Mother, may I?

To mark Mother’s Day on 30 March, mother-child duos & trios share how they work together within nail & beauty businesses to build success

Can you imagine working alongside your mother or child in the nail space? Scratch reached out to those living this reality, who shed light on their experiences, and detail the benefits and challenges that arise when the boundaries between work and home life blur.

Charli Jepson & Adonia West

Charli Jepson Head of education at Glitterbels @charlijepson

Adonia West Glitterbels educator @adoniaautumnbeauty

Charli (second right) and Adonia (far right) worked at a London Fashion Week show alongside Glitterbels team members: nail artist & educator, Danielle Brindley (far left); deputy head of education, Jennie Nippard (second left) and co-founder, Annabel Maginnis (centre).

“I’ve been in the nail industry for nearly 20 years, so my daughter, Adonia, has been immersed in it from a young age,” shares Charli. “When she was 14, she began showing an interest in nails as a career, and I promised to train her when she turned 16.” Since then, Adonia has shone as a nail pro, creating stunning designs and joining the two-time Scratch Stars Award-winning Glitterbels Education Team.

At The Scratch Stars Party 2024, with the award-winning Glitterbels Education Team.

“I have gained so many skills while working at Glitterbels, thanks to my mum’s guidance,” Adonia reveals. “Being able to pursue my dream career alongside my best friend and biggest inspiration has been a dream come true.”

Charli reflects on Adonia’s progress, commenting: “Watching Adonia teach makes me so proud. She’s incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about what she does.”

Bonding over business

Charli notes that working together has given Adonia a newfound appreciation for her role. She says: “We’ve shared many amazing experiences, such as working at fashion shows for Marian Newman BEM and Glitterbels, but it’s been rewarding to watch Adonia realise that my job isn’t all glitz and glamour. She now understands the hard work that also goes on behind the scenes.”

“Being able to pursue my dream career alongside my best friend and biggest inspiration has been a dream come true.”

Belinda Price, Lucy Price-Marshall & Jessica Price

Belinda Price Award-winning pro, OPI UK&I education manager & founder of Nailspa, Huddersfield @belinda_opi

Lucy Price-Marshall Nail technician, OPI educator & Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year 2023 & 2024 @lucyrosenails

Jessica Price Nail & beauty therapist, OPI Nail Boss & Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year finalist 2024 @jessthenailspecialist

Enjoying Maisie’s Nail Tech Soirée in November 2024.

“I opened my salon, Nailspa, in 2001. All four of my daughters trained with me, have worked in the salon and are qualified nail technicians,” shares Belinda. “Lucy and Jess each saw long-term opportunities in the nail and beauty sector, and took over the day-to-day running of Nailspa in 2017. It was then that my passion for nails and education led me to pursue a full-time teaching role. I pointed them in the direction of excellent educators, brands and training courses, and we learn from each other daily.”

At The Scratch Stars Party 2024, with Nailspa’s award for Nail & Beauty Salon of the Year.

Bonding over business

“The support we give each other is unsurpassed,” Belinda continues. “It allows us to build relationships and network effectively, and our workload is shared, meaning we have more flexibility when competing, attending events and engaging in training.”

Lucy, Jessica and Belinda at an opening event for Blanc Studios, Leeds.

Jessica and Lucy competing in the Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist category 2024.

Lucy echoes this sentiment, commenting: “I feel so lucky to work with my mum and sister, and know I can always rely on them. They’re incredibly encouraging, especially during competitions, which can be overwhelming.”

Jessica adds her perspective: “It can be challenging to work with family members, but my mum and sister are reliable, trustworthy and honest.”

“I consider it an honour to have Lucy and Jessica close by, and to be able to work with them and watch their growth and development,” Belinda concludes.

Lezlie McConnell & Lexy McLellan

Lezlie McConnell Founder & co-owner of Light Elegance

Lexy McLellan Creative director at Light Elegance

“Lexy grew up in the salon industry,” shares Lezlie. “She was just five years old when I opened Lexy Salon, which was named after her, and she always loved visiting!” She continues: “My husband, Jim, and I launched the Light Elegance brand in 1999, and Lexy got involved in the business immediately by labelling containers at home. Most of them were applied crooked, but she was eager to be a part of the business!”

Lexy gained more responsibility in the Light Elegance warehouse before heading to college. On graduating, she was offered a full-time job at the family business and is now its creative director.

Lezlie shares the duo’s responsibilities: “Lexy and I lead the creative team and choose upcoming nail colours for seasonal collections. We also discuss new product ideas and work closely together on marketing projects, education videos and social media content.”

“At work, I’m not her daughter; I’m her employee. She expects me to do my job – and do it well.”

Rebecca Isaac & Chelsea Jade

Rebecca Isaac Scratch Stars Hall of Fame nail artist & owner/founder of Finicki Nails, Northampton @eckyb

Chelsea Jade Natural nail specialist at Finicki Nails @cjadesnails

Rebecca shares the beginnings of the mother-daughter duo’s working relationship: “I’ve worked from my home salon, Finicki Nails, for years, so most of my clients have watched Chelsea grow up. In turn, she became accustomed to the salon environment. It was a natural step for her to join me in the business.” She continues: “Chelsea and I started working together nine years ago, after she qualified as a nail tech, but in between she studied for a fashion degree.”

After graduating, Chelsea decided to pursue nails on a full-time basis, and comments: “Mum and I get on really well, so working together is a lot of fun!”

Ria-Jaine Lincoln, Linda Sarrington & Jayd’n Sarrington

Ria-Jaine Lincoln Finance, accountancy and business expert & founder/director of The Beauty Accountant @thebeautyaccountant

Linda Sarrington Client manager at The Beauty Accountant

Jayd’n Sarrington Bookkeeper at The Beauty Accountant

When Ria-Jaine founded finance support business, The Beauty Accountant, she sought to enlist the help of her family. “It had been a dream of mine to create a role for my mum, Linda,” she explains. “She manages salon payroll, clientonboarding and email queries. I considered outsourcing support for these areas until she stepped in, and she really enjoys what she does. She has also trained in bookkeeping to help during busy periods.”

Ria-Jaine (left), with her mother, Linda (second left), and son, Jayd’n (right).

As well as working with her mother, Ria-Jaine also offered employment to her son. “We created a role within the business that evolved into an apprenticeship, enabling my son to complete a Level 3 course with the Association of Accountants,” she reveals. “Jayd’n’s role is to look after the bookkeeping: and self-assessment tax returns.”

Hazel Dixon Scratch Stars Hall Of Fame nail artist & owner/founder of HD Professional Nail Systems & HD Nail Artist Academy @hazeldixon

Keileigh Dixon Product, distribution & creative support at HD Professional Nail Systems @keilzdix

Hazel Dixon & Keileigh Dixon

Multi award-winning pro, Hazel, recalls the moment her daughter, Keileigh, first helped the HD Professional Nail Systems brand to thrive. “I had always relied on professional photographers to capture product images for the website,” she explains. “However, when the Covid-19 lockdowns hit, that became impossible. I have a keen eye for detail, so was often frustrated with inconsistencies in image alignment and placement. That’s when Keileigh stepped in.”

At just 14, Keileigh noticed that many businesses were digitally creating product imagery. “She suggested we use this approach to give our website a more consistent and polished look,” Hazel continues. “I was hesitant at first because of her age, but I decided to let her experiment. It turned out to be a game-changer. Her contribution became a major turning point for business operations.”

Keileigh adds: “Since completing my A-levels, I’ve taken on additional responsibilities for the brand, including designing digital product images, promotional banners and graphics. I also manage social media content, handle product photography and played a significant role in rebuilding the www.hazeldixonnails.com website in 2024.”

Scratch’s February cover shoot: A family affair

The creation of Scratch’s February front cover image was a collaborative effort. Hazel was responsible for the nails and styling, while Keileigh brought the vision to life through photography.

“Working with Keileigh on the February cover shoot was a joy, and began with the creation of the nails,” shares Hazel. “Crafting a design that not only looks stunning in person, but translates well through a photograph, is always a challenge. However, Keileigh was essential to the creative process, offering ideas that helped shape the incredible outcome.”

Keileigh adds: “I took charge of setting up the background and lighting, ensuring that everything was perfectly positioned.” However, the real challenge came post-shoot, when editing to Hazel’s ‘high standards’. Keileigh explains: “With only amateur level experience in Photoshop and other advanced editing software, I immersed myself in learning: watching countless tutorials to refine my skills. After several rounds of edits, the outcome was worth it – and it was an incredibly valuable opportunity for me to grow my editing skills.”

“Keileigh was essential to the creative process, offering ideas that helped shape the incredible outcome.”

SETTING BOUNDARIES

Charli Jepson & Adonia West

“As I’m Glitterbels’ head of education, and we’re part of a team of educators, our roles as mum and daughter have had to naturally shift,” Charli shares. She assures that she doesn’t hold back when giving Adonia constructive feedback, which is appreciated. “I respect my mum’s leadership and recognise that she’s in charge,” Adonia shares. “This allows us to thrive as members of a team, making collaborations at events rewarding and a testament to the incredible partnership we’ve built over the years.” However, Charli believes in leaving work at work, explaining: “At home, I’m just Adonia’s mum: we relax, watch films and enjoy our time together.”

Belinda Price, Lucy Price-Marshall & Jessica Price

The trio notes the challenge of keeping work discussions from spilling over into home life. Lucy shares how they maintain a work-home boundary: “If someone doesn’t want to talk about the salon or nails, this is communicated and the conversation is changed.” As for in-salon dynamics, Lucy adds that she and Jessica call Belinda by her first name to ‘maintain a professional environment’.

Ria-Jaine Lincoln, Linda Sarrington & Jayd’n Sarrington

Reflecting on her business relationship with her mum, Ria-Jaine comments: “I am conscious not to raise work topics out of hours, however we are both so invested in the business that we always have something to discuss or celebrate.”

Ria-Jaine and Jayd’n at the Salon Beauty 2024 exhibition in October 2024.

When asked about her work-life balance with her son, Ria-Jaine adds: “We don’t talk about work outside of the business environment. I’m strict about this, as I don’t want to inflict unnecessary stress on Jayd’n at his young age.”

Lezlie McConnell & Lexy McLellan

“My mum is a great boss: she sets very high standards and expects greatness back, which can be challenging at times, but extremely rewarding,” shares Lexy. “At work, I’m not her daughter; I’m her employee. She expects me to do my job – and do it well. I couldn’t even step foot into the Light Elegance HQ until I had a college degree!” She continues: “I am thankful that my mum didn’t give me a free pass. She knew one day I would run the company, and wanted me to have all the tools I needed and earn respect from my team.

“My mum is kind and compassionate, but also extremely strong and determined, which is the perfect balance for a boss and mother. She is my mentor, and if I can be half the woman she is one day, I’ll count myself lucky.”

MAKING MEMORIES

We asked: what has been your most memorable moment working together?

Belinda Price, Lucy Price-Marshall & Jessica Price

“I always laugh when people don’t realise we are family at first, but do a double take when they notice the strong resemblance in our looks,” smiles Belinda. She recalls a time when a man told her to ‘stop copying and pasting her face’ while out with friends and family: “That still makes us chuckle from time to time!”

Lezlie McConnell & Lexy McLellan

“When I was around 10 years old, I overheard my mum talking about terminating the employment of a staff member,” Lexy recalls. “The next day, I went into work with her and decided I was going to help, so strode up to the nail technician who was set to be fired and said: ‘My mum’s going to fire you today!’. I quickly walked away. Luckily, my mum and I can laugh about it now.”

Lezlie shares a different highlight: “I had been on sick leave for a week, and received a text from Lexy saying: ‘Ma, I miss you – but look, you are here with me!’. She had printed out a photo of me and put it up in her office! It made me laugh and warmed my heart.”

Charli Jepson & Adonia West

“One of my favourite moments is when people approach Adonia, mistaking her for me, and ask for a selfie,” giggles Charli. “We look so much alike that it always makes me laugh and feel young for a moment – although she probably feels the opposite!”