Successful Graduate Jane Parmenter-Brown

It all started when I had my third child Archie, I kept thinking about learning how to do nails as I have always painted my own, but never really thought seriously about it until I thought what could I do to work my own hours, that fitted in perfectly around my family and from home, I have had various jobs since leaving school, I worked in a silk factory for 7 years and then mostly shop and bar work after having the children.

I kept seeing the Essential Nails advert in magazines, and noticed I could request a brochure, which I did.

Once I received the brochure all I could do was think about it and I found all the information on the courses was very helpful and encouraging. I thought this is it! I am going to give this a go knowing I can do it in my own time with no time scale on the course.

I purchased my first course, which was the Gel nails course in 2009. It was so exciting like Christmas when the course arrived and I was very keen to get started, the DVD was very explanatory and you can keep re-watching until you get it right.

I then found Essential Nails offered a Facebook page where all members can join to help each other out and post photos with their progress which was very useful at times especially when certain areas of the course sometime became a bit trying, but it’s just practice and more practice when it comes to learning the techniques. If you do find you need to ask a question you can call Essential Nails during office hours and know you have ongoing support, they are so friendly and always happy to help and this is for the duration of the course and after.

I passed my gel course after a few months in 2009 then decided to offer to clients at a small charge whilst gaining experience. My next course was the maintenance, which I completed very quickly, as it is quite a small course but I was required to learn about infill’s and repairs. Next came the nail art course which was my favourite and the designs are so effective and very easy to follow.

Then In 2010 I decided I wanted to add an acrylic nails service to my list so passed this too. By now my client list was growing quite well along with my technique and confidence, I even gained a distinction in nail art and maintenance.

I found my clients were coming back again and again and was fitting in perfectly around my family working in the evenings from my conservatory at home, then in time when the children started playgroup in the mornings I offered appointments then too. I have very loyal clients and always get new clients by word of mouth, which is fantastic.

This year I decided to go salon based in my local village with my business partner Nicki who I have currently helped get onto an Essential Nails course and will also go on to further courses. We have just got to our 6th week in business and it has been very successful and busy. I can’t believe that in the space of just 2 years I have gone from being a full time mum to a salon owner with a fabulous clientele.