NAIL TECH TALK: Kelly Bradford on her colourful career

Kelly Bradford, owner of Kels Gels has had a varied career before becoming a nail technician four years ago. From being a service engineer, to cabin crew for British Airways, Kelly shares her story…

I started working at Somerfield as a checkout supervisor at 16, followed by NatWest bank as a foreign clerk. I then went on to become a motorcyle instructor and a sales representative for Harley Davidson before becoming cabin crew for British Airways and a mechanical engineer.

In terms of getting into the nail industry, I was introduced to nails by my best friend, who is also in the business and she directed me to Nail Harmony, due to their professionalism.

I’ve been working as a nail technician for four years now, alongside being a service engineer. Unfortunately after 10 years service, I was made redundant in August 2020 and it was at this point that I decided to concentrate fully on my passion, which is nails.

I feel due to having had such a varied career, it’s enabled me to offer such a friendly welcoming service, and being a perfectionist in nails is a bonus. I believe everything I’ve achieved to date has got me to where I am today. Customer service from flying and precision from the engineering, it all helps!

At first, I wasn’t sure how I could run a business around my family. However, with the support of my amazing husband, mum, friend (Emma) and Kayleigh (from Nail Harmony), I did it!

I’ve also been fortunate enough to find Magpie Beauty and have been trained by Sophie, Ruth & Nicolette from Magpie. I feel so privileged, as all of the educators are absolutely amazing and their support is outstanding.

I love what I do and am so lucky to meet so many incredible ladies.

Kelly worked as a mobile nail tech until she had her twins, but now she has a luxurious home salon which enables her to offer a professional service.

My goal is to keep developing my skills and I hope that one day I can become an educator myself.

Follow Kelly on Instagram here