Nails and Yap

This week I'm joined by Liv Paints Nails and we're talking all about press ons, not just as a quick side hustle but as a properly priced, properly structured income stream that nail techs might be sleeping on.Liv was so open and honest, sharing vulnerable stories, nightmare client tales and her advice for becoming a press on nail artist.We get into:How she started selling press-ons remotely after TikTok followers kept saying they wished they lived nearerThe sellotape sizing hack she uses so clients can measure their own nail beds at homeWhy she prices press ons at the same hourly rate as in person work... and why £35 for a complex set is not it 👀The accessibility angle: who actually wants press-ons and why it goes deeper than you might thinkBalancing press on orders, irl clients and nursery pickup with an ADHD brainThe client who turned up 40 minutes late and offered her a tenner Plus our Nightmare from the Nail Desk dilemma: this week, a nail tech who infilled a set she knew wasn't her own work and now doesn't know if her loyal client of two years is about to ghost her.You can find Liv on TikTok and Instagram at @livpaintsnails 💅About Nails & YapNails & Yap is the podcast for nail technicians who love a good natter. Each episode, host Laura is joined by a guest from the nail industry, she does their nails while they yap away about a different industry topic. Expect real talk on running a nail business, building a clientele, pricing, trends, and everything in between.Every episode features a Nightmare from the Nail Desk... our agony aunt segment where we tackle dilemmas sent in by nail techs. Got a situation you need a second opinion on? Email your dilemma to nailsandyap@gmail.com and we might just answer it on the show.🎙️ 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

Nails and Yap is ONE!!!!! (I know what the helly?!) and instead of one guest in the chair, I've gone back through every single episode and pulled some of the clips that I think you'll find funny, interesting and that will change your beauty business.The advice that genuinely changed how I run my business, the laughs that nearly ruined the set, the honest bits no one planned, and the opinions I think every nail tech needs to hear.Thank you for being here, whether you're a newer listener or an episode 1 OG. I can't wait to see where the next year takes us!!📩 Send your Nightmare From The Nail Desk: nailsandyap@gmail.com📲 @nailsandyap.pod

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 salon05:12 What a typical day in a beauty salon actually looks like13:29 Having a boss: the pressure, the validation, and the clock-watching19:10 What you expect salon life to be vs. what it actually is22:48 Training, development, and why nails always came last24:54 Salon etiquette: the stuff no nail course ever teaches you28:09 The three things you were banned from talking about on the salon floor31:52 Why Elle made the leap from employed to self-employed34:21 The fears (and the confidence) of going solo38:17 Loneliness, admin overwhelm, and the bits no one warns you about45:02 What to know if you're romanticising self-employment48:53 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

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 baseA nail tech returning after time off or a quiet periodExperiencing new gaps in your diary and want to actively attract clients againWe 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 awayPlus, 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.

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 artIf 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

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!

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 2026Habits, systems, and boundaries to leave behind for a healthier work-life balanceSmall business goals, social media strategies, and diversifying income in the salon industryPersonal goals for 2026, including self-care, downtime, and sustainable productivityDon’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications for more honest, no holds barred conversations for nail techs and beauty professionals!

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 chaoticClient gifting etiquette - should we buy clients gifts?Controversial Christmas nail art opinions 👀Festive nail trends and whether they’re a yes or a noA Christmas quick-fire roundClients 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.

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!)

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 LiteNail Order Thermo Pro Gel Warmer

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.

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 GeorgiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/novo_geoStudio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novo_studio.mcrEducation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novo_education.mcrNail Order Xtensions Course: https://nailorder.co.uk/products/testing-xtensions-in-person?srsltid=AfmBOoqwMvSgHkOyP9RKFGwvHnGRJbiTusE08b0cQSIoVxRwjhV5ae7j

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!