BUSINESS MATTERS
Helping HANDS
Discover how a mentor could transform your nail business, as REBECCA HITCHON quizzes coaches on their offerings
In last month’s issue, we profiled eight nail business mentors who support the growth of techs, both personally and professionally, and explored the benefits of their coaching programmes. Now we’re putting the spotlight on 11 more, as well as the story of a beauty therapist who owes her success to a mentor scheme.
CHANTELLE & JOUVAN JOHNSON
Founders of Clawgasmic www.clawgasmic.com
/clawgasmic
@clawgasmic
The importance of mentorship
“It’s great that so many pros work for themselves, but it can be lonely and tough when things don’t go to plan,” says Chantelle. “A mentor understands your frustrations, boosts your confidence and gives you direction.”
Mentoring journey
“After working in the nail industry for 14 years, I recognised that I had a lot of value to share,” Chantelle continues. “My husband, Jouvan, is incredible at marketing and creating an impact online, so we knew our skills would work well together to support techs.”
Business offerings
“Our podcast: Clawgasmic Nail Tech Talks, has recently turned four and is free to access. Our paid offering is monthly membership, Clawgasmic Nail Network, which features over 700 tutorials covering nail art, business, content creation and more. There is a monthly content chart for members, which offers daily content ideas, plus we host a weekly live call to talk about business, frustrations, wins and goals. We will also host our first in-person event in February: Polished and Profitable by Clawgasmic, covering mindset, marketing, branding, social media and more.”
Target audience
“Our mentoring is great for techs of all skill levels who are seeking community and support,” Chantelle reveals. “If you are looking for a positive, non-judgmental place to learn and grow, and a kind and helpful community, Clawgasmic is for you!”
Cost
“Membership starts at £18.99 per month, or pros can get the best value from our annual option.”
What makes a good business mentor?
“Passion and a true love for the industry. A mentor should want to see people win and achieve their goals.”
VALERIE DELFORGE
Founder & CEO of The Delforge Group
®
www.thedelforgegroup.co.uk/vfodelforge&/TheDelforgeGroup@thedelforgegroup
The importance of mentorship
“A mentor offers clarity, confidence and a sense of direction. The beauty industry moves fast, and a mentor helps you pause, reflect, find structure and reconnect with yourself. Mentoring can help you realise that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of wellbeing.”
Mentoring journey
“After many years managing large salon and spa operations, I realised that what I love most is developing people. I’ve always been drawn to potential, and this led me to mentoring. I saw too many brilliant business owners feeling stuck or disconnected, and wanted to help them rediscover their confidence and sense of purpose.”
Business offerings
“My mentoring is both personal and practical. I work closely with businesses to identify where they are, where they want to go and what’s holding them back. I help them with decision making and ensure they feel supported in difficult situations. I’ve built a mentoring style that combines tailored strategy, honest support and human connection.”
Target audience
“My mentoring suits salon and spa owners who are ready to move beyond survival mode, and want to grow on their own terms. I also work with senior managers stepping into leadership, and entrepreneurs who’ve lost their spark. Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. My job is to help them simplify their roles, regain control and create businesses that are aligned, profitable and sustainable.”
Cost
“I offer several mentoring options, from one-to-one strategy sessions to longer programmes that focus on leadership, operations and mindset. Prices vary depending on the level of support, but I always offer a complimentary discovery call.”
What makes a good business mentor?
“Someone who listens deeply, challenges you honestly and genuinely cares about your success. They bring lived experience, as well as calm, perspective and belief.”
SUE DAVIES
Award-winning salon owner & founder of The Salon Inspector™ www.sue-davies.com/suedaviesuk@_sue_davies
The importance of mentorship
“Business owners can struggle to manage all their responsibilities, and get lost in the day-to-day role of serving clients. A mentor has been in your shoes; they can help with objectives and reflection, and shine a light on areas that may need development.”
Mentoring journey
“I’ve been supporting salon pros for a long time – as an extension to education, an advocate for industry standards and a competition judge. Seeing the bigger picture and feeding thoughts back to pros is something I’ve always enjoyed, so making it a chosen pathway seemed like a natural step.”
Business offerings
“I help salon professionals and independent business owners confidently build visible brands that attract their ideal clients – and keep them coming back. My mentoring looks at the full client journey: from discovery to developing loyal customers.
“Via The Salon Inspector™, I analyse the online profile of a business to identify what’s working and where adjustments should be made. My Business Visibility Boosters offer focused, practical support to strengthen presence and boost client flow. For those who struggle with imposter syndrome, the Confidently Visible programme combines mindset mentoring with hypnotherapy tools.”
Target audience
“Professionals who want to stand out more in their local areas or within the industry will benefit from my mentoring. They might need to embrace technology more, but can’t find the time or inclination to put themselves out there.”
Cost
“Pricing begins at £75 for a 45-minute mentoring call, and my programmes start at £157.”
What makes a good business mentor?
“Knowledge, experience, passion and a dedication to the industry.”
STEVEY POWELL
Brow expert & founder of The Iconic Shift™ www.steveypowell.com
@stevey.powell
The importance of mentorship
“Many techs are tired of trying to figure out the world of business alone, and why take the long, exhausting path when someone can show you a blueprint that works? A mentor brings clarity, perspective and strategy, and knows what it takes to create a business that gives back to you – not drains you.”
Mentoring journey
“I started out as a spa attendant and worked my way up the ladder, before establishing my own business. However, within three months, I was burnt out. I was working hard to please everyone, chasing every trend and losing myself; then lockdown hit. I focused on what I value and rebuilt from alignment, intention and focus, which saw my business boom. That ‘iconic shift’ became the foundation of what I teach today. Via mentoring, I help pros create that transformation without burning out.”
Business offerings
“I offer a 90-minute CEO Shift Session to provide strategy and actionable guidance, a four-week Reposition: an intensive programme to support pros wherever they are in their journeys, and eight-week mentorship, The Iconic Shift™, where identity, alignment and energy are explored. Members receive weekly Zoom calls and WhatsApp support in between each session.”
Target audience
“My mentoring is for pros who are juggling everything and still feel like they’re on a hamster wheel. They’re talented and ambitious, but done with burning out to survive. They want businesses that work for them, give them freedom and amplify their energy.”
Cost
“My one-off CEO Shift Session costs £125, four-week Reposition costs £500 and The Iconic Shift™ costs £1,000.”
What makes a good business mentor?
“A good mentor helps you remember who you are. They’ve lived your experiences and balance empathy with power. They don’t sugar-coat or shame; they guide you into your authority.”
LAURA BELL
Award-winning salon owner, educator & lash brand owner www.laurabellmentor.com/laurabellmentor@laurakathrynbell
The importance of mentorship
“Beauty professionals often have passion, but it takes strategy and mindset to turn that passion into profit. That’s where mentoring comes in. It drives faster personal and business growth, and keeps you accountable.”
Mentoring journey
“I began mentoring after spending years growing my salon and training academy. I’d made every mistake possible, from pricing too low to saying ‘yes’ to everything, and I wanted to help others avoid those painful lessons. Over time, I realised my real passion lies in helping others succeed.”
Business offerings
“My mentoring explores systems, pricing and visibility, using my experiences behind the nail desk, managing employed and self-employed staff, handling clients and scaling multiple businesses. I offer one-to-one coaching for salon owners who are ready to grow or step back, and group masterminds for beauty pros in need of direction. All my offerings are designed to help pros build businesses that provide freedom.”
Target audience
“If you’re a beauty pro who is ambitious but stuck: too busy to grow or too tired to think properly, I can support. I work best with salon owners, educators and solopreneurs who want to scale.”
Cost
“I offer free resources and low-cost downloadable assets, as well as ‘Power Hours’ for £280, VIP days and one-to-one programmes.”
What makes a good business mentor?
“Experience is key. A great mentor knows the beauty industry inside out and wants to see others succeed. They don’t compete with you; they cheer you on. The best mentors help you think bigger, act braver and lead smarter, and have achieved what you want to.”
‘‘Instead of trying lots of different strategies and hoping one sticks, a mentor says: ‘Here’s the real issue, and here’s the simple fix’. With a mentor, you stop guessing and start growing.‘‘
LORI ANASTOS
Nail art specialist www.lorinails.com
@lori_nails
The importance of mentorship
“Many beauty professionals struggle with the business side of their roles, and don’t have access to resources that can help them solve challenges. A mentor aims to lead them through the struggles.”
Mentoring journey
“Eight years ago, I was burnt out from being overworked and underpaid in my nail business. I realised that many pros were struggling with the same challenges, such as fear of raising prices and standing firm on boundaries, and I wanted to support. It became my passion to help professionals build the businesses they’ve always dreamed of.”
Business offerings
“My mentoring targets specific challenges in the nail and beauty industry, teaching pros how to:
• Grow their clientele, on and off social media.
• Charge their worth and raise their prices with confidence.
• Attract their dream clients.
• Create content that captivates their ideal clients.
• Set and stick to boundaries.
• Navigate business basics like website creation, Instagram bio optimisation and sole proprietorship.”
Target audience
“My mentoring is for pros who have been in the industry for some years, but are struggling with pricing, content creation, boundaries and client attraction.”
Cost
“The cost of my group coaching programme includes community support, monthly coaching calls and lifetime access to the training.”
What makes a good business mentor?
“They have already gone through what their students are going through. They understand their challenges, what got them to that place and how to move forward. Great mentors challenge limiting beliefs and teach strategies to overcome these.”
LAUREN LILY LEA HAMER
Salon owner, educator & podcaster https://lauren-hamer.mykajabi.com
@lauren.thebeautyboss
The importance of mentorship
“A mentor offers perspective, clarity and confidence: three things that can feel out of reach when you’re running a business. They help you step out of your day-to-day and see the bigger picture.”
Mentoring journey
“I started mentoring following years of experience running my salon and academy. I’d built multiple six-figure businesses and many pros were reaching out for advice. I realised that there was a gap in the beauty industry for honest and relatable beauty business guidance.”
Business offerings
“My mentoring focuses on helping beauty professionals grow and simplify their businesses through modern marketing and authentic strategy. I offer one-to-one coaching, group programmes, digital resources and in-person experiences like the CEO Grow & Glow Retreat. I also guide professionals who want to move into educating.”
Target audience
“I support ambitious beauty pros who know they’re capable of more – whether that’s becoming fully booked, creating their first course or building a brand.”
Cost
“My one-to-one mentorship starts from £495 for a one-month intensive programme, with packages available for longer-term strategy and accountability. I also have digital courses from £47, plus annual retreats.”
What makes a good business mentor?
“Someone who understands the highs, lows and realities of the industry. A great mentor doesn’t just tell you what to do; they help you understand why it matters and how to make it work for you.”
STEPHANIE BARNARD
Google and
Instagram
marketing expert www.beautybusinessmarketing.co.uk
/beautybusinessbestie
@beautybusinessmarketingco
The importance of mentorship
“Many beauty pros are spinning multiple plates: serving clients, managing content and squeezing in admin tasks when they can. A mentor cuts through all of that. Instead of trying lots of different strategies and hoping one sticks, a mentor says: ‘Here’s the real issue, and here’s the simple fix’. With a mentor, you stop guessing and start growing, saving time, energy and building confidence.”
Mentoring journey
“I didn’t start in marketing: I started in a salon treatment room, and like other beauty therapists, I had moments where my diary dipped and I questioned everything. When I moved into visibility work, pros kept saying:‘Why has no one taught us this before?’, and that’s what drew me in. I want professionals to have the roadmap I wish I’d had years earlier.”
Business offerings
“I show beauty pros how to become findable, with the foundation of my work being Google-first visibility. It’s the platform that clients use to search when they’re ready to book, and it’s an underused tool. I make strategy simple, human and doable, using systems to make life easier.”
Target audience
“I work with the beauty pro who feels like a hidden gem. They’re brilliant at their craft, clients love them, but they’re always fighting for consistent bookings online. My mentoring suits pros who want clarity, structure and a plan that works around their life.”
First steps
“Most clients start with a Google visibility audit or one-to-one strategy call, which offers immediate clarity.”
What makes a good business mentor?
“A mentor needs four things:
1. Real industry experience.
2. An understanding of how clients book. Spoiler: it’s not by scrolling; it’s via Google.
3. The ability to give clarity without shame. Pros need someone who can say: ‘This isn’t your fault, this is fixable and here’s the plan.’
4. Proof that their approach works. My clients aren’t just getting more enquiries: they’re appearing in Google’s AI search results, highlighted as top providers in their areas.”
‘‘The beauty industry moves fast, and a mentor helps you pause, reflect, find structure and reconnect with yourself.‘‘
TANYA JESKINS
Multi-
Scratch Stars Awards
finalist & educator
@nailing_the_basics
The importance of mentorship
“Pros can choose specific areas of their business to work on with a mentor. This saves time and achieves quick, personalised results.”
Mentoring journey
“I’ve always been passionate about supporting others. When fellow technicians started reaching out for my opinions and advice in online groups, I discovered enjoyment in providing a fresh perspective to help them with their businesses. This inspired me to start mentoring.”
Business offerings
“My approach focuses on straightforward, actionable tasks that deliver results, without a steep learning curve or significant time commitment. I work with techs to unlock their existing skills, allowing them to create businesses that are unique and tailored to their ideal clients.”
Target audience
“While my mentoring offers benefits for all nail pros, I particularly enjoy working with solo techs. As a sole trader for many years, I can relate to the challenges and isolation they may experience.”
Cost
“I offer a free guide: 7 Instant Fixes to Grow Your Nail Business via nailingthebasics.co.uk/7fixes, a short course for £89, and a one-to-one mentoring package for £99 via nailingthebasics.co.uk/powerhour.”
What makes a good business mentor?
“Someone who has experienced the challenges their clients face, possesses passion and empathy, actively seeks to enhance their own skills and communicates clear messages to empower others.”
‘‘A great mentor doesn’t just tell you what to do; they help you understand why it matters and how to make it work for you.‘‘
NATALIE REAY
Award-winning nail tech & educator https://nataliereayacademy.co.uk /NailEnvyNatalie @nataliereayacademy
The importance of mentorship
“A mentor helps you overcome mindset wobbles, build confidence and stay consistent when running a business feels tough. Having someone to keep you on track speeds up your progress, compared to navigating challenges alone.”
Mentoring journey
“After becoming an educator, I realised how much I love helping others find their feet in the industry. Seeing someone go from doubting themselves to feeling confident and proud is so rewarding.”
Business offerings
“My mentoring is all about building confidence through action, because confidence doesn’t just appear: it grows the more you show up and do the work. I provide a supportive space where pros can be honest about mindset blocks, business fears and barriers holding them back. Every session is tailored to the individual, with practical support, encouragement and honest advice.
“I offer the Confidence Behind the Desk Power Hour: a one-to-one coaching session via Zoom. This is designed to eliminate self-doubt, provide clarity and plan next steps. For those seeking more structure, the four-week Nail Tech Accelerator programme is ideal, featuring weekly one-to-one Zoom calls, practical action plans and ongoing support.”
‘‘Seeing someone go from doubting themselves to feeling confident and proud is so rewarding.‘‘
Target audience
“I work with pros who feel stuck and need an extra push to stay consistent, show up online and start believing in themselves. They might be unsure how to grow and frustrated that they’re not hitting their goals, or compare their progress to others and feel inadequate. We unpack these challenges together and focus on a tailored plan.”
What makes a good business mentor?
“Someone who’s been in your shoes and genuinely wants to see you succeed. They give honest advice, are approachable and know how much to push you to achieve results.”
‘‘The best mentors help you think bigger, act braver and lead smarter.‘‘
Student success story
Alafair Shove is a Kent-based, self-employed beauty pro who, within a short time in the industry, has placed second in a WorldSkills UK regional final and established her own business. The secret to her success? She credits mentoring..
Three years ago, Alafair undertook work experience at Perfect 10: the award-winning business of nail industry icon, Denise Wright, and the pair struck up a bond. Utilising her vast experience as a champion tech, educator & international judge, Denise mentored Alafair, giving her the tools to succeed.
“Denise has taught me everything I know,” says Alafair. “My confidence is thanks to her mentorship, and I am where I am because of her support and belief.”
Scan to read more about Alafair’s experience with her mentor. Follow Alafair & Denise:
@beautybyalafair_ & @denisewrightnails
JADYN GONZALEZ
Nail salon owner & product supplier www.thenailpreneuracademy.com
@_nailedbyjayy & @thenailpreneuracademy
The importance of mentorship
“A mentor provides clarity, structure and confidence. Many beauty pros have artistic talent, but need guidance on business systems, the client experience and marketing. Mentorship gives them a roadmap, accountability and proven strategies to grow faster and avoid costly trial and error.”
Mentoring journey
“I started mentoring after building my nail business from scratch, growing a loyal clientele and expanding into digital education. Other nail techs began asking how I achieved this, and upon giving them advice, I realised how much I love helping pros transform their careers and create stability and income through their craft.”
Business offerings
“My programme lasts 90 days and is online-based. I focus on helping nail techs build profitable business foundations – from client retention and pricing to marketing, content and systems. They receive personalised feedback, a structured curriculum and real-time support.
Target audience
“My mentoring is designed for global nail techs of all skill levels. Beginners focus on areas like becoming consistently booked and growing without burnout, whereas experienced pros prioritise scaling their income using strong systems and digital products.”
“Before a student enrols on my programme, we schedule a call to make sure it’s the right fit for them. I only work with ambitious action takers who are ready to grow.”
What makes a good business mentor?
“Someone who has industry experience, proven results and can teach clearly. Most importantly, they care deeply about their students’ growth, create a supportive environment and provide honest, actionable feedback.”