Welcome to Nails and Yap Episode 1! I'm so excited to launch my new podcast. This one was a bit of a sit down intro, so it's not in the usual format but I wanted to say hi and introduce myself a little bit before I roll out the guests from next week.

Thanks for listening!

As with as lot of nail techs, neither me or my guest El started our nail careers at beauty college. Both of us ended up owning our nail businesses after trying other jobs first, so today we're discussing how we think starting later impacted our businesses, what the pros are, struggles we've faced, and how it impacts confidence and success.

This week's 'Nightmare from the Nail Desk' involves a negative client - and how we think our hypothetical nail tech Becky should deal with her!

Thank you so much for listening - I'd love to hear your thoughts.

I'm joined by Liv 4 Nails to talk all about our memorable clients throughout our nail tech careers - from the good and the bad to the brides, funerals, and our red flags.

We also solve this weeks 'Nightmare From The Nail Desk'... which may or may not involve an illegal request!

After an (unplanned) hiatus whilst I got married - Nails and Yap is back!!

In today's episode I'm chatting with Novo Geo, Nail Order's Manchester Xtensions educator, studio owner, and all round top gal. We're both yappers so strap in, it's a long one!

Mentioned in the podcast:

All Nails Welcome Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allnailswelcome/

Find Georgia

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novo_geo

Studio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novo_studio.mcr

Education Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novo_education.mcr

Nail Order Xtensions Course: https://nailorder.co.uk/products/testing-xtensions-in-person?srsltid=AfmBOoqwMvSgHkOyP9RKFGwvHnGRJbiTusE08b0cQSIoVxRwjhV5ae7j

Do you find yourself exhausted, losing your passion and resenting the job? It could be burnout... but it could also be a lack of boundaries.

I'm joined by Studio Kiki to discuss the importance of boundaries, and the consequences not setting them has, while I give her a cute chrome mani 💅

Beauty By Sasha joins me to discuss all things events... from pre event anxiety to fire breathers, road tripping, and dancing until 3am! After meeting Sasha at a Manchester nail tech networking event, we've since gone to two more together including the HONA After Christmas party, so who better to come onto the podcast and chat all about nail industry events?!

Episode 6 is kindly sponsored by HONA, who are offering 10% discount for listeners with the code NAILSANDYAP. One time use, one per customer to be redeemed on their website.

In this episode I'm joined by Jess to talk all about fitness and health as a nail tech, and how she fits it into her busy diary.

From setting boundaries to eating peperamis, Jess is full of helpful advice for those of you looking to incorporate wellness into your life when you're in a job that doesn't always go hand in hand with work/life balance.

We also solve a dilemma from someone who's client likes to wear sweaty gym gloves to her appointments... we say fire her! (as always...)

Thank you for watching - products/services mentioned:

Nail Order pricing calculator: https://nailorder.co.uk/hr/blogs/tips-and-tricks/how-to-use-the-pricing-calculator?srsltid=AfmBOoqvBLVa1Dsv-leM83jH6C2Gc4cl_nUZXwz-bVpZt51aVEIo84uL

Scratch Mag Katie Barnes pricing spreadsheet: https://www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/feature/how-to-work-out-what-you-need-to-charge-for-nail-services-in-10-steps/

Harriet Westmoreland: https://www.instagram.com/harrietwestmoreland

Jess' PT: https://www.instagram.com/daisy_p.t_/

Products used:

Nail Order Builder in a Pot in shade Sublime

Sissi Easy Squeezi

Magpie Felix Powder

Products Mentioned:

Makartt Rhinestone Glue

Sissi Clay

HONA Cat Eye Top Coat

Jess' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesso.nails

Jess' new studio: https://www.instagram.com/portstudio.sk

When it comes to choosing nail products to use on your clients, is it better to stick with one brand or mix and match? In this episode I'm joined by Beauty By Sophie O to talk about the pros and cons of brand loyalty as a nail tech.

We share our experience with different systems, how brand choice can impact your services, and what to consider before committing. Whether you're just starting out, thinking about switching things up, or you just want to hear our thoughts on the topic... this one's for you.

I'm joined by Jennie Padbury, queen of real no holds barred content, to discuss what professionalism is as a nail tech. What do we consider professional, when do we filter ourselves, and which topics we think are a no go in the nail salon!

From Mounjaro to conspiracy theories - we share our tips for navigating tricky conversations, and how to show up authentically and unapologetically whilst in a service industry.

Products mentioned:

Nail Order - Dura Gel Lite

Nail Order Thermo Pro Gel Warmer

Feeling isolated as a nail tech? In this episode, I chat with Olivia about the importance of community, mentorship, and ongoing education in the nail industry. We explore how supportive networks, peer groups, and guidance from experienced educators can help nail artists grow their skills, boost confidence, and run a thriving business.

Olivia shares her perspective on the gaps in nail education, including business skills, client care, mindset, and aftercare… areas which are often missing from standard courses. We discuss practical ways to build a connected, supportive nail community that empowers techs instead of leaving them overwhelmed or burned out.

Plus, our “Nightmare from the Nail Desk” segment tackles real world challenges, like handling clients who question pricing when you invest in upgrading your nail setup.

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced nail tech, this episode is packed with tips for nail artists, educators, and beauty professionals to strengthen your network, improve your skills, and grow your nail career.

💅 Follow, subscribe, and join us as we explore how collaboration and mentorship can transform the nail industry.

It’s officially Christmas in the nail salon and we’re talking about everything that comes with it.

In this episode of Nails & Yap I'm joined by Chiara to dive into what nail techs really think about the festive season behind the desk. From the things we love about December appointments to the things we absolutely don’t, nothing is off limits.

Let's talk:

• Christmas in the nail salon: the good, the bad, and the chaotic

• Client gifting etiquette - should we buy clients gifts?

• Controversial Christmas nail art opinions 👀

• Festive nail trends and whether they’re a yes or a no

• A Christmas quick-fire round

• Clients eating mince pies mid-appointment (and the crumbs that follow…)

This episode is perfect for nail techs, beauty professionals, and anyone who loves a behind-the-scenes look at salon life during the busiest time of year. Expect honest opinions, relatable moments, and plenty of festive chaos.

Whether you’re fully booked until New Year or just love salon stories, this one will feel very familiar.

As 2025 comes to an end we’re taking a moment to reflect on the year we've had.

In part one of this two part end of year podcast, I’m joined by Sasha and India to talk openly about what 2025 really looked like behind the scenes of our businesses.

We’re sharing our biggest business highs, the moments we’re genuinely proud of, the lows that challenged us, and the lessons 2025 taught us about growth, boundaries, patience, and running a beauty business in the real world.

This episode is for anyone who’s had a mixed year, questioned their progress, or wants reassurance that growth doesn’t always look linear.

In this epsiode we cover:

• How we’d sum up 2025 as a whole
• Our biggest business wins and proud moments
• What didn’t go to plan and what we’d do differently
• Lessons we’re taking forward into 2026

This is part one of a two part end of year reflection. In part two, we’ll be looking ahead to 2026... what we’re leaving behind, the goals we’re setting, and how we want the year to feel.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow, rate, and share the podcast, it really does help more than you know 🤍

I'm back with a little bonus episode of Nails & Yap to share a new project, that I'm really excited and passionate about.

If you're a regular listener you'll already know how much I yap on about the value of community, making friends and creating connections in the nail industry. And if you're not a regular listener - hi, I'm Laura, and I yap on about the value of community, making friends and creating connections in the nail industry.

In this episode I talk about why nail techs need real community, and why this industry can feel really lonely even though we're with people all day. We don't have colleagues, we often work in isolation, and so much of the confidence, motivation and decision making falls on us without people to bounce off.

I wanted to film a bonus episode to introduce The Nail Social, a new Manchester based community that I'm starting with two nail tech friends - India & Sasha. It's all about having genuine connection through low pressure, IRL meet ups. We're starting with monthly coffee mornings, on a Sunday, to get to know other local techs and hopefully make some more mates. It's not one off networking, we want to create a proper community.

I share how the idea came about, how having nail tech friends has COMPLETELY changed my experience of the job, and how we're building this in public.

If you're a nail tech who's ever wished they had colleagues, or you're local to Manchester and want to get involved, you can follow the journey over on Instagram at @thenailsocialmcr (https://www.instagram.com/thenailsocialmcr/). We'll also be sharing lots of content for nail techs, so even if you can't make the meetups we'd love you to follow along and be part of the club from afar!

Thank you so so much for listening, and I'll be back next week with a full episode all about mastering nail art, with Izzy from Orphic Nails & Education who is an absolute nail art whizz!

In this episode of Nails & Yap, I’m joined by Holly (A Splash of Polish) for a real, honest conversation about managing a beauty business while living with chronic illness.

We talk about what it’s actually like to work with conditions like CFS and Fibromyalgia. Holly deals with unpredictable energy levels and painful flare-ups, all whilst navigating client expectations, scheduling, and the guilt that often comes with needing rest.

Holly shares her personal journey, the misconceptions people have about working with chronic illness, and why understanding your own body is one of the most important skills you can develop as a business owner. We also get practical... breaking down energy management strategies, workspace adaptations, client communication tips, and a mini toolkit you can start using immediately.

We dive into the mindset side too. Coping with burnout, respecting your limits without losing ambition, and learning to run a sustainable business that supports your health instead of fighting against it.

Plus, we finish with a Nightmare from the Nail Desk agony aunt moment: how do you politely get a fidgety client to stay still without making things awkward?

If you’re a nail tech, beauty professional, or self employed creative navigating chronic illness (or burnout), this episode is for you.

✨ Follow, like, and subscribe for more honest industry chats
✨ Find Holly at @asplashofpolish
✨ Stay tuned for the next episode of Nails & Yap - we're chatting all about nail art with Orphic Nails

Welcome to Nails & Yap, the podcast for nail techs, beauty professionals, and salon owners looking for honest conversations about business, creativity, and growth. In this episode, we’re diving into our 2026 goals, reflecting on what we’re keeping and leaving behind from 2025, and sharing the business and personal habits that will help us thrive in the year ahead.

Join Laura, Sasha, and India as we talk about:

• Business growth strategies for nail techs and beauty professionals in 2026

• Habits, systems, and boundaries to leave behind for a healthier work-life balance

• Small business goals, social media strategies, and diversifying income in the salon industry

• Personal goals for 2026, including self-care, downtime, and sustainable productivity

  
  

  Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications for more honest, no holds barred conversations for nail techs and beauty professionals!

  
  

In episode 12 I'm joined by India, known as IndzInc on social media, to chat about a bit of everything... from training to become a foot health practitioner, to hosting her events in Manchester.

We also delve into the topic of staff as India has recently hired two team members. We discuss her decision to become an employer vs rent out desk space, as well as everything she'd do differently if she were to hire again.

It was great to catch up with India again, and I can't wait for her event on 7th December... see you there!

Use code NAILSANDYAP for 20% off your ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nail-artist-christmas-party-tickets-1685120092559aff=oddtdtcreator

It's fair to say that a lot of us in the beauty industry started off with a big dream... and not a lot of business knowledge for how best to achieve that dream.

In Episode 11 of Nails & Yap, I'm joined by Sophia, experienced beautician and business mentor with over 10 years of experience. We discuss everything we wish we had known when we first started out, from pricing and boundaries to customer journeys and creating content.

I genuinely believe this is one of the most valuable episodes of the podcast so far, and I'm so glad Sophia was able to join me and add such amazing insights to the topic.

If you enjoyed this one, don't forget to give Nails & Yap a follow on social media, and please let us know if any of our points resonated with you (whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to avoid out beauty mistakes!)

In part one of this two-part episode, I’m joined by Izzy from Orphic Nails & Education for a deep dive into nail art and the small details that make the biggest difference.

We talk about the evolution of Izzy’s iconic checkerboard nail art, why brush pressure and gel saturation matter more than most nail techs realise, and how refining your technique can completely change your results.

Izzy also shares her (very strong) feelings about French nails, why they’re harder than they look, and how we deal with clients who just won’t sit still during nail art appointments.

This episode was too good to cut down, so we’ve split it into two parts - part two will be with you next week!

Welcome to part 2 of my nail art chat with Izzy at Orphic Nails! This time we get into the pressure behind nail art - from ourselves, clients and social media.

We talk about how social media has changed nail art expectations, the unrealistic speed standards nail techs face, and how constantly creating content can lead to burnout.

We also cover:– Scheduling posts to avoid overwhelming yourself– Navigating neurodivergence as a creative nail tech– Learning how to say no to clients and their crazy requests (real life goldfish anyone?!)– Protecting your energy while still delivering detailed nail art

If you love nail art but sometimes feel the pressure that comes with it, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen to Part 1 for the start of the conversation here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3sHmNt3IH8CkDNHhNlgtwX?si=Q4bYwevgSXCtig_SGXJAVg

In this episode of Nails & Yap, I’m joined by Lizzie (one of my clients and also a fellow podcaster over at Tiny Talks) for a chat about nail appointments from the client perspective.

Lizzie is actually my first guest who isn’t in the beauty industry, so we thought it would be interesting to talk about what clients really think about their appointments and get an unfiltered, honest perspective.

We get into:

• What makes a nail appointment feel comfortable and enjoyable

• The atmosphere clients love

• The relationship between nail tech and client

• Things that can make or break the experience

• A few honest client bug bears 👀

It was such a good conversation and definitely one I think nail techs will find interesting - so I hope it's really valuable for you & your business!

Show Notes

Find Lizzie's podcast Instagram here - she chats to small, local businesses and shares daily clips from real people as well as an insight into her own life - managing the sunday scaries, as well as her bridal journey as she's recently engaged.

Follow Nails & Yap on Instagram here and on TikTok here

Spring is the perfect time for a reset and in this episode I’m joined by Lacey to talk about how to refresh your nail business inside and out 🌸

We cover everything from cleaning and organising your tools to reassessing your social media and shifting your mindset ready for a busy summer season.

We also get into:
- Our most hated spring nail art trends 👀
- A simple tip for creating better floral nail designs
- How to actually feel more organised and in control going into your busiest months

If you’re ready to declutter your space, your content, and your mindset then this one’s for you 💅

Struggling to get more nail clients? Or noticing gaps in your appointment book?

In this episode, we break down exactly how nail techs can attract new clients, keep them rebooking, and stop them from going elsewhere.

This conversation is especially helpful if you're:

• A beginner nail tech trying to build your first client base

• A nail tech returning after time off or a quiet period

• Experiencing new gaps in your diary and want to actively attract clients again

We talk about:
• How to actually attract new clients locally
• Why some clients don’t rebook (and how to fix it)
• Simple ways to keep clients loyal to you
• Small mistakes that might be pushing clients away

Plus, my guest Tanya shares one of the BEST local advertising tips I’ve ever heard for nail techs, and it's something most people completely overlook when promoting their business.

If you want a to attract new clients to your beauty business to build up a full, busy diary, this episode will give you practical ideas you can start using straight away.

87% of clients never tell their nail tech why they stopped booking. They just disappear.

In this episode I surveyed 60 real clients - not nail techs, but regular people who've ghosted their hairdresser, beauty therapist, nail tech, brow tech and asked them to be brutally honest about why they left. The results were insightful, sometimes funny, and made me think about how I run my own nail business.

We cover the vibe problem, the listening problem, the price conversation nobody's having correctly, and the clients you were never going to keep anyway. If you've ever lost a client and had no idea why, this one might help you!

Links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 23 - Self Employment vs Salon Employment

🎙️ Follow Nails & Yap on ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠TikTok⁠

⭐ Enjoyed this episode? Please please leave a review! It genuinely helps more nail techs find the show and I'll love you FOREVER

Ever wondered what it's really like working in a busy nail salon and whether going self employed is worth it?

In this episode I sit down with a nail tech who spent 8 years employed in a high street salon before making the leap to self employment after COVID. Elle shares what genuinely surprised her when she started working in a salon, the etiquette lessons she picked up that nobody teaches you on a nail course, and how her transition into self employment actually came about.

We also tackle a listener dilemma about a salon owner who keeps interfering in appointments - and what you can actually do about it.

If you're employed and curious about going it alone, self employed and wondering what you might be missing, or just navigating the industry… you’ll like this one! 

⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Intro & Welcome03:32 From college apprentice to ten years in a salon

05:12 What a typical day in a beauty salon actually looks like

13:29 Having a boss: the pressure, the validation, and the clock-watching

19:10 What you expect salon life to be vs. what it actually is

22:48 Training, development, and why nails always came last

24:54 Salon etiquette: the stuff no nail course ever teaches you

28:09 The three things you were banned from talking about on the salon floor

31:52 Why Elle made the leap from employed to self-employed

34:21 The fears (and the confidence) of going solo

38:17 Loneliness, admin overwhelm, and the bits no one warns you about

45:02 What to know if you're romanticising self-employment

48:53 Nightmare from the nail desk — the salon owner jumping into my appointments

🎙️ Follow Nails & Yap on Instagram & TikTok: @nailsandyap.pod 

💗 Follow Elle over on Instagram @elle_ekbeauty

⭐ Enjoyed this episode? Please please leave a review! It genuinely helps more nail techs find the show and I'll love you FOREVER