trained with various brands and amazing nail educators across the UK, who inspired me to complete a Level 5 diploma in Education & Training, which I graduated with in 2023.

What are your favourite aspects of the nail industry?

I love its fast pace and that it is constantly evolving. The nail sector feeds my passion for learning, as there are always opportunities to upskill, learn, try new trends and innovate. There are so many work avenues within it that can be enjoyed.

Describe a typical working week…

I like that my weeks are incredibly varied. As an educator, I am very passionate about continuing to work within the salon. So, I tend to work a minimum of four days with clients, to hone the skills I teach.

I am an OPI educator and member of the OPI UK&I Artistic Team, and I educate at least one day per week. I also create content in the salon for Katie Barnes Tool Range. Some days are client heavy, some days I create content and do TikTok lives, and other days I educate for OPI and provide in-salon training for the NAILSPA team, so weeks can become very busy if there is also an industry event at the weekend.

How do you juggle your various responsibilities?

It is a fine balance, and one I don’t always get right. This year, I have tried to make time for exercise as a non-negotiable, and ensuring I get that done in the morning usually sets me up for the rest of the day. I’m not one to turn down an opportunity, so there will always be some weeks that are busier than others. I am lucky to be surrounded by a supportive team.

“The nail sector feeds my passion for learning, as there are always opportunities to upskill, learn, try new trends and innovate.”

TECHTALK

What do you consider your career highlights of 2024?

Winning the Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year award for the second year in a row, doing nails at the Victoria Beckham Paris Fashion Week show, growing my network and competing in London, Dublin and Manchester have been amazing milestones.

Other highlights include developing my own course and being recognised as a finalist in competitions such as the BABTAC & CIBTAC Awards, Professional Beauty Nail Competitions and the Scratch Stars Awards. Being part of the Katie Barnes Tool Range creator team, with my creator box selling out in just eight days, was another amazing achievement. I am so grateful for every opportunity this year has presented, and the friends I have made along the way.

What are your goals for the year ahead? I plan to be busy with education, as I would like to offer more training and expand the salon team. The first quarter of 2025 will be focused on entering competitions.

Education & events

How did you become an OPI educator?

I completed my diploma in 2023, and after teaching in a college and gaining experience at training academies, I was ready to take on a new role. I already worked at events on behalf of OPI, and after winning the Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year award 2023, new opportunities were presented to me. OPI had a role in the north that was the perfect fit, and I love being a member of the team.

What do you enjoy most about being an educator?

There are always new things to learn as the industry grows and brands innovate, so I love being able to share my knowledge and skills. After completing my education qualification, I became determined to help raise industry standards and share updated knowledge, including new techniques, my favourite tools, filing routines and troubleshooting tips.

Tell us about your experience at the Victoria Beckham Paris Fashion Week show…

As part of the OPI UK&I Artistic Team, I was invited to work on the nails of models for the Victoria Beckham SS25 showcase at Paris Fashion Week. We were led by industry pro, Sammy MacDonald, and fellow OPI educator, Charlotte Lowe, was the first lead. We carefully curated manicures and pedicures for 40 models to complement the outfits.

The OPI UK&I Artistic Team at the Victoria Beckham Paris Fashion Week show.

Lucy was joined backstage at Paris Fashion Week by sister & fellow member of the OPI UK&I Artistic Team, Jessica Price.

I am so grateful for the opportunities OPI has given me. I thoroughly enjoy the fast-paced environment of Fashion Week and would love to work on more shows in the future.

What did you enjoy about undertaking the Level 5 diploma in Education & Training? If I am ever doing something, I make sure I’m doing it properly. I wanted to learn, in depth, how to be the best educator I could be and to gain the skills and resources to deliver training for all learners at all levels. This qualification, alongside teaching Level 2 and 3 Nail Services & Technology in college, helped me gain experience in developing curriculum, assessment techniques and the fundamentals of teaching. I felt so proud when I graduated, as when I left academic learning, I was unsure whether I would ever don a gown and cap.

I know my subject well and continue to develop my practical skillset. Honing my teaching skills by understanding different styles and navigating various methods has helped me grow and build my confidence when in the classroom, as well as when delivering training to large groups and on a one-to-one basis. I hope to inspire nail techs to build their nail businesses and never stop learning. I believe that these skills helped me gain my finalist place in the Scratch Stars Awards for Educator of the Year 2024.

Lucy created this personalised nail design for her mum: OPI UK&I education manager, Belinda Price.

Lucy at the Scratch Stars Awards judging day 2024.

Salon style

Tell us about your role at NAILSPA…

I spent three years as NAILSPA’s salon apprentice and was determined to upskill during my role. I learned beauty and nail treatments, before choosing to specialising in nails. I took on more responsibility when my mum stepped away from the business and am now NAILSPA’s salon manager. I manage the team, while working with clients and delivering education. I provide in-salon training for staff, organise shifts, manage client relations and oversee marketing.

My sister, Jessica (Jess) Price, works alongside me, running the salon’s social media accounts and managing stock between her very full column.

How do you find working alongside family members?

I have always worked with family, so don’t know any different. They are so supportive and are my biggest cheerleaders. Jess and I work really well together, and our roles in the salon have evolved to complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses. It is a privilege to run NAILSPA, after my mum – who we all call Belinda, took a step away from the nail desk. She still helps out and now assists more with housekeeping and washing the towels!

What do you love most about working in the salon?

The variety of nail services, as no treatment or client is ever the same. As nail pros, we follow trends and create similar nail styles, but each service is bespoke, which is what makes our treatments so special, and why our clients keep returning.

Lucy with mum, Belinda, and sister, Jessica, at The Scratch Stars Party 2023.

“There are always new things to learn as the industry grows and brands innovate, so I love being able to share my knowledge and skills.”

Lucy with her Scratch Stars Award for Natural Nail Specialist of the Year 2023.

Awards adventures

Tell us about your Scratch Stars Awards experiences…

Winning the Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year title in 2023 is one of my ultimate career highlights. I have always believed that the natural nail is the foundation of every nail service, so knew it was the category for me to enter.

After being a finalist in 2022 and experiencing a nerve-wracking judging day, I was determined to improve the following year. The annual judging day is an amazing opportunity to meet like-minded nail techs who are determined to raise industry standards. This was one of my favourite parts; everyone was so supportive and incredibly kind, especially in my first year, when I left a key part of my kit behind.

When I won the category for the second time in 2024, I was over the moon. I was quite nervous about going for it again after winning the year before, as it felt like extra pressure, but as a good friend of mine says, ‘pressure makes diamonds’.

NAILSPA won the Scratch Stars Nail & Beauty Salon of the Year award 2024. How did this make you feel?

I was ecstatic when NAILSPA was announced as winner of this category, and so proud to collect the award with my colleagues. They work so hard and truly deserve the recognition. We had a great night at The Scratch Stars Party and stayed until the end – leaving with sore feet from dancing, but excited to share the news with our clients.

You’re also nominated for the Professional Beauty Nail Professional of the Year 2025 award. How do you feel about the judging day?

I am so excited to be a finalist! Since this is my first time entering this category, I don’t know what to expect. Though, there are a few familiar faces amongst the finalists, which might make the judging day less intimidating. We will be tested on a number of systems and techniques, but I’m ready for the challenge.

What are your top tips for nail techs keen to enter competitions?

Just go for it and enter your first one! The feedback you receive is invaluable. I have found that competing has helped me build my confidence, find my niche and expand my network. I have met so many amazing techs, judges and industry experts. Competing will always be a little scary, but you will gain so much from it. Take the feedback on board and be prepared to put in the practice.

Lucy outside the ExCel London exhibition centre, after competing in Nailympia London at Salon Beauty 2024.

Nail focus

What is your signature nail style? I create varied sets day-to-day in the salon, however clients seek me out for French manicures and natural-looking enhancements. I love to create these looks with precise application and detailed prep work. I teach a course on perfect prep and precision application, which has become my signature style. For me, there is nothing more satisfying or beautiful than a perfectly painted, one-colour nail.

What are your go-to nail products and tools?

I use OPI GelColor in the salon and for competitions. The shade range, pigment and shine are incredible, and my clients love the results. I use the Katie Barnes Tool Range silver tools, favouring the KB Precision Perfector. I also use the OPI x KB Portable E-File to complete combi prep.

OPI GelColor in Without A Pout £19.90 + VAT uk.wella.professionalstore.com

OPI X KB Portable E-File £299 inc VAT www.katiebarnesacademy.com

How do you wear your own nails? I choose practical nail enhancements that last, wearing builder gel with OPI GelColor. I keep my nails short, in a soft square shape.

How would you describe your personality? I am laid-back and love bringing fun to nail appointments and training. I tend to attract clients with a great sense of humour, who are also quite particular about their nail styles! I am a good listener, and once I start chatting, I often won’t stop. I can talk to myself about all things nails on TikTok live for hours! Though, I can be a little shy when meeting lots of new people.

Who do you admire in the nail industry and why?

There are so many in the nail industry I admire, so it is hard to pick a few. I always seek out education from those who inspire me. Everyone has their own specialism, and I admire the way they hone and own their craft. I could write a dissertation on nail techs and industry pros I admire!

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