INDUSTRY INITIATIVE

Calendar Creatives

Get to know The Naked Nailists: 12 techs from across the UK who have bravely bared all in aid of mental health charity, Mind

Twelve nail pros from across the UK have stripped off for a charity calendar shoot, to raise money for mental health charity, Mind . They’ve stepped outside their comfort zones, roped friends and family members in to take their photos and shown their support for mental health awareness – all thanks to a conversation that happened at Danny Manchip’s nail desk.

The Exeter-based nail pro, who scooped the Scratch Stars Home Nail Salon of the Year title in 2022, reveals that it was a client who gave him the idea to create a charity calendar. “She told me that her husband, a fireman, created a naked calendar as a joke present for family and friends last Christmas,” Danny shares. “His fireman’s hat covered his modesty in each photo, and I thought a nail tech version would be fun. I was open to doing it, so knew that others in the nail community would be, too.”

The first step was to find 11 other pros who were willing to participate. “I contacted techs I’m closest to, and some swiftly declined,” Danny laughs. “Others thought my message was spam, and a few committed to the project straight away. I then reached out to members of the wider nail realm until every month of the calendar was assigned to a pro.”

Danny had initially planned to create the calendar for 2027, but excitement amongst the techs led them to taking photos in their nail spaces over the summer months, meaning Danny had the content to publish a 2026 calendar. “I created a group chat and the 12 of us discussed ideas,” Danny continues. “Some techs used props relevant to their month, while others posed with items from their nail desks. I wanted everyone involved to feel comfortable – and the photos are amazing!”

“I hope it keeps conversations about mental health flowing every month of the year.”

Why Mind ?

“I think we are all aware of the importance of mental health,” says Danny. “I deal with things that affect me by masking them with humour, but not everyone can do this – and shouldn’t have to. We need to make sure that people are talking about their challenges and being open about their feelings.

“As nail techs, we experience clients offloading issues at their appointments, and don’t want them to feel like they can’t. However, we often take on these stresses and need to recognise that our mental health can be impacted.”

Danny adds: “The reason I chose to launch a naked calendar is to showcase people being brave. It catches attention, and being in aid of Mind, can spark necessary conversations surrounding mental health. I believe this to be the first naked calendar in aid of Mind. I like to think outside of the box, and hope it raises funds for the charity and awareness of mental health issues.”

About Mind

Mind is a mental health charity in England and Wales that was founded in 1946 as the National Association for Mental Health. Its ethos is that no one should have to face a mental health problem alone, and it offers support and advice to those in need. The organisation works to raise public awareness and understanding of issues relating to mental health. Its team lobbies government and local authorities to push for better intiatives and respect for everyone experiencing mental health issues.

www.mind.org.uk

@mindcharity

Scan to watch Scratch’s interview with Danny Manchip about The Naked Nailists calendar.

Follow The Naked Nailists: @thenakednailists

JANUARY

NICOLE HOSKINS

Business name: NailsbyNic-H

Location: Bracknell, Berkshire

Participation: “When Danny contacted me about appearing in the calendar, I had no hesitation about taking part. I have mental health challenges, and was inspired to get involved by my husband, who had completed a charity event for Mind to mark Men’s Mental Health Day. Too many people suffer with their mental health in silence, so it felt right to help raise awareness of this and support the work of Mind.”

Photo: “I imagined a concept for my month early on, but it was challenging to translate the idea into a photo and took multiple attempts to capture. My husband helped, and we spent hours exploring angles and lighting in my home salon. I wanted to feature sparkles to represent the start of the new year – and nod to the techs that will still be finding glitter in their nail spaces after the Christmas rush!”

Feelings: “Danny has worked so hard on this project, and should be proud of the result. The Naked Nailists all look incredible in their photos and have been so supportive of one another. I hope the calendar inspires nail techs to open up about their own mental health challenges. We take on the worries and concerns of our clients, so it’s important to recognise when these may take their toll. I hope that a lot of money is raised for Mind from sales of the calendar, as the charity does incredible things for people from all walks of life.”

@nailsbynic_h

FEBRUARY

LEANNE GOLDER

Business name: Leanne Golder Nails

Location: Dunstable, Bedfordshire

Career background: “I am a full-time trainer and training coordinator for the NHS, but attained a nail qualification six years ago. I work as a nail technician on a part-time basis from a cabin in my garden.”

Participation: “I met Danny two years ago, when I was on a camping holiday near his home. I hadn’t had time to do my nails before the trip, so booked an appointment with him. When he contacted me to ask if I would like to take part in the calendar, I quickly said yes – and then panicked about it afterwards! Working for the NHS, I see firsthand how mental health issues can affect both the people suffering and those around them. Mind helps those in need, and it is important to me to support the charity.”

Photo: “The photo for February was taken early one Sunday morning. I wanted to create a saucy yet tasteful image, and did my hair and make-up before walking from my house to my garden nail cabin in a thin gown and red stiletto heels. It was very liberating! I taped couch roll to my windows so the neighbours couldn’t see anything, and instructed my family not to interrupt me. I wanted peace and quiet to get into the zone.” Feelings: “I was nervous to share my photo with Danny and the other nail techs taking part, but they have been so supportive. My family and friends think the calendar project is wonderful, and my husband has said I look amazing, so the shoot has given me a confidence boost. I can’t wait for the calendar to be printed and raise money for Mind, and hope the project gets the support and recognition it deserves.”

Leanne Golder Nails

@leanne_golder_nails

MARCH

DANNY MANCHIP

Business name: Beau’s Beauty Box

Location: Pinhoe, Exeter

Career background: “I qualified as a nail tech in 2018 with Magpie Beauty, while I was living in Plymouth. I’ve since moved to Exeter and have been running a home studio for the last six years. I was the first recipient of the Scratch Stars Home Nail Salon of the Year award, in 2022.”

Participation: “I started this project because mental health is important to everyone, and needs greater awareness and better funding to support those in need. I regularly support charitable causes, and will do pretty much anything to raise funds – including getting naked!”

Photo: “I had a concept for my photo, but it took some time to get the angles right. My fiancé, Steve, took the picture in my home studio, but it was a warm day in the summer and to say I was hot and bothered would be an understatement! I chose to keep my nails bare, just as I was.”

Feelings: “The experience was exhilarating and liberating, and I am so excited to see and hear peoples’ reactions when the calendar is sent out in December. I’ve felt pure admiration from friends for creating it, and my clients can’t wait to see the results. I hope it keeps conversations about mental health flowing every month of the year.”

Beau’s Beauty Box

@beausbeautybox

APRIL

BECKY MARLOW

Business name: Beauty Geek Location: Cannock, West Midlands

Career background: “After leaving a teaching role, I trained in beauty and worked on a self-employed basis, before opening my own salon. I’ve been doing nails for seven years.”

Participation: “I love the Calendar Girls film, which focuses on a group of ladies who pose nude for a calendar to fundraise for a hospital. So, I said yes to being part of Danny’s calendar project straight away. Mind supports those with mental health issues – which affect so many people, and while conversations surrounding mental health have come a long way, there is more to do.”

Photo: “It took a village to pull off my shoot! My husband was behind the lens, and two friends were on hand to blow dry my hair and adjust the props for modesty purposes. I loved the process: it was good fun and the finished photo was taken at my desk in the salon.”

Feelings: “My friends and family think I am brave for taking part, and love that the calendar is in aid of such a worthy charity. I am excited to see the fruits of Danny’s labour, and hope the calendar raises significant funds for Mind and awareness of mental health matters.”

@beauty_geek_76

MAY

EMILY WOODMAN

Business name: Pebble Beauty Location: Stafford, Staffordshire

Career background: “I have been working as a beauty therapist and nail technician for 11 years, and love making people feel good with a classic mani or nail art.”

Participation: “I was surprised when I read Danny’s message about taking part and thought he might have sent it to the wrong person, as the concept is out of my comfort zone! However, I said yes because I have struggled with my mental health and had a substantial amount of time off work because of it. Charities like Mind are invaluable.”

Photo: “I didn’t have the confidence to be too risqué with the photo, so tried a few props and poses until I was happy. The shoot itself was quite funny: my mum took the photos while I posed in my work cabin. I used flowers from the cabin as props, as May is a spring month, and I posed side-on, with a big smile. I wore Magpie Beauty Gel Colour in Coconut Cream on my nails, with a mix of two glitters on the ring fingers, which offered a sophisticated finish.”

Feelings: “Those I have told about the calendar are surprised I have taken part, as they wouldn’t have expected me to, but everyone has been so supportive because it is for a great cause. I hope the calendar opens up conversations about mental health and encourages those who are struggling to speak out.”

/pebblebeauty1

@pebble_beauty_

JUNE

JUNE GILBERT

Role: Nail artist & Magpie Beauty senior educator

Location: Liverpool, Merseyside

Career background: “I’ve been in the nail industry for over 30 years and work as a nail artist, senior educator for Magpie Beauty and creator of press-on nails. I am passionate about supporting fellow nail techs and helping others grow in confidence.”

Participation: “I’ve struggled with ADHD, anxiety and depression, so supporting Mind is meaningful. It aligns with what I try to encourage in the nail community: that looking after your own wellbeing is as important as looking after your clients’.”

Photo: “My ADHD meant that the planning stage was a bit chaotic. I had loads of ideas and had to narrow them down to something simple. I was inspired by the film, Calendar Girls, and wore a pink glazed French manicure for a timeless, clean and classic look. I wanted a nail style that looked elegant and would photograph beautifully, without detracting from the concept. I used nail lamps to cover my modesty, which was a cheeky and fun way to honour the job I love.”

Feelings: “Doing something bold for a good cause feels empowering. The personalities of The Naked Nailists shine through their photos, and I hope the calendar encourages more conversations about mental health in our industry. Danny has created an amazing project and if it helps people feel less alone in their struggles, it’s done its job.”

@junegilbertnailartist

@junegilbert_nailartist

JULY

SAMMIE WYNTER-HAMILTON

Business name: O’Beauty

Location: Paignton, Devon

Career background: “I trained in CND™ L&P acrylic services at the age of 16, before completing a Beauty Therapy course at college. I set up my own business and work as a self-employed beauty therapist and nail technician.”

Participation: “I have struggled with self-confidence, so contemplated taking part in the calendar project for some time before I threw caution to the wind and thought, ‘I’ll go for it!’”

Photo: “I applied fake tan and went into my home salon to shoot the photo for July. I attached my phone camera to a tripod, held up my nail swatches and set a timer to take the photo. On my nails, I wore Magpie Beauty Gel Colour in Dolly Mix with Chrome Dust in Pandora.”

Feelings: “The photo shoot was liberating and has boosted my confidence. I feel very proud to be part of the project, and my clients have loved hearing about it. Some have even surprised me by showing pictures of similar projects they have been involved in! I hope The Naked Nailists can get together – fully clothed – to celebrate the finished calendar, and I hope its production will generate awareness and funds for a charity that any of us may need at points in our lives.”

@_obeauty_

AUGUST

SAM DEVEREUX

Business name: Nails by Sam Location: Talgarth, Powys. Wales

Career background: “I was a travel agent for years, but left the role to look after my children. I then trained as a nail tech and started my own business so I could work around family life: initially on a mobile basis, before I opened a nail cabin in my garden after lockdown.”

Participation: “My daughter and I have both struggled with our mental health, and Mind provides much-needed services to those in need, so I was keen to contribute to a project that helps raise funds for the charity.”

Photo: “My cabin is overlooked by my neighbour, so I wore a dressing gown until it was time to take the photos, and closed the blinds. I had come back from Egypt shortly before the photo was taken, so the August photo concept was holiday season. My nails complemented this, as I used my favourite shade: Magpie Beauty Gel Colour in Tropical Hibiscus, with some animal print details.”

Feelings: “My daughters: Lucy, 12, and Kacey, 16, were both shocked when I told them about the project, but they are very proud – as are my clients. I hope the calendar raises lots of money for Mind, and awareness about mental health issues for both men and women.”

/fromtips2toesnailsbysam

@nailsbysamdev

SEPTEMBER

EMMA NEWCOMBE

Business name: Plush Beauty Box

Location: Exeter

Career background: “I attained an NVQ3 Beauty Therapy qualification from Exeter College in 2000, and have since trained with Magpie Beauty.”

Participation: “Danny and I do each other’s nails, and when he asked me to be in the calendar, I didn’t hesitate to accept. Since turning 40, I have been embracing new opportunities, so was excited to take part. Mental health is so important, and I support my clients with more than beauty treatments at the nail desk. ‘What’s said in the salon stays in the salon’ is proudly displayed via a sign on my shelf, and I love that my clients have a safe space to talk about what matters to them.”

Photo: “The calendar photo is raw: with no filters or editing. I shot it on a hot Saturday afternoon in July, dragging my teenage daughter to the salon while wearing a pair of leopard print heels and bright red lipstick. I created a sexy secretary-style pose by the nail desk, with colour swatch pops strategically placed. Danny had created a seashell-themed nail design for me a few days prior to the shoot, so this was showcased proudly.”

Feelings: “The shoot was a little nerve-wracking, but once I could see the vision taking hold, it was great fun. My clients, friends and family cannot believe I’ve been a part of it and think it’s amazing. The photos are under wraps – so they will need to donate to Mind to see them!”

/plushbeautybox

@plush.beauty.box

OCTOBER

JAMES REEVE-SHILLITO

Business name: Nail in the Coffin

Location: Peterborough

Career background: “I have been immersed in the nail industry for around five years: starting my journey from home, before moving to a private studio in Peterborough city centre. From there, I offer alternative nail art.”

Participation: “I was excited yet nervous when Danny messaged me about posing for the calendar. This project is a fun way to raise awareness of mental health matters: particularly for those in the nail community who work alone, as it can be very isolating.”

Photo: “My brand is very fitting for the dark, alternative vibes of October, so I was happy to create a photo for this month. After making sure key areas were covered, I got into the swing of things and am very happy with the result. The photo was taken at my studio, and my nails were naked – which fits the calendar theme!”

Feelings: “My clients have been so supportive and I’m excited to see the photo in print. It would be great to produce a calendar every year.”

@nailinthecoffin_nailsbyjames

NOVEMBER

CAROLINE DOVEY

Business name: Queen Bea - Nails by Caz. Location: Canvey Island, Essex

Career background: “I trained with Glitterbels in March 2022 to offer L&P acrylic, gel polish and builder gel services. I have since trained with Nail Order in hard gel and full cover tip enhancements.”

Participation: “I saw February model, Leanne Golder, post about the project on social media, and decided to message Danny about taking part. I felt nervous yet excited when he replied. My 13 year-old son is neurodiverse, and my mum’s partner took his own life after struggling in silence, so mental health matters are very important to me and my family. We have a very open policy at home and regularly talk about our feelings, which I want to encourage.”

Photo: “A group chat was set up for the techs taking part in the calendar, which sparked ideas and allowed advice to be shared. The photo for November was shot in my nail room, showing me filing my nails while surrounded by my favourite Nail Order products.”

Feelings: “I was part of a cabaret and burlesque group for around eight years. Removing clothing on stage never felt strange, but it did in my nail room! It was a liberating experience and I can’t wait to see the hard work that has been put into the calendar come to life.”

/nailsbyqueenbea

@queen_bea_nailsbycaz

DECEMBER

STEPHANIE STAUNTON

Role: Celebrity manicurist

Location: Kent

Career background: “I have been a manicurist for 22 years and won a number of awards, including the Scratch Stars Shooting Star Award 2017 and a Nail Artist of the Year award in 2022.

I won a Nail Idol contest, have worked on Disney, Marvel and DC films, and with over 170 celebrities. I founded the Nailing Mental Health initiative and was a columnist for Scratch.”

Participation: “I have bipolar disorder and was diagnosed with autism at the age of 30. I am passionate about supporting mental health causes, and have spent so much time in a dark place that I now live life to the full and embrace opportunities that come my way.”

Photo: “I have an 18-inch scar from surgery, as well as some smaller scars, and felt scared about baring all, but the other Naked Nailists encouraged me to be proud of how far I have come and include them in the photo. My husband was bemused about why I was naked with a full face of make-up and ring light, but he gave me a confidence boost and I got the shot in two attempts. I have incorporated red glitter into the photo, to be on theme for December’s festivities – however it was too hot in the summer to climb into the loft and gather Christmas decorations to use as props!”

Feelings: “I hope that the calendar helps those who buy it to feel brave and be bold, and to seek support if they feel mentally unwell. Danny and all the pros involved should feel very proud of this project.”

@stephie_nails

THE BIG REVEAL

The Naked Nailists calendar is £15 plus P&P and available for pre-order via the Instagram profiles of the techs taking part, or via @thenakednailists Instagram page. Calendars will be posted to buyers early December.