TECHTALK

Mobile mastery

Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year 2026, JADE THORNHILL, shares the experiences that helped turn her passion into an award-winning luxury business

F or Jade Thornhill, building a mobile nail business wasn’t just a smart career move – it was an opportunity for a fresh start. As a busy mother, she needed a career that offered both flexibility and creativity, allowing her to support her family while doing something she genuinely loves.

With a background in illustration and passion for drawing and painting, Jade was enticed by the artistry of the nail world. However, translating her creativity onto nails wasn’t straightforward. “Looking back, my early nail designs were awful,” she laughs. “My first acrylic set took around four hours to create!”

The start of the journey

Like many nail professionals, Jade’s career began with a lot of determination and dedication, rather than a clear business plan.“When my tutor went around the class and asked everyone where we planned to work, I didn’t have a clue,” she reveals. “I hadn’t planned that far ahead.”

The same tutor suggested that Jade should take her services on the road and become a mobile nail professional: advice she believes completely changed the course of her career.

Nailing it

Today, Jade is the award-winning owner of mobile business, Nails By Jade. Describing herself as a ‘luxury mobile manicurist’, she is based in Medway, Kent, and serves a loyal clientele using Bio Sculpture gel products.

Rather than simply turning up with a nail kit, Jade aims to recreate the feeling of a boutique salon inside her clients’ homes. She arrives with a manicure table, professional lighting, hygiene equipment and every detail carefully considered, creating what she describes as a ‘mini nail salon’ wherever her clients feel most comfortable.

For Jade, luxury is about more than products. “When I joined the nail industry, luxury meant adding high-end lotions at the end of treatments,” she shares. “I still add these as standard, but I’ve come to realise that, as well as a nice set of nails, luxury is about the customer experience. I want my clients to feel looked after, relaxed and able to enjoy time for themselves.”

Jade’s attention to detail begins long before an appointment. Most clients discover her through Instagram, and chatting online ahead of their first meeting helps build trust. “Each client fills in a consultation form prior to their appointment, which we discuss when I arrive so that I can ensure their expectations are met,” Jade details.

Her days are a carefully considered balance of running a business and motherhood. Although her schedule is demanding, Jade says the relationships she builds with clients make it worthwhile. “We see each other every three weeks – sometimes more than you see friends or family. I’ve made some lovely friendships,” she smiles.

Jade’s commitment to her service delivery has reaped rewards. She is fully booked, having grown almost her entire client base through Instagram and word of mouth. She credits social media with transforming her career. “Without Instagram, I wouldn’t have a business,” she says. “It’s a full-time job in itself, but consistency really does pay off.”

Scratch Stars success

One of the biggest lessons Jade has learned since becoming self-employed is to believe in and value herself. “I’ve had to become incredibly disciplined and understand the importance of regularity and boundaries,” she explains.

This mindset encouraged her to enter the Scratch Stars Awards. She had noticed the competition early in her career, but needed two years’ experience under her belt to be eligible to enter. So, she set a diary reminder for the first year she could submit an entry.

Jade was a Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year finalist in 2024 and 2025, and in July, she took the title at The Scratch Stars Party.

By taking on board judges’ feedback, Jade has continuously refined every aspect of her business – from the booking journey and consultation process to aftercare and the overall client experience. As a result, winning has been an emotional milestone.

“It still doesn’t quite feel real,” she admits. “But it’s confirmation that my hard work has been worthwhile, and serves as a reminder to keep believing in myself.”

Jade notes how much she has learned from the Scratch Stars Awards process and encourages other nail techs to enter the 2027 event, when submissions open in February. “Just go for it and complete an entry form,” she shares. “Be confident in your abilities and seize this incredible opportunity. It offers a chance to reflect on your work and realise just how far you’ve come.”

Signature style

Jade is known for creating timeless nail looks, and her personal style is effortlessly classic. Almond-shaped French manicures, elegant nude nails, micro art and subtle cat eye finishes are among her favourite designs to create.

Follow Jade: /NailsByJade.t @nailsbyjade___