Meet the Derbyshire nail tech who swapped retail for running her own salon

From retail career to nail salon owner, Natalie Kirk has had quite the journey. Step inside her Derbyshire-based nail space, Nail Perfection by Natalie…

In 2004, Natalie Kirk was working in retail but had had grown increasingly disillusioned with the industry. When her mum suggested she try a nail course as a sideline, she decided to give it a go – little did she know, what started as a hobby would become a full-blown career.

Natalie trained with Jackie and Shaun O’Sullivan, learning everything from gel manicures to extensions, nail art and pedicures. “I was working a full time job at the time, but as my mobile services began to pick up I realised I needed more nail time,” she says.

“I took the plunge, handed my notice in and became self-employed,” Natalie continues, adding that when an opportunity arose to own her own nail salon, she ‘had nothing to lose’.

That first salon was not only Natalie’s first nail space, but also the first of its kind to open in the surrounding village of Breaston, Derbyshire. “It was originally a hairdressers, and before that a plumbing merchants,” she reveals. “It was situated next to a deli, which worked well – we used to do open evenings together so I could talk to potential clients.”

Natalie initially worked with her mum, before realising that renting out the other desks would be beneficial. Three talented technicians took up the offer, and the group began working alongside one another.

For the next 11 years, Natalie built a loyal client base and continuously upskilled through courses with brands including Jessica, NSI, Gelish and The GelBottle Inc.

Then came an opportunity too good to pass up: a bigger salon. “It was originally an estate agents, and I had my work cut out with renovations,” she reflects. “The building required a complete rewire, re-plastered ceilings, fresh paint and new flooring.” Through it all, she credits her husband. “He was my rock – he knew exactly how to organise everything and get it completed on time.”

Nail perfection by Natalie boasts a carefully crafted interior that reflects Natalie’s personal style. “I’ve always liked clean-cut spaces, with a bright an airy feel,” she says. “I need a space that is both comfortable and practical.”

As a trained florist, Natalie also enjoys adding nature to her nail space. “I do like adding pampas grass here and there, and decorating hanging florals around my mirror that change with the seasons.”

One bespoke addition to the salon is Natalie’s desk. “Being only 5’1, I wanted a nail desk that I could actually reach across,” Natalie says with a smile. “So I designed my own.”

Nail perfection by Natalie comprises five self-employed nail technicians who work alongside Natalie downstairs, while the three upstairs rooms are rented by a variety of beauty pros who offer treatments including massages, facials, nails, brows, lashes and pedicures. “These girls are all stars in their own right, paving their way to a successful future,” Natalie says.

Natalie herself offers gel and builder gel manicures, nail extensions, pedicures and toenail reconstruction services – with builder gel manicures proving the most popular. “I use different brands for different clients depending on their jobs and nail type,” Natalie shares.“Personaility, Lecenté and The GelBottle Inc are among my favourite for longevity, durability and colour selection, while LCN UK is my go-to toenail reconstruction product.”

Natalie’s services attract a varied clientele, with ages 18 through 80 frequenting the salon. Some of these ladies have been coming to me for over 20 years and have stayed with me through every step of my journey.”

As for the next step, for Natalie, it was obvious. “I’d always wanted to teach but hadn’t taken the first step” Natalie admits. All it took was meeting Jenni Nippard – award-winning educator & Glitterbels deputy head of education, who gave her the nudge she needed. “I can’t thank Jenni enough for her mentoring and support,” she says.

Having achieved her dream – and now working as an educator for Personaility, Natalie looks to the future with excitement. “I would love to carry on teaching students and helping create the next generation of nail technicians,” she says. “And one day, I would relish the chance to pass my salon on to the next aspiring nail enthusiast.”

Follow Natalie on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok.

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