Inside look: EDUCATOR EVENT 2025

Step inside the Glitterbels classroom with 22 of its educators, as they refresh their nail know-how & network over three eventful days

It’s said that you should never stop learning – and within an ever-changing sector like the nail industry, this phrase particularly rings true: for both techs and educators. The Glitterbels brand has grown exponentially since its launch in 2017, and with new products and innovations comes the need for users to immerse in education updates. Glitterbels’ Master Educator Event: an annual requirement for its education team – which scooped the Scratch Stars Nail Team of the Year accolade in 2022 and 2024, serves to brush up knowledge, ensure lessons are presented in ‘the Glitterbels way’ and establish a community.

The 2025 iteration, which brought together 22 educators from across the UK and Ireland – including six new members, was held 12-14 January at the Nails By Annabel HQ in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. Organised by Glitterbels head of education, Charli Jepson, and deputy head of education, Jennie Nippard, it saw educators benefit from the insight of guest teachers and experts, as well as take part in team bonding activities. The HQ features a salon and Glitterbels shop, meaning that educators were also surrounded by a wealth of creativity and products. I attended the final day and was able to see firsthand the benefits of the event, as well as chat to the Glitterbels education team about its success.

“When planning events for Glitterbels’ educators, Charli Jepson and I strive to achieve a mix of heavy-duty learning and light-hearted, Glitterbels-themed fun. We know our educators are amazing, and we are passionate about helping them be the best they can be.”

Marian Newman BEM (centre) with Jennie Nippard and Charli Jepson.

Day 1

The educators arrived and made themselves comfortable in the Glitterbels Training Academy room: their home for the next three days, with newbies seated at the front. The morning’s education began: a Train the Trainer session with nail industry veteran & friend of the Glitterbels brand, Marian Newman BEM, who immersed educators in intensive learning from the get-go. The Glitterbels team strives to make each educator event different, but Marian has been present for them all, owing to her comprehensive knowledge and engaging teaching style. She asked each educator to think of a typical nail student question to ask another person in the room. The educators shared that the unprepared nature of this was nerve-wracking but valuable, as it mirrored a potential scenario in a classroom setting.

The group explored ways to answer the questions, and how to break concepts down as simply as possible for students. “As well as ensuring that educators have a deep theoretical understanding, Marian’s session made sure that they deliver education in a standardised way,” notes Jennie Nippard. “However, we embrace the fact that each educator has their own, unique personality, and we particularly enjoyed hearing their various analogies for concepts.”

The afternoon session saw members of Glitterbels’ social media and marketing teams visit the HQ to share insight. Topics included how the Glitterbels social media accounts are run; the brand’s demographic and how to appeal to it; ways for the educators to promote their businesses and positively represent Glitterbels, and top tips for taking ‘high-quality nail photos. In the evening, the education team gathered for a meal at a restaurant, where Glitterbels marketing staff had decked out the table with themed decorations.

“The Glitterbels education team is dotted all over the UK and Ireland, so it’s important to meet up when possible. Being an educator can be quite lonely, and this event was great for networking. The care and effort involved was heart-warming, as Glitterbels really values its educators.”

L-R: Annabel Maginnis, Melanie Lewendon, Charli Jepson and Jennie Nippard.

Day 2

Esteemed nail artist & educator, Melanie Lewendon, who scooped the Scratch Stars Mixed Media Artist of the Year title in 2023 and the Award’s Educator of the Year accolade in 2024, was the guest trainer for the second day of the event. “When we first approached Melanie, she mentioned a mixed media course she was preparing and asked if we’d like Glitterbels educators to be the first to experience it,” reveal Charli and Jennie. “We didn’t hesitate to say yes!” Melanie tasked the educators with each creating a mini 3D handbag and pair of high heels using nail products. She gave them templates on which to paint and cure Glitterbels Gel Polish, before they cut out the shapes, folded and adhered them together.

“While some of the educators had created mixed media work before, others hadn’t, however Melanie ensured that the training was useful for all,” continue Charli and Jennie. “It helped them to develop a deeper understanding of the different Glitterbels gels and their properties, which is handy when teaching others about how the products can be used.” There was palpable excitement when the educators told me about their creations, each of which showcased the nail artist’s individual personalities through colour, embellishments and art accents. The experience was described as ‘so much fun’ and ‘an unexpected and exciting way to learn about the potential of Glitterbels Gel Polish’. On Instagram, Melanie detailed that she was ‘truly honoured’ to work with the Glitterbels education team.

The evening was focused on connecting as a group. The educators headed home, if local, or to a hotel, before being invited back for a slumber party in the training room, which had been adorned in cosy furnishings. Described as something similar to an episode of 60 Minute Makeover, the nail desks were removed and inflatable sofas put in their place, alongside blankets, cushions and candles. Pink prosecco, pizza and popcorn were offered to educators, as they watched film, The Devil Wears Prada, wearing pink Oodie blanket hoodies gifted to them by Glitterbels.

“Coming into the event as a new educator, I felt really cared for. I was overwhelmed by the product kits we received and educators brought in to teach. I sometimes struggle with social events, but this was relaxing and inclusive.”

Day 3

Day three had a relaxed start, with Charli and Jennie gathering educators’ feedback for next year’s event and sharing the schedule for the day. Glitterbels co-founders, Annabel and Elliott Maginnis, arrived and Annabel hosted the morning’s education session. Demonstrating how best to apply Glitterbels Builder-bel Gel, Gel Polish and Acrylic, the educators gathered around as she applied the products to nail tips, and L&P acrylic to Charli’s nails. It was a collaborative environment – silence wasn’t encouraged: instead, educators were asked to put their questions to Annabel, Charli and Jennie about the application processes and how to communicate these to students.

Annabel also shared product formulation updates. After each demo, the educators were asked to return to their desks and practice product application.

Once the educators were happy with what they had created, a two-tiered Victoria Sponge cake was unveiled that had been specially created for the event. Decorated in pink and white and featuring faux flowers, icing displayed ‘Glitterbels Educator Event 2025’ and the brand logo. The cake was also adorned with edible, 3D replicas of a Glitterbels Gel Polish bottle, Nail Sponge File and Scratch Stars Awards trophy.

As educators enjoyed a slice of the cake, Elliott took a place at the front of the classroom to talk about how much Glitterbels values its educators, before sharing the brand’s future goals and plans. “Your roles as educators are all about giving students’ confidence that your training will support them on their nail journeys,” he said. One of the plans discussed was The Nailist Programme: a four-tier scheme offering Glitterbels nail pros free courses and discounts, based on their quarterly spend. Find out more on page 10. Then, with Charli, Annabel and Jennie by his side to offer insight where necessary, Elliott asked the educators to pose their questions about Glitterbels. From queries about product launches to future education plans, it was a valuable opportunity for the educators to share their feedback directly with the brand: on behalf of themselves, their clients and students. Finally, it was time for goodbyes, with educators sad to leave the friends they’d connected with, but excited to return to students with refreshed approaches.

“It was great to experiment with Glitterbels’ products, be pushed out of our comfort zones and hear about the brand’s exciting future plans. The team feels like a supportive family.”