5 mins
Crafting with Coral: Nails & networking
Scratch puts the spotlight on Coral Kendall: a vegan tech, champion of inclusivity & co-organiser of nail community events
WHO – Coral Kendall (she/they)
WHAT – Vegan nail artist, salon owner & founding member of the Nails From South Wales networking group.
WHERE – Cardiff, Wales
WHY – A nail professional specialising in vegan-friendly treatments, seeking to provide inclusive and supportive spaces for like-minded nail technicians.
About Coral
“I’ve always loved creating my own nail looks. When I was 16, I used to paint my nails while on the bus to college, and carried products in my bag for colour touch-ups,” shares Coral. It was during her final year at university, however, when she decided to turn her passion into a career. “I completed my gel polish training with Kelly Ashby Training Academy in 2019, and have since attained qualifications in builder gel and full cover extensions with Home Of Nail Art (HONA), and E-file techniques with Louisa of That’s Handy.”
Vegan-friendly studio
Coral has been a vegan for over seven years, so was intent on creating a vegan-friendly nail space when she qualified. “Veganism isn’t just about food eaten; it’s a lifestyle focused on reducing harm to animals,” she shares. “I incorporate this principle in every part of my life, including the running of my business.” Coral shares that 75% of her clients choose her services due to their vegan-friendly status, commenting: “Clients often make remarks about how relieved they are to visit a tech who shares their ethos. I love being able to discuss something I’m so passionate about with like-minded people.” The tech predominately uses HONA products, and explains why: “I was looking for a brand that was both vegan and didn’t contain IBOA, as I have an allergy to this monomer. I also love being able to support a local business, as the brand is based in Newport and my studio is a short distance away, in Cardiff.”
Coral showing HONA Gel Polish in Yeehaw.
Coral’s career highlights
Coral’s greatest achievement to date is opening her studio. She comments: “Having worked in a range of salons, both employed and for myself, it felt like a dream come true when I opened the doors to my own space.” She is also proud of her efforts to foster and promote inclusivity, via events and as a founding member of the Nails From South Wales community. “I spoke on a panel about inclusivity and diversity at HONA’s Rodeo Nights event. As a queer person, it meant so much to me to talk about these topics and how they impact the nail industry,” Coral continues. “I really enjoyed discussing my passions, and I hope to embrace similar opportunities in the future.”
The HONA Rodeo Nights event, at which Coral was a guest speaker.
Studio spotlight
Coral’s nail space is located in Cardiff City Centre. “It’s a private studio, so I have full control over everything: from the way it looks to the music that plays,” she smiles. Adorned with plants and trinkets, the walls are decorated with artwork sourced from queer and local artists. “Clients often comment on how the space makes them feel comfortable and relaxed, which is exactly the vibe I sought to create,” Coral continues. The nail pro’s accolades hang in frames alongside the artwork, serving as a daily reminder of her successes. She explains: “I display my certificates and qualifications alongside magazines and flyers from brands I’ve worked with. I love having a space that represents me as a person, and really enjoy going into work!”
Hall of favourites
“I love intricate nail styles – especially looks inspired by nature or literature. Fairy-themed nail designs are always fun to create!”
Follow Coral:
Oh Lush Nails
/ohlushnails @ohlushnails
Nails From South Wales
Nails From South Wales was created in January 2024, after fellow Cardiff nail tech, Abbi of @n.a.b.a_nailz,wanted to organise a meet-up for local techs. “When the idea gained a lot of interest, I offered to help her make it a reality,” Coral shares. “Our first event took place three months later, and was attended by 30 nail techs. We then organised events almost every month, and I took the lead on the project.” Coral continues: “We’ve since been joined by Carys (@munro.nails),who I had previously worked with and had numerous exciting ideas. Louisa (@thats.handy),completes the line-up, bringing extensive insights into the nail industry.”
Community goals
“The focuses of Nails From South Wales are to promote inclusivity and celebrate the region’s nail tech community,” Coral reveals. “Some nail events can be costly or require attendees to have a large social media following, which can prevent techs from forming industry connections. That’s why our events are open to everyone, and we aim to keep keep costs low. “We’re also committed to making our events inclusive for anyone who might not feel like they fit the typical ‘nail tech’ stereotype, whether due to age, gender or another factor. We want everyone to feel welcome and included!”
Offerings
Nail techs can connect and learn from each other at Nails From South Wales events. “In an industry where so many people work alone, I think it’s incredibly valuable to have a space to meet other pros and build a supportive network,” Coral continues. “The events we host range from industry-focused classes, such as nail art or hand massages, to craft workshops, like mirror painting, as well as evening parties and brunches – so there is an event for everyone! We also have a thriving WhatsApp group that serves as a hub for 24/7 connection.”
@nailsfromsouthwales
Event attendee testimonials
Lydia @nails.with.lydia
“Nails From South Wales is more than just a gathering of talented nail techs: it’s a celebration of creativity, connection and passion. Coral pours her heart and soul into every detail, and it shows. The events are inspiring, filled with shared ideas, incredible artistry and the chance to meet like-minded people. They leave you feeling motivated, appreciated and part of a wonderful community.”
Joey @joeydoesnails_
“The events are incredible and have allowed techs to join an immensely supportive, accepting and uplifting group of individuals that share a passion for tiny pieces of art.”
A TIMELINE OF EVENTS
In 2024, Nails From South Wales hosted five meetups:
1. A Penarth-based gathering, where food was enjoyed and guests participated in arts and crafts.
2. A ‘sip and paint’ event in Caerphilly, where attendees created artwork for their nail spaces, and HONA representatives answered questions about the brand.
3. The May event involved a walk around a park in Cardiff and ice cream at a café.
4. Nathan Taylor of Buff Bar Bristol hosted a 3D nail art workshop.
The Nails From South Wales members at its Summer Soirée, captured by @aerinhope_content.
5. A Summer Soirée in Cardiff saw drag artist, Justin Drag, take to the stage for a performance, while Sarah from The Glitter Artzy decorated the faces of attendees with paint and glitter. This event celebrated the Nails From South Wales community and achievements of techs.
“My favourite event to date is the first one we held, as it marked the start of something special. I met so many techs who I now consider close friends.”