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.
Cat has scooped a multitude of awards, including the Scratch Stars Gel Tech of the Year and One Stroke Artist of the Year accolades in 2022, 2023 and 2024. As a result, she entered the awards’ Hall Of Fame in both categories.
www.thenailstudiocambridge.co.uk
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I n an industry fuelled by creativity, passion and professionalism, few accolades shine as bright as the UK and Ireland’s
Scratch Stars Awards
. Beyond the prestige of earning a place as a finalist or winning a trophy, the true value of competing in the awards lies in the career development it affords and the opportunities it offers both at and away from the nail desk.
With entry open for 2026, let’s explore why the Scratch Stars Awards is such a valuable experience...
Professional growth
Entering a competition requires a nail pro to step outside their comfort zone. The process makes you evaluate every aspect of your career, such as your skill level, techniques, customer care, hygiene practices and creativity. Preparing for the Scratch Stars Awards naturally pushes a nail tech to refine their craft, develop new strengths and identify weaknesses – all of which can be translated to salon work. In my opinion, regularly competing is one of the most important career advantages a nail professional can grant themselves, as it builds confidence and improves skills.
Client confidence & trust
The nail industry is constantly growing, and there are new nail businesses launching all over the country. In my little village in Cambridgeshire, I am aware of nine other self-employed nail techs. So, when a client is looking to book an appointment, they want to know that their nail technician is not only talented, but reliable, focused on working safely and invested in their profession. The Scratch Stars Awards are widely respected and judged by nail experts who value these qualities.
When clients see that their nail tech is competing, they immediately recognise that it sets them apart from others. It signals that they are in the hands of someone who strives to elevate their skillset and career. This can lead to effortless word of mouth marketing and the ability to charge prices that reflect this level of expertise. Above all, being part of the Scratch Stars Awards allows you to share that you are at the top of your game. If you are named a finalist, you can share that you are within the top five for your specialism in the UK and Ireland. That’s pretty cool, right?
‘‘ Many nail pros credit conversations at The Scratch Stars Party as pivotal moments that have shifted their career direction – myself included. ‘‘
‘‘ The Scratch Stars Awards is an experience that nurtures growth, builds credibility, expands networks and elevates a nail technician’s career to new heights. ‘‘
Increased industry visibility
The Scratch Stars Awards are a focal point of the UK and Ireland nail industry, generating extensive media coverage and social media buzz. Finalists can benefit from exposure long before the winners are announced, whether through articles, interviews or online engagement. Being part of the awards places a nail tech’s work in the spotlight: in front of potential clients and collaborators. Just entering the Scratch Stars Awards can strengthen a person and open doors that may have otherwise remained closed.
Networking with industry leaders
The Scratch Stars Party brings together an unmatched blend of talent. From brand owners, educators and seasoned pros to innovators and rising stars, there aren’t many events that offer immediate access to that calibre of talent in one room. You never know what networking could lead to, and many nail pros credit conversations at The Scratch Stars Party as pivotal moments that have shifted their career direction – myself included. I’ve been approached for interviews, offered jobs and was asked to be a Scratch columnist when I collected my Hall Of Fame trophies last year. I had to check the next morning that it was real and not a dream!
Motivation & inspiration
Competing ignites passion. I have been self-employed for the majority of my career and while I love what I do, it’s no secret that salon life can have its downfalls. The creative challenges, adrenaline and camaraderie that competing presents can help refuel your motivation when the day-to-day salon routine becomes repetitive. Participating in the Scratch Stars Awards shows that you’re not only motivated to succeed, but you thrive on your passion as a nail professional. That kind of inspiration is only likely to spread and before long, you might find yourself influencing the next generation of nail pros!
While all these benefits are undeniable, for me the emotional reward of the Scratch Stars Awards is most powerful. Competing and winning has given me something that I am truly proud of. It’s not just been a career highlight: entering the Hall Of Fame has given me a legacy within the nail industry. This has a ripple effect. I watched others before me reach this status, and set myself the goal to achieve the same.
The Scratch Stars Awards inspires future pros, enriches the nail community and positions you as someone who contributes positively to the industry. It’s far more than an opportunity to win a trophy; it’s an experience that nurtures growth, builds credibility, expands networks and elevates a nail technician’s career to new heights.
Good luck to those entering the Scratch Stars Awards 2026 – I can’t wait for you to reap its rewards!
Cat x
Enter the
Scratch Stars Awards
2026 by visiting scratchmagazine.co.uk/scratchstars