Buuilding a business is an exciting step for pros seeking independence and freedom, but it’s also an experience that can be dominated by self-doubt. This is something that Michelle Brown, owner of Southend-on-Sea salon, Chell’s Beauty by the Sea, knows all too well. Her nail journey and conversations with techs have inspired her to launch a course to grow confidence.
“I have met so many talented professionals who are capable of building successful businesses, but they are held back by self-doubt and uncertainty about where to start,” she tells Scratch. “The course was born from a desire to support those in that early stage, so they can begin building something of their own.”
Michelle launched Chell’s Beauty by the Sea on a part-time basis, and saw clients around her full-time job, including at weekends. “After many years in employment, where everything is structured and decisions are made for you, the thought of creating something that was mine felt exciting, albeit slightly daunting,” she shares. “So, whenever I had time, I was building my beauty business – and while doing this, I started to see that it wasn’t just a side hustle or hobby: it had real potential.
“It was hard work in the beginning, trying to figure out how to position myself, get noticed and attract clients, but as the business grew, so did my self-belief. I had fallen in love with the nail industry, and there came a point when trying to balance full-time employment and tekking no longer felt realistic. It was a scary move to dedicate myself fully to my salon business, but it felt right.”
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Scratch Stars
success
It certainly was the best move for the pro, as last year, Chell’s Beauty by the Sea was named Scratch Stars Home Nail Salon of the Year: a ‘pinch me moment’ for Michelle.
I never expected one award to have such an impact, but it truly shifted my mindset: I now realise that anything is possible.
“When you are a sole trader, there’s no one to give you recognition or praise,” she says. “Winning the Home Nail Salon of the Year title was the validation I didn’t realise I needed. It reassured me that I am doing a good job, and that the hard work I put in is recognised.”
Almost a year later, Michelle’s confidence remains high, following the announcement that Chell’s Beauty by the Sea is a Scratch Stars
Awards finalist for 2026. “Being recognised as one of the top five home nail salons in the UK and Ireland for a second year feels like a win in itself,” the Essex salon owner smiles. “It also motivates me to keep growing and pushing myself.
“Entering the Scratch Stars Awards has been incredible for me and my business,” Michelle continues. “Since winning last year, more clients have wanted to experience my services, I’ve been interviewed on podcasts, the radio and nail industry Facebook groups, and it’s pushed me to ‘‘ think bigger. I never expected one award to have such an impact, but it truly shifted my mindset: I now realise that anything is possible.”
‘‘ I want to help as many people as possible move from doubt to backing "
Confidence-building course
Michelle is on a mission to empower fellow nail professionals to adopt this mindset, via her course, Retail Escape Route. “The biggest barrier to starting a business isn’t skill; it’s belief,” she shares. “I want to help as many people as possible move from doubt to backing themselves as business owners.” themselves as business owners.
‘‘ anything like it before, so it naturally caused some self-doubt, but Retail Escape Route is about stepping into something new. Once I focused on the bigger picture, the experience became enjoyable. It gave me an opportunity to reflect on my journey and share what I’ve learned in practical ways.
“Ultimately, it reinforced the idea that growth comes from taking action,” Michelle adds. “I want to keep growing personally, as well as helping other nail professionals grow. If more people feel confident in their abilities, their work – and the industry – can shine.”
Inspired by Michelle’s experiences as a retail manager for over 20 years, the course is particularly suited to ‘anyone who’s spent years in retail, feels ready for more, and wants to start their own business without having to quit their job first’.
It focuses on three key stages: belief, clarity and action. “The belief section explores common blocks to starting a business, and introduces practical tools to reframe them,” Michelle explains. “The second part of the course, clarity, ensures the path you are considering aligns with the llifestyle desired. Finally, the action section is where everything comes together. It helps pros build realistic plans and break them down into manageable steps.”
Retail Escape Route is self-paced and features videos supported by guided workbooks. Pros receive lifetime access for £79. The course resources comprise Michelle’s step-by-step framework for success, a collection of over 200 beginner-friendly business ideas, plus The Self Discovery Guide to help people understand what’s been holding them back.
“In many ways, the process of putting the course together reflected its focuses,” Michelle details. “I had never created
Access the Retail Escape Route course via www.michellebrown.uk/retailescaperoute
Follow Michelle: www.chellsbeautybythesea.co.uk /chellsbeautybythesea
@chellsbeautybythesea & @1_michellebrown
Tips for tackling self-doubt
“I believe that self-doubt comes from comparison,” Michelle shares. “We are more connected to one another than ever, thanks to social media, but this can lead to us comparing ourselves to others frequently. It’s so easy to look at the presence of other nail technicians and feel like you don’t measure up – but this stops you taking leaps to grow.
“Self-doubt doesn’t mean you’re not capable; it’s just your brain’s reaction to something new or uncertain,” the pro continues. “As humans, we resist change: it’s our minds’ way of trying to protect us. I encourage people to focus on small, manageable steps. The more action you take, the more things start to come together – and with this comes confidence.”