INDUSTRYINCLUSIVITY

Down Breaking Barriers

From survival to success: how I found strength through nails

Nail techs share how they navigate challenges to flourish in their careers

KAY KIRSOP

Bedford home salon owner & Sweet Squared educator

@kaycoopernails

/kaycoopernails

I was a ‘wild child’: known as the life of the party and someone who would be fine, no matter what happened. But in my early twenties, I received a phone call that changed everything. My best friend of 15 years had died. I spiralled, but the friends that caught me are still in my life today, and we continue to support each other.

In 2009, I moved to London and found myself in an abusive relationship. Things moved incredibly quickly. I was love bombed, isolated and subjected to physical, emotional and financial abuse. Like many survivors, I didn’t realise how unsafe the relationship had become until I was trapped within it.

When my daughter was 19 months old, we had to flee as the situation was too dangerous. Aged 25, I found myself with nothing. I had no job because I had been told to give it up, very little confidence and no clear idea of my future. I had nail qualifications, but I didn’t know how to turn them into a career.

In February 2014, I reached out to award-winning nail educator, Charli Jepson. She answered all my questions and gave me the encouragement I desperately needed. That simple act of kindness changed the direction of my life.

I was determined to build a better future for myself and my daughter. I had started a relationship with someone I knew from my teenage years, and for the first time in a long while, life felt hopeful. My goal was to work at London Fashion Week, so I began connecting with nail technicians on Facebook and learning everything I could from fellow pros. In September 2014, I assisted at my first London Fashion Week.

From there, opportunities grew. The nail industry gave me more than a career; it gave me confidence, independence and identity. I’ve worked at Fashion Week shows for over a decade, built a celebrity clientele and had my work featured in Scratch, on television and in print campaigns. I have collaborated with brands including Pandora, ASOS, Amazon, Disney+ and Netflix, and been a finalist in the Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year category twice.

In 2017, life tested me again. My ex-partner reappeared and threatened to kidnap my daughter. Two days later, I stood in front of a judge seeking protection orders. After seven months of legal proceedings, his parental responsibility was removed and awarded to the man who had lovingly raised my daughter: her real dad.

My experiences taught me that resilience is about continuing despite fear. I learned to network, put myself forward for opportunities and keep showing up, even when my confidence is low. I discovered that survival is not the end goal: thriving is.

‘‘ When I reflect on my career, I don’t just see the nail achievements; I see proof that it is possible to rebuild.

Today, I am passionate about education. I love helping both new and experienced professionals navigate the nail industry, whether that’s by developing technical skills, building confidence, finding a niche or growing a business. Having experienced the importance of support and mentorship, giving back is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

When I reflect on my career, I don’t just see the nail achievements; I see proof that it is possible to rebuild. My journey hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has shaped the nail technician and educator I am today. If sharing my story helps one person realise that they are stronger than they think, every difficult chapter has been worth telling.

With my wonderful husband.