Through the Keyhole

Take a peek inside salon setups across the UK&I as Scratch unlocks each door

Laura’s Nail Boutique

Location: Silver End, Essex

Laura Wragg changed career in 2021, leaving her job in insurance after 16 years to train as a nail technician. She launched Laura’s Nail Boutique, a business that she ran from a cabin in her garden and when she moved to the village of Silver End in January 2024, she converted her garage into her ‘dream boutique’. She shares: “It was a relief to be able to welcome clients into a cosy, relaxing space. I also found that the relocation opened up my treatments to a bigger clientele.”

Laura had no experience in the beauty industry prior to her career change, so invested heavily in training courses: initially at CS Beauty Academy, before completing five courses with Glitterbels and attaining certificates in IBX and Footlogix services. Consequently, she offers builder gel enhancements, gel polish services, Footlogix pedicures and IBX treatments.

Clients can enjoy appointments within a ‘peaceful and tranquil environment’. “I was keen for the interior of the salon to be calming, and a reflection of my tastes,” Laura says. “I love pink, gold and glitter, so this formed the basis of the salon’s interior design. I wanted it to be a space that clients love being in, and I think I’ve achieved that!

“Having a home salon has changed my life,” Laura continues. “I get so much joy from being creative and it’s enabled me to spend more time with my family, as there is no commute time or long hours: just fun moments with clients.”

Laura shares her goals for the future: “To continue to attract great clients and be recognised on a bigger scale for my work, whether through a competition or via a mention in Scratch magazine!”

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The Nail Hive

Location: West Malling, Kent

After ‘falling in love’ with Lecenté products when she worked for the brand on a part-time basis, Ellie Toms was inspired to become a nail tech so she could use them effectively. Three months after achieving a nail qualification, Ellie created The Nail Hive, a private salon nestled into a cosy corner of her garden.

The nail pro uses Lecenté products for her deluxe manicures and pedicures, and offers gel, fibre and builder gel services. “Lecenté is my trusted brand, as I know exactly what goes into the products and how they are produced,” Ellie shares. “The most popular treatment I offer is a Lecenté Fusion Builder Gel manicure.”

She continues: “The Nail Hive is surrounded by beautiful scenery that my clients can look out on while enjoying their treatments. They often share that they feel comfortable and at ease in the salon, which fulfils my initial goals.”

Adorned in white and gold, the space has a ‘relaxing, spa-like environment’, offering a serene experience. “I want people to feel that they can be themselves and get the most from their appointments,” Ellie reveals, noting that she seeks to continue building her client base.