10 mins
Inside look: The Nail Mansion 2025
Join LILLY DELMAGE at the first Nail Mansion event, hosted by acclaimed nail artist & brand owner, Kirsty Meakin
Nail industry powerhouse &
Scratch Stars Hall of Fame
star, Kirsty Meakin, is renowned for her unwavering commitment to educating, supporting and empowering nail pros, and her passions combined via recent venture, The Nail Mansion.
True to her reputation for never doing anything by halves, Kirsty spent two years planning the event: her most ambitious to date. Designed to unite nail professionals for a unique blend of expert education, fun and community bonding, Kirsty’s vision of a five-day experience for nail techs to ‘live, eat and breathe’ nails debuted on 11 May.
“I wanted to support nail techs in creating long-lasting friendships, as well as ignite their passion for the craft through education.” Kirsty shares. “It was important to me that I combined different facets of the nail industry; from the fundamentals of nail structure to quick yet effective nail art, marketing, social media content and extreme nail art. This allowed attendees to challenge their creative minds.”
Kirsty Meakin
The Nail Mansion was marketed as ‘nail training meets a hen party’ and proved to be a perfect match made in Macclesfield, in the heart of the Peak District. A grand, Grade II listed property, originally part of Crag Hall, was an idyllic setting for the event. It was built in 1815, renovated in 2024 and comfortably accommodated 26 attendees and four on-site staff members.
“To plan the project thoroughly, we visited the venue in advance,” Kirsty explains. “While touring the property, we entered the main lounge and noticed a large duck ornament, and immediately knew it was the perfect location!” Ducks have become an iconic symbol for Kirsty’s online community, who call themselves the ‘ducklings’, with Kirsty as the ‘mother duck’ – a coincidence she felt was a sign to secure the venue.
Kirsty surprising the group with an inflatable duck mascot.
American attendee, Amy Theunissen of @acdchase, brought cowboy duck mascots to sit on each attendee’s workspace.
With nail pros travelling from the UK, America, Canada and Australia for this highly anticipated event, the strength of Kirsty’s online community is undeniable – drawing ‘ducklings’ from all corners of the world. This loyalty is credited not only to her exceptional skill and knowledge, but to her larger-than-life personality, ongoing support and infectious optimism: qualities attendees say have helped establish her as an industry icon, role model and mentor.
STYLING FOR A PRIZE
Melanie Garlick
Hair and beauty booking app and The Nail Mansion platinum sponsor, Booksy, launched a nail art competition to win the final ticket to The Nail Mansion – a coveted prize scooped by Melanie Garlick of Haus of Cruelty Free Clawz, North Lincolnshire. She explains the inspiration behind her submission: “Kirsty had shared some photos of the mansion prior to the event, so I decided to recreate it as a 3D sculpture on a nail. I spent eight hours on my entry, making individual panels for each side of the mansion. I then constructed them on the nail, adding the stone wall and foliage details – and it even lights up!”
Members of the Kirsty Meakin team (L-R): Vanessa Dale, Kirsty Meakin, Scarlett Senter and Fay Bailey.
DAY 1
In true hen party style, the techs were greeted with a Champagne and charcuterie board reception, and given name badges and a brochure on arrival. Kirsty shares: “We gathered in the main living room where attendees were introduced to the staff: Vanessa Dale, Scarlett Senter, Fay Bailey and Jake and Adam Wilde, and I gave an overview of what to expect. They were then shown to their rooms, where they found gifts from sponsors waiting for them.” These sponsors included Scratch magazine, Booksy, Kirsty Meakin Nail Products, Andreia Professional, The Beauty Accountant and more.
Scan to watch a behind-the-scenes video of day one on the @kirsty_meakin_nail_mansion
Instagram
account.
Kirsty welcoming guests to The Nail Mansion.
The mansion’s indoor dining area turned ‘nail classroom’.
DAY 2
The Nail Mansion’s founder kicked off the event’s impressive roster of masterclasses. Kirsty’s ‘Back to Basics’ class set the tone for the week ahead, helping pros master the fundamentals of nail structure, product application and European nail design.
It was a valuable opportunity for techs to branch out from their usual craft and experiment with systems beyond their comfort zones. Attendee, Melanie Garlick, shares her experience: “The popularity of builder gel has meant that L&P acrylic has become a service I rarely get to offer, so using it again was nerve-wracking. The educators helped me understand which technical areas to practice, and I am now considering further education to help develop my L&P abilities.”
Sarah Lynch
After a feast of Caribbean cuisine courtesy of private chef, Mr Bigz, the group settled outside by the firepit for the evening’s activity: a full moon ritual and tarot card reading, led by gel tech, Sarah Lynch of Luna Nail & Beauty Services, Leeds.
“Everyone enjoyed shuffling through the moon cards and were shocked at the relevancy of the cards they pulled,” shares Sarah. Attendees were then invited to write down something they wanted to let go of, fold the piece of paper away from themselves and throw it in the fire. Noting the responses to the experience, Sarah reveals: “Some people shed happy tears, finding it relieving to release things that had been holding them back.
“It was the perfect activity to help everyone bond, and was something many hadn’t tried before. It was also a talking point for the rest of the week.”
Attendees participating in the full moon ritual.
DAY 3
Hirsch with
Scratch’s
Lilly.
Tuesday presented highly anticipated masterclass: Hirsch Hunty’s Salon Nail Art. Nail artist & top 10 finalist in North America’s Star Nail Artist 2025, Hirsch Hunty, flew from North Carolina to teach quick, effective nail art techniques to elevate salon offerings. During the session, Hirsch demonstrated a variety of skills including aura effects, blooming gel, fine line detailing, pigment designs and 3D flowers. Attendees then tried their hand at the skills, with the pro offering advice as he oversaw their attempts.
Coral Dunlop
Beyond his wealth of technical knowledge and skill, Hirsch’s enthusiasm and encouragement helped attendees feel confident in stepping out of their creative comfort zones. This is a sentiment shared by Coral Dunlop of Armour Beauty Ltd, Essex, who commented: “I followed Hirsch on Instagram before the retreat, and he’s just as vibrant and inspiring in real life. He started teaching us early in the morning up until nearly seven o’clock in the evening, and I could’ve continued for hours more. His energy was incredibly inspiring and uplifting, and the skills I learned are invaluable.”
Attendee, Coral Dunlop, with Kirsty & Hirsch.
The mansion then opened its gates to a stone-baked pizza van, providing the evening’s food fuel, before attendees took full advantage of the venue’s offerings. “We had the option of a movie night, but everyone wanted to take a dip in the pool and hot tub – so that’s what we did!” explains Kirsty.
Hirsch demonstrating the isolated chrome technique.
Horley-based nail artist, Michelle Juniper’s nail creations from Hirsch’s masterclass.
DAY 4
Zoya Mac teaching a content creation masterclass.
On day four, the creatives set aside their brushes and tools and picked up their phones. The day was packed with marketing tips, software guidance and strategies for creating scroll-stopping social media posts, courtesy of nail brand content creator, Zoya Mac.
Zoya and Lilly.
Some attendees found this masterclass ‘out of their comfort zone’ – but were grateful for it, as it addressed an area they felt needed improvement in their businesses. “Social media is a powerful tool that everybody needs to know how to use,” shares Kirsty. “To support nail pros in this area, we arranged for Zoya to demonstrate how to record and edit Instagram reels, take beautiful photos and share what works – and what doesn’t – when it comes to social media in the nail industry.”
The Booksy Pool Party and branded floaties.
After a visit from the Get Bun’d gourmet burger truck, attendees swapped screens for swimming costumes and headed to the mansion’s indoor pool for the Booksy Pool Party. Floaties and music truly captured the essence of a hen party.
DAY 5
This day focused on extreme nail styling, with multi award-winning nail artist & educator, Scarlett Senter, stepping up to host an Xtreme Quartz masterclass. The Kirsty Meakin brand ambassador delivered a step-by-step demonstration on how to incorporate quartz techniques into designs, along with tips on crystal placement.
Scarlett Senter demonstrating quartz techniques.
Following five thrilling but hard-working days, it was time to celebrate at the awards party. Kirsty shares: “After each masterclass, attendees received a medal, and during the awards ceremony we presented each with a plaque. I wanted to provide something they could take home as a keepsake and remind them of their successes.”
An extreme nail design by attendee & Scarborough home salon owner, Laura England.
Michelle Juniper winning Kirsty’s
Top Nail Tech
award.
It was then party time – and what’s a party without cake? “My incredibly talented cousin and luxury cake maker, Jo Upton of @jos_cake_studio, created an exact replica of the Kirsty Meakin Gel Polish bottle – but as a cake!” shares Kirsty. “The cake had a lid that came off to reveal red ‘gel polish’ inside.”
Scan for a behind-the-scenes video of Jo Upton creating the cake.
The Kirsty Meakin Gel Polish bottle-inspired cake.
DAY 6
The final day featured the Kirsty Meakin Challenge, where the nail pros were tasked with creating a design on a phone pop socket. “Each attendee was given a plain pop socket on which to work, and I demonstrated how to create water-effect waves and other sea-inspired elements,” explains Kirsty. “Techs could then create their own interpretation of my design, and there was a prize for the best one.”
Laura England’s, pop socket competition entry.
Not only did this challenge provide an outlet to put the skills they had learned throughout the week to the test, but it offered invaluable competition experience.
“I have always been too afraid to enter in-person competitions, but this element gave us a taste of what it’s like to compete,” shares Melanie Garlick. “It helped boost my confidence and I am considering competing in the future.”
Kirsty’s finished pop socket.
Kirsty getting a tattoo.
While completing the challenge, a tattooist offered attendees the chance to get a matching duck tattoo with Kirsty. They then received their fifth and final medal, completing their plaques, before it was time to head home. “It was an emotional farewell, with both staff and attendees shedding tears of joy and wanting the experience to continue,” reminisces Kirsty.
Decompression sessions
It was important to Kirsty that attendees had moments to unwind after intense training days, to prevent overwhelm. Most masterclasses were followed by a ‘decompression session’, led by attendee, Coral Dunlop.
“The idea behind the sessions was simple: to offer a space where people could stop, breathe and reset,” shares Coral. “They weren’t mandatory – but were offered for anyone who wanted to join. I wanted to make sure I taught tools that can be used again after the retreat, when life gets hectic.”
She continues: “The sessions were grounded in breathwork, body awareness and mindful rest, giving permission to pause. The feedback was amazing, and after the first one, so many people told me how rested they felt. The next day, they even reported that they hadn’t slept that well in years.”
“Running a busy salon can be repetitive, but stepping away and being around inspiring educators and fellow nail enthusiasts helped me overcome burnout and reignite my creativity. I’ve not only improved my nail skills, but gained confidence.”
Reflections & reviews
“The Nail Mansion exceeded my expectations,” shares Kirsty. “This is the first event of its kind, and while it was stressful to organise, the feedback has made it worthwhile. The friendships that have been made are life-changing, and the attendees have a new drive and passion for their careers.”
She continues: “We have since seen some of them take the next steps in their careers that they have been too afraid to take for some time. It is a beautiful thing to see and be a part of.”
This is just the start of Kirsty’s plans for the event, as she reveals that The Nail Mansion UK will become an annual occurrence – with a 2026 iteration already in the works. However, she shares another exciting announcement: “The Nail Mansion is going to America – we’re international baby! This is going to be another challenge, but we’re excited for it, and I can’t wait to see its growth.”
If you’re interested in attending The Nail Mansion US or The Nail Mansion UK 2026, email nails@kirstymeakin.com to be added to the mailing list and be the first to hear when booking opens.
www.kirstymeakin.com
@kirsty_meakin_nail_mansion