3 mins
Breaking Down Barriers
Nail techs share how they navigate challenges to flourish in their careers
JADE BARBER
Founder of Nail & Beauty Excellence &
Scratch Stars L&P Tech of the Year
2022
www.nailandbeautyexcellence.com
nailandbeautyexcellence
@nailandbeautyexcellence
@jadebarbernbe
Competing & judging with autism & ADHD
Ibegan competing early in my nail career, as my educator entered me into a student category at a
Professional Beauty
nail competition. Without that encouragement, I would never have had the faith in myself to enter the arena. Judging has since become a way for me to give back to the industry that has shaped my life, but for a long time I hid a big part of my story.
I’m autistic and have severe combined type ADHD, and it has taken years to fully understand what that means for me. When my daughter was diagnosed, I knew I had to learn more. While my neurodivergent traits, such as hyperfocus and attention to detail, are my superpowers, they have also brought obstacles. Competing and judging can feel overwhelming – from sensory overload to navigating complex social interactions.
Competing in the
Scratch
Stars Awards
2022.
I started competing because I wanted to challenge myself, and competitions have taught me discipline and resilience: two skills I rely on constantly. The thrill of creating under pressure and meeting industry peers is invigorating, but at first, I didn’t realise why it also felt so draining. I’d leave feeling physically and emotionally exhausted, my head buzzing with the overstimulation of bright lights, loud chatter and pressure to perform. I masked my discomfort by silently pushing through, unaware I was neurodivergent.
When I received my diagnosis, everything began to make sense. My autism explains my sensitivity to sensory input and difficulty with changes to my routine and last-minute adjustments. My ADHD gives me bursts of incredible focus, but also means I struggle with procrastination, overwhelm and managing expectations.
L&P competition nails by Jade, which led to her scooping the
Scratch Stars L&P Tech of the Year
title in 2022.
“Accepting my neurodivergence has been key to finding balance in this industry.”
Rather than seeing these as weaknesses, I’ve learned to reframe my experiences. My ability to hyperfocus means I can produce meticulous, high-quality work when I get into a flow state. My attention to detail helps me excel as a judge, spotting nuances that others might miss. These neurodivergent traits have given me a unique edge in my career. However, I’ve had to learn strategies to navigate challenges. For example, I prepare for events by creating a checklist, take breaks when I feel overwhelmed and allow myself space to recover. Accepting my neurodivergence has been key to finding balance in this industry.
Judging at
Nailympia London
2024.
For a long time, I kept my experiences hidden, afraid of judgment and misunderstanding, but I know I’m not alone. By opening up, I hope to inspire others to embrace their unique challenges. They don’t mean you can’t thrive – they can be the very things that set you apart. There is space for you in this industry, just as you are.
Competition tips for neurodivergent techs:
• Make a plan to reduce overwhelm: Create a checklist, make a step-by-step plan and prepare your kit early.
• Find ways to calm your mind: Events can be overstimulating, so consider strategies to centre yourself. These could include taking deep breaths, listening to calming music before arriving or finding a quiet corner to recharge.
• Communicate your needs: It’s OK to advocate for yourself – your needs are valid. Let organisers know what would help you, such as access to a quieter area.
• Focus on your strengths: Embrace what makes you different and channel it into your work.
• Give yourself grace: Perfectionism can be challenging, but remember that mistakes are part of the process, and rest is just as important as hard work.