Meet Molly-Mae’s manicurist

LILLY DELMAGE chats to nail artist & educator, Corrine Jackson, about her career journey & work with high-profile clients

Molly-Mae’s micro-French tips.

Tell us about your journey into the nail industry.

I’ve always had a passion for for nails. At 16 years old, I set up a savings account for a nail course and visited the bank every payday until I could afford to book training with NSI Nails in 2003. This was when my dream of being a nail tech started to become a reality.

What was your next step after qualifying?

I practiced on family and friends, however before I had a chance to grow my nail business, I learned I was pregnant. I was 18, and it was unexpected, but it didn’t set me back or diminish my passion. In fact, it fuelled me to succeed, as I had a child to provide for.

I returned to work soon after becoming a mum, initially working from home to balance motherhood with my career, before working in sunbed shops and hair salons to build my client base. In 2006, I began offering mobile services, and a year later, I opened my first salon, which I ran for 13 years. In 2021, I became an educator and opened Nail It Academy. I also launched an online store, where fellow nail techs can purchase Nail It E-files and tools.

Corrine with Molly-Mae at the influencer’s baby shower in 2022.

What’s your favourite thing about being a nail tech?

The opportunities are endless. My career has opened so many doors, and I love the relationships I’ve built with my clients. Nail tekking doesn’t feel like work; it’s like having a brew and chat with friends while doing their nails, and getting paid for the privilege! The flexible working hours allow me to work around my family, which is a bonus.

How did you come to work with influencer & entrepreneur, Molly-Mae Hague?

I started doing her nails after the first lockdown. My husband, a builder, was working at the house owned by Molly-Mae’s manager, Francesca Britton, and mentioned my job. At the time, salons were closed due to the pandemic, so as soon as we were allowed to work again, Fran booked a nail appointment with me. She loved the finish and asked if I could tend to Molly-Mae’s nails.

This was a ‘pinch me’ moment, and felt so surreal that I didn’t believe it would happen, but it did – and Molly-Mae has been a regular client for five years. She and Fran have become close friends, and I’m so grateful for the support they’ve given me. They are amazing, kind people.

Has this experience opened opportunities for you?

It’s been like a domino effect. I started gaining high-profile clients, which led to even more exciting opportunities. I’ve been approached by several brands for collaborations, including LOL Dolls, which was fun because I was able to create content with my niece.

I’ve also been working closely with nail brand, Glossify, which has provided me with amazing experiences, such as attending Fashion Weeks and offering manicures at Vogue HQ.

Corrine at Glossify HQ.

Instagram.com/nail_it_with_corrine

Nails by Corrine for the Zuhair Murad AW25 show at Paris Fashion Week.

Instagram.com/nail_it_with_corrine

What’s Molly-Mae’s go-to nail style?

Molly-Mae likes to switch it up when it comes to her nail finish, but she always chooses L&P enhancements. Her two favourite looks are:

Long, almond-shaped ombré nails.

Molly-Mae sported an almond style for the 2025 BAFTAs.

A short mani with a ‘clean girl’, aesthetic. She is drawn to soft pink shades, and occasionally a short French tip.

A maroon mani for Molly-Mae.

At a few appointments, Molly-Mae has surprised me by asking for a coloured nail finish, such a maroon overlay or matcha-coloured tips.

A short, square and subtle nail finish.

Corrine speaking on a panel at the Pastorelli Tools Elevate Event.

Corrine celebrating students who completed courses at Nail It Academy.

Corrine and Molly-Mae Hague at the PrettyLittleThing x Molly-Mae AW22 London Fashion Week show.

“It is important to be professional, build genuine relationships and create an environment in which clients feel comfortable and confident in your work.”

Working on Zuhair Murad models backstage.

Instagram.com/nail_it_with_corrine

What advice would you give to nail technicians wanting to work with high-profile clients?

Stay true to yourself and focus on learning new skills and forming a strong portfolio. It is important to be professional, build genuine relationships and create an environment in which clients feel comfortable and confident in your work. Networking is crucial, so connect with others in the industry and take every opportunity that comes your way. Most importantly, stay passionate about what you do, because that energy will shine through your work.

How did you become an educator?

When working at previous salons, I was always sharing tips and techniques with staff members and enjoyed chatting about new developments. I was encouraged to explore teaching, but didn’t feel confident enough until just before lockdown, when a friend, who ran a brow academy, asked me to step in as an assistant. I loved the experience and found it incredibly rewarding. It made me realise that if I could teach brows, I could venture into educating nail enthusiasts.

When lockdown hit, I decided to close my salon and dedicate the time to training to become an educator and writing course manuals. Four years later, my business is very successful, and I now offer in-person and online courses.

What’s your favourite aspect of teaching?

It has to be how rewarding it is to see my students produce a beautiful manicure. The feedback from them makes me so proud, and I llove helping others and sharing my knowledge.

What are your goals and hopes for the future?

I want to continue growing my skills, both as a nail tech and educator. Inspiring and mentoring others makes me happy, so expanding Nail It Academy and offering more courses are big focuses. I’m also excited to continue collaborating with brands and taking on new creative projects. There’s always room for growth in this industry, and I’m eager to be a part of that. I’ve got some exciting things coming up that will continue to push me to elevate my craft and business.

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