Nicole Dodd – Wirral, Merseyside, UK
@nudeynails
31K followers
My nail journey
I trained in L&P acrylic application in 2017, and did my own nails as a hobby and to save money. I was too nervous to do anyone else’s nails, but started an Instagram page to post photos of my work, and only told close friends about it. Eventually, with the help of recommendations, I gained three to four weekly clients, who I saw in the evenings after my full-time job and on Saturdays. When lockdown hit, I brought my office job home and felt out of the nail loop. So, after each workday, I practiced nail art and posted photos of my designs on social media. Following the pandemic, I took the leap into self-employment. I now work from an amazing salon: Beau Belle & Co in Wallasey, and my diary is fully booked. I also create nail-focused content.
What makes me happy
Making memories with my family brings me happiness, whether we stay at home or go for a dog walk.
FUN FACT Growing up, I wanted to be a car mechanic like my dad.
A day in my life
My son wakes me up early, which leads to the first of many coffees. I start salon appointments after the school run, at 8:45am, and welcome between four and seven clients before heading home. When my son has gone to bed, I edit videos and work on UGC requests. I break the evening up by reading or watching TV.
I will forever be obsessed with this design from 2022. It was my take on the illusion nail trend.
Career highlight
My greatest achievement is my social media pages. By sharing posts of me doing what I love, I have been able to create another income, work with brands, find a community and attend events. I am grateful that clients travel far for my services.
Social media tips
The first time I noticed my content performing particularly well was after I posted a TikTok video featuring a popular nail design. More clients were requesting it at their appointments, and brands started reaching out. My content style has changed so much since. Today, any theme or nail design goes. I used to think everything had to be picture perfect; now I believe it’s important to be authentic.
1. Be consistent. Use your insights as research, set a plan and stick to it for at least two weeks.
2. If a post performs well, recreate it. Has a specific video style been well received by your followers? Add it to your rotation until it doesn’t work for you anymore.
3. Stay humble. Don’t let your social media numbers get you down, or inflate your head. Remember why you started and be kind to yourself and others.
It feels surreal to be a Social Media Star of the Year finalist in the Scratch Stars Awards 2026. I had wanted to apply for a while, and Katie Clark of Katie Barnes Tool Range gave me some gentle encouragement.