TECHTALK

PRICE Power

Scratch reflects on the success story of esteemed educator & business owner, Belinda Price, following her Scratch Stars Services to the Nail Industry award win ALEX FOX REPORTS

Working as part of the OPI nail team.

With a career spanning more than three decades, Belinda Price stands as a true pillar of the nail industry: a valued educator, mentor, salon owner, innovator and advocate for all. Her recent recognition with the prestigious Scratch Stars Services to the Nail Industry award is a well-deserved tribute to her unwavering commitment to uplifting others, pushing boundaries and nurturing talent at every level.

In the last year alone, Belinda has launched an independent training programme and blog, collaborated with industry figures such as Katie Barnes on tools and education, and played a vital role in OPI’s Train the Trainer programme. She has inspired the next generation through college education days, mentored countless competitors to podium finishes and continued to give her time, expertise and energy to elevate the industry.

Her influence touches everything: from grassroots education to elite competition coaching. Recent highlights include: support for The King’s Trust; a 2024 Scratch Stars Award for her salon – Nailspa in Huddersfield, and her ongoing championing of inclusivity, safety and professional excellence.

The Scratch Stars Award that acknowledges Belinda’s multi-faceted and accomplished career to date, was bestowed as Belinda stepped down as OPI’s UK&I education & capability manager. However, on deeper investigation, this career move is not an industry exit, but a twist in her nail story. Belinda relays: “I’ve enjoyed a few months away from what was once a fast-paced, travel-heavy corporate life. Stepping back has given me the space to reconnect with salon clients and the Nailspa team. I now work one day per week and am loving being hands-on again. I’ve also started blogging: something I never quite had the freedom to do before, and it’s been a refreshing new outlet.

“I’ve already begun consultancy work for some nail brands and plan to do more, alongside continuing to offer education,” Belinda continues. “This will include class dates and one-to-one sessions for those interested. There are a few business ventures beginning to take shape behind the scenes; some are a little different and quite creative, although it’s early days to reveal more. I’ll also be supporting techs with competition coaching and awards mentoring.”

Judging for the Scratch Stars Awards in 2024.

Representing OPI at a beauty trade show.

Receiving a prize at a nail competition.

With members of the OPI team.

When asked about advisory and consultancy roles, Belinda is quick to respond: “I’m excited about the opportunities already coming my way. After years being employed by one brand, I’m enjoying working with others and building passion projects alongside future business plans.”

The journey into nails

So, where and how did it all begin? With a passion for nails that started long before she entered the industry professionally, Belinda, a creative teenager, would experiment with nail art using a cocktail stick and nail lacquer, showing clear signs of the innovation and curiosity that would later sculpt and define her career. However, it wasn’t until one of her early jobs tha t fate truly intervened. “I met a nail technician, and back then, they were like unicorns,” Belinda laughs. “Once she started doing my nails,

“The nail community is at the very centre of my universe. I learn from its members, and I hope they can learn from me, too.”

I wasn’t just fascinated – I was hooked!” That fascination turned into a fully-fledged career: one that wouldsee Belinda take on influential roles in education and leadership.

The talented pro joined OPI as a freelance educator between 2006 and 2010. After a break, she returned in 2017 and remained with the brand until 2025, steadily rising to the position of education & capability manager for the UK & Ireland. “Not only do I love educating, but I enjoy leading a great team and was fortunate to do both and learn a lot while working with OPI,” she shares.

Demo’ing for Palms Extra at a trade show.

As every businessperson, employee, educator and entrepreneur knows, the road to public speaking can be riddled with fear, doubt and worry. When quizzed on her most memorable career moments, Belinda explains: “There have been a few I can reflect on, such as when I was asked to embrace public speaking. It was terrifying! To accomplish it was a personal milestone. I’m also proud of the teams I have been part of and the success of my students. Every time one of them wins a trophy or achieves a goal, I cheer loudly from the sidelines. Watching their careers soar is extremely exciting and rewarding. There have been moments along the way where I’ve spotted incredible talent, and with a little encouragement, students have gone on to do great things. Those people make my heart sing and my career worthwhile! Of course, as a mother and a mentor, it’s always special to watch my daughters and the salon be recognised and win awards.”

Behind every great nail professional stands a great mentor and many great educators, artists and nail friends, and in Belinda’s case this has been a blend of many. “I’m not always inspired by typical industry icons,” she explains. “More often, it’s the people I meet along the way. Whether during a sales visit or training session at a salon, I’m constantly amazed by talent, thriving businesses and incredible retail skills.

“From a technical perspective, a turning point for me came around 2008 when the late Joseph Pham ‘woke me up’. I’d been in a bit of a rut and hadn’t learned anything new or exciting in a long time. He truly reignited my passion and pushed me to challenge myself, which is something I’m forever grateful for. I’m also constantly inspired by the educators I’ve worked with and the salon teams I’ve managed. This industry is full of remarkable people with powerful stories. Getting to know them is humbling in itself, but to see their technical brilliance and business acumen on top of that? It’s incredibly inspiring and has shaped the way I see my work and life.”

Judging technical categories for the Scratch Stars Awards 2024.

With Scratch’s Rebecca and Helena at an OPI X Wicked press event.

When it comes to the recipe for educator success, Belinda comments: “A friend of mine says, ‘You have two ears and one mouth for a reason, so listen twice as hard as you speak’. When we sit at the nail desk performing consultations, we listen to our client to understand their expectations and what they seek from us. A student deserves the same. Listen to them and make sure they get what they need out of the class. Speak slowly and clearly, be confident in your knowledge base and be prepared. Communicate with your students before, during and after training, then wear your brand and educator status like a badge of honour on your sleeve.”

The power of lifelong learning

Among the many accolades Belinda Price has earned throughout her remarkable career, one stands out as especially meaningful: winning the Scratch Stars Educator of the Year award in 2014. “This may still be my favourite trophy moment,” Belinda reflects. “At the time, I was working with Palms Extra, the distributor of the Nubar nail brand, and the team was so supportive. I was immersed in teaching, running seminars, encouraging techs to compete and even trying to start an industry association with peers. To have all of that recognised with a Scratch Star felt like I’d really earned it.”

Working on the Federation of Nail Professionals (FNP) stand at a trade show. Performing a natural nail treatment.

Belinda’s devotion to education has never wavered. While working as education & capability manager at OPI UK&I, she thrived in a role that allowed her to blend leadership with hands-on impact. She was responsible for the design and delivery of education programmes, managing a large team of educators, onboarding both full-time and freelance talent and coordinating training initiatives, like Train the Trainer. Working closely with educator teams, Belinda has a particular fondness for this side of her career, noting: “I really enjoyed the lightbulb moments and watching the educators grow and succeed. There are nail pros I’ve known, competed with, worked alongside and trained for over 20 years. Catching up with them to hear how things I’ve taught them are still relevant, and have positively affected their businesses and lives, is what education is all about.

“Education is key to everyone’s success and continual learning is something we should never close our eyes to.”

Winning the Scratch Stars Educator of the Year award in 2014.

“Within the Train the Trainer programme, I taught educators specific techniques or imparted particular areas of my knowledge. Even now, I hear and see things industry-wide that I have influenced, as the educators pass these learnings on to their students,” Belinda continues. “Now, I would like to see more brands committing to employing educators, and giving them the step up they need – with the regular income so many deserve and crave.”

In a nail world that is expanding and evolving at a rapid rate, it can be quite difficult to navigate emerging trends, fads and product launches. Belinda highlights her strategies for staying at the forefront of industry evolution, citing: “A lot of keeping up is about connection and community. Network, even on social media, read anything and everything, and join global calls. It really does help, as does an innovative mindset, which comes from future planning, being involved in what’s next and how that will develop.”

With daughters & fellow nail techs, Lucy and Jessica.

Receiving the Scratch Stars Services to the Nail Industry award in July 2025, sponsored by Sweet Squared.

“Become as qualified as you possibly can, set the bar high and be a role model the industry needs.”

Belinda has played a key role in product testing and development, while curating digital communities to support learning and collaboration. However, nothing for her compares to the connections with learners. “The best parts of the job are customer-facing events,” she says. “It’s where you can build, develop and educate a community.”

Her philosophy is clear: education is not a luxury – it’s a necessity. Belinda believes that access to learning should be built into the business model for any brand serious about supporting nail professionals. “Education is key to everyone’s success and continual learning is something we should never close our eyes to,” she shares. “I believe in free education over product discounts every time. Alternatively, these should be built into the opening package. If you want someone to buy your product, educate them.”

She also highlights the financial and time commitments that professionals face: “For large salons or spas, pulling therapists off the floor to train costs thousands. And for independent techs, the costs and isolation are real barriers. They often have no one to bounce ideas off, so education and networking events are vital. Brands need to understand that giving up time at the nail desk is already a big investment, and travel and course costs only add to that.”

Belinda’s dedication to breaking down these barriers and championing accessible, meaningful education continues to define her contribution to the industry – and it’s a legacy still growing.

Banishing myths

Belinda is deeply passionate about accurate education and the responsibility that comes with sharing knowledge, especially in an age when misinformation can spread so quickly. Her focus on responsible learning and sharing extends to her extensive online community engagement. Despite regularly leading Facebook Live sessions and online events, she’s clear about her role, commenting: “I’m not an influencer and have no intention of being one, but I do want people to know that I’m here if they need help, and I’ll always support them where I can. The nail community is at the very centre of my universe. I learn from its members, and I hope they can learn from me, too.

On stage with the Nailspa team at The Scratch Stars Party 2024 to collect the trophy for

Nail & Beauty Salon of the Year.

That mission has clearly resonated. “Since winning the Services to the Nail Industry award, so many people have told me I made a difference to their progress. Even my chiropractor told me he still uses a business tip I gave him years ago!” she laughs. “Maybe mylegacy extends beyond nails.”

For those hoping to follow in her footsteps, Belinda’s advice is clear: “Become as qualified as you possibly can, set the bar high and be a role model the industry needs.” As for what comes next, her sights are set on a balance of family and meaningful work. “Heading into 2026, I want my family to be healthy and ready for a mix of fun, business and time together,” she shares.

“I was deeply honoured to be presented with the Scratch Stars Services to the Nail Industry award at The Scratch Stars Party in July,” Belinda shares. “I’ve always tried to do my job well, stay committed and help where I can, but the messages I’ve received since the win have helped me realise I’ve gone above and beyond for many people – and that means a lot.”

Her influence is undeniable, not just through decades of education and leadership, but through the quiet, consistent example she sets. “When I saw where the industry was heading a few years ago, I knew I had to take a stand,” Belinda reveals. “There were so many new techs coming through with limited training and no continued development. I wanted to change that. I wanted to educate.”

Still, her passion for education shows no sign of slowing. “I’m not quite at the stage of planning my ‘final’ masterclass,” she says. “However, I’d love to deliver something innovative that gets the industry buzzing. I enjoy teaching about costs, pricing and retail benefits, as well as simple yet popular sessions, like nail art for beginners. But give me a Train the Trainer session any day, as helping others grow their teaching skills never tires.”

In a world where trends evolve quickly and attention spans are short, Belinda Price continues to stand out for her integrity, generosity and unwavering belief in the power of education. She hasn’t just served the industry – she’s helped shape its future.

www.belindapricenailspa.co.uk @_belindaprice