Successful Graduate Liz Sewell
I was working as an English teacher at an International school when the kids were small, and decided to pursue a more creative career in nails.
My love affair with nails began on a trip home to the U.K. I decided to have my nails done and was enamoured by the whole process of watching my stubby fingers turn into elegant ‘lady’ hands, also being very creative and a bit of a perfectionist, there was something very appealing about the whole process. It was then and there that I decided I was going to change my career.
On my return to Italy, I could only find expensive, short nail courses requiring me to supply a model. I just couldn’t get my head around the suggestion that it would be possible to learn this skill in such a short time. Then, one day, while I was searching the net, I came across Essential Nails website which offered home study courses. It was perfect for me as even though I was still working full time as a teacher, I could get the kids off to bed and do the courses in my own time.
My love of all things ‘naily’ definitely helped power my drive and energy for my new vocation and I was absolutely determined to become a successful nail tech. My first course with Essential Nails was the Gel course, followed by Nail Maintenance, Nail Art, Acrylic Sculpting, Fibreglass, Spa Manicure and Spa Pedicure. I have completed the Acrylic Art Master Tech course and the Freehand Art Master Tech course, and now I am working on the Master One Stroke course before submitting all three for evaluation.
The courses are perfect for fitting around a busy life and are centered on a Nail Trainer practice hand. There are no time limits, so you can practice as much as you like for as long as you like. All products and tools are provided and on completion of the course you send your completed Nail Trainer pop-off nails and exam questions to Essential Nails for assessment and certification. I wouldn’t say it was easy and at times I did feel overwhelmed, but I am so happy and proud of myself for overcoming the challenging moments and sticking with it. Essential Nails are there to support and encourage you all the way.
My home salon ‘London Nails Italia’ soon became a profitable enterprise with clients loving its retro British vibe. After a year, I was in a position to give up my teaching job and open my studio full-time. I love the flexibility that running my own business provides. ‘London Nails Italia’, does lots of nail art parties for kids and adults and in 2012, with the support of Essential Nails, I ran my own four week ‘Nail Art Summer Camp for Kids’ which resulted in a three page spread in Scratch Magazine. I absolutely love anything to do with nails and still get quite a buzz when I see the delivery man with an Essential Nails box full of goodies!
My preferred system is gel. It is perfectly suited to home studios and mobile techs as there is no odour. Acrylic is just not used here in Italy. I use LED gel and gel polishes, including Essential Nails’ new Gelaze colours, I am looking forward to them bringing out an LED hard gel range in the future.
I enjoy entering the Essential Nails competitions and have been lucky enough to be placed as follows:-
‘2050’ 2014 – Winner Gelax Graduate
Valentine’s 2014 – Winner Gel Graduate
Christmas 2013 – Winner Gel Graduate
Halloween 2013 – Winner Gelax Graduate
Easter 2013 – Runner Up Gelax Graduate Level
Valentines 2013 – 2nd Place Gel Graduate
Christmas 2012 – 2nd Place Paint & Polish Graduate
Easter 2011 – Runner up overall (no categories).
My website: www.LondonNailsItalia.com
Facebook Page: London Nails Italia
