SCRATCH COLUMNIST
Breaking Down Barriers
Living & thriving with cystic fibrosis
Nail techs share how they navigate challenges to flourish in their careers
GIORGIA CAPPELLA
Head of education & spa at The GelBottle Inc (TGB)
@bygiorgia_
@giorgiacappella_
What is cystic fibrosis?
According to the NHS website, cystic fibrosis is ‘a rare, inherited genetic condition that causes breathing and digestive problems. There is currently no cure, but there are medicines and supportive treatments that can help’.
“Cystic fibrosis has given me a mindset that I wouldn’t trade. I live with it – but I live fully.”
Tips for techs with chronic conditions:
1. Don’t let anything or anyone define you. You are more than your diagnosis. Your condition might shape your path, but it doesn’t control your destination.
2. Prioritise your health. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so rest when you need to.
3. Build a business that works for you. Whether that includes flexible hours, working from home or outsourcing when needed, reach for success in ways that work for you.
I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in 2022, at the age of 23. I had always struggled with chest infections, but no one was sure of the cause. I’d also had many X-rays, yet the dots were never connected.
At the time of diagnosis, I was a few years into my nail career – working without a mask while filing and unknowingly making my chest condition worse. After a particularly bad infection, I was sent for another X-ray. Luckily, cystic fibrosis was picked up by a specialist who called me in for further testing. My lung capacity was 62% and my health was declining fast. I was placed under the care of an amazing team and, following my diagnosis, started on Kaftrio: a life-changing medication. Three years later, I’ve regained over 20% lung function and now have a ‘normal’ life expectancy.
The diagnosis was terrifying and overwhelming.
I spent nights googling cystic fibrosis and reading about reduced life expectancy. However, I’m grateful it came later in life – not for my physical health, but for my mindset. I grew up without restrictions, without a label and without being treated differently. I was unwell, but I lived freely, and that’s influenced the way I approach life.
I trained as a nail technician in 2018 and worked from a small salon in my mum’s house. During lockdown, I started creating nail content on social media. That visibility led to me becoming a brand ambassador for The GelBottle Inc just 18 months into my career. The opportunity gave me the confidence to train as an educator and launch a training school. I’ve always been passionate about supporting others, and know how hard it can be to navigate the industry. In 2021, I became TGB’s Brighton educator and behind the scenes, I was helping to shape the brand’s wider education offering. That led to my promotion to head of education.
Working with cystic fibrosis hasn’t been easy. I face flare-ups that knock me back. Fatigue is my biggest challenge, as some days I wake up feeling totally drained. TGB is so supportive and gives me the space I need to look after my health. That said, I often push through when I shouldn’t, because deep down I don’t want cystic fibrosis to hold me back. But I’ve learned how vital rest is, and that putting your health first is non-negotiable.
One of the proudest moments of my career was leading a Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Week campaign with TGB in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Yellow is the colour for cystic fibrosis awareness, so products in the shade were gifted with orders. We fundraised and created educational and social content, and had a ‘wear yellow day’ internally. We also decorated the office and hosted a talk with the charity. It was empowering to use the TGB platform to spotlight a rare condition.
What was even more meaningful was hearing from other techs with cystic fibrosis after the campaign. They reached out to say how much it meant to see their condition represented – and suddenly, I wasn’t alone. Until then, I hadn’t known anyone else in the industry with the condition.
Cystic fibrosis has given me a mindset that I wouldn’t trade. I live with it – but I live fully. I’ve built a career I love, am surrounded by a wonderful community, and will keep using my platform to prove that nothing should stop you from chasing your passion.