NEW COLUMNIST

CAT’S CLAWS

My nail industry journey

Scratch Stars Hall Of Fame pro, CATRIONA LEITH, serves up industry insights & advice for nail sector success

ABOUT CATRIONA LEITH

Cambridgeshire-based Cat Leith boasts 19 years’ experience in the nail sector. She juggles salon and education roles, crafting artistic creations for the loyal clients of her business, The Nail Studio, while delivering high-quality training to pros as co-head of education for Hazel Dixon Nail Artist Academy.

Entering the competition realm early in her career, Cat has scooped a multitude of awards, including Gel Tech of the Year and One Stroke Artist of the Year accolades at the Scratch Stars Awards 2022, 2023 and 2024. As a result, she entered the awards’ Hall Of Fame in both categories.

Cat is passionate about creating beautiful nail looks using high-quality products, as well as raising industry standards via exemplary training practices. She supports a range of nail events, including Nail Safari, and Nailympia.

M y nail journey began in 2007, although at the time I had no idea it would turn into the career and life I have now. I started working as a Saturday receptionist at a friend’s salon, answering phones, cleaning and helping wherever I could. But watching the team create stunning, intricate nail designs captured my heart.

I remember going to a Professional Beauty trade show to support the team while they competed, and something clicked. I knew I belonged in the nail realm. I’d trained in all aspects of beauty therapy, but beauty as a whole never felt like my world. However, nails were different. Nails felt like home.

I trained obsessively in every area of nails, from hard gel enhancements and 3D acrylic to classic manicures and pedicures – and before long, I’d worked my way up to salon manager. In 2012, I took the leap into self-employment: a decision that changed everything for me.

Since then, I’ve opened my own salon, The Nail Studio, in my village, and recently welcomed talented nail technician, Kim Woodhouse, to the team. Building a space that feels welcoming, safe and creative is one of my proudest achievements.

My favourite photo, captured when I won my first Scratch Star Award in 2022.

Competing has always been a huge part of my journey. I won my first national competition at a Professional Beauty trade show in 2009, and I haven’t stopped pushing myself since. Over the years, I’ve won a range of competitions, including nail poster contest, The Great Scratch Shoot Out, and the Scratch Stars Awards. I was delighted to enter the Scratch Stars Hall Of Fame in 2024, after winning the Gel Tech of the Year and One Stroke Artist of the Year categories for three consecutive years each. I became a judge for the awards last year.

‘‘ This feels beyond anything I imagined for myself when sweeping floors and answering phone calls on Saturdays all those years ago. ‘‘

With Kayley Cairns (fellow Hazel Dixon Nail Artist Academy co-head of education) & Hazel Dixon.

‘‘ It feels like everything has come full circle – from watching competitions in awe at the beginning of my career, to standing on the other side of the table. ‘‘

Education is another huge passion of mine. In 2019, I joined the prestigious Hazel Dixon Nail Artist Academy as its Cambridgeshire educator, offering accredited training to aspiring nail professionals. Watching students grow, thrive and build their own successful businesses fills me with pride. In 2024, I was promoted to co-head of education, which is such an honour. Being part of the HD Academy team is really special, and working alongside Hazel – who I’m grateful to call one of my best friends – is one of the highlights of my career.

Last October, I judged at Nailympia London, which was a brilliant experience. It feels like everything has come full circle – from watching competitions in awe at the beginning of my career, to standing on the other side of the table.

Now I get to start another dream chapter: my own column series in Scratch magazine! This feels beyond anything I imagined for myself when sweeping floors and answering phone calls on Saturdays all those years ago. I am so excited to share my tips, tricks and behind-the-scenes stories each month – and hopefully inspire budding nail techs in the same ways I was inspired at the start of my journey.

Here’s to this new adventure – and thank you for joining the ride!

Cat x