Q&A with a Scratch Stars Finalist

In the ever-evolving beauty industry, nail technicians continue to raise the bar with creativity, skill, and dedication to client care. Today, we’re sitting down with one of this year’s Scratch Stars finalist @gelailcious to talk about her journey, the honor of being nominated, and her expert insights into the nail world 💕

How did you start as a Nail tech/ Pedicurist?

I’ve been in the nail industry for over 12 years now, and my journey has evolved so much over that time.

I started out focusing on acrylics, which is where I really built my core skills and understanding of structure. As trends and techniques developed, I moved into builder gel and nail art, constantly pushing myself creatively and keeping up with what clients wanted. As the industry shifted, so did I, and a huge part of that was learning to navigate social media. When I first started, social media wasn’t the powerful tool it is today.

Over the years, I’ve adapted alongside it; learning how to showcase my work, connect with clients, and build a personal brand online. More recently, I found my true passion in pedicure treatments, especially advanced services like medical-grade pedicures and toenail reconstruction. It’s taken my career in a completely new direction, allowing me to focus on results-driven treatments that genuinely transform my clients’ confidence.

How did it feel to be nominated for pedicurist of the Year?

Honestly, it still doesn’t feel real.

This year, I’m not only a finalist for Pedicurist of the Year, but also Builder Gel Tech of the Year at the Scratch Awards, which makes it even more special.

I hadn’t entered for a few years, so even just putting myself forward again was a huge personal milestone. Before the finalists were even announced, I already felt proud of myself for taking that step.

But when I received the email from Scratch announcing the finalists—I was literally screaming. It was such an emotional, full-circle moment.

To be recognised alongside so many incredible professionals in the industry is something I don’t take lightly. It’s such an honour to be listed among artists I’ve admired and followed for years, and it really pushes me to keep growing and evolving in my career.

Tell us about the award and what it would mean to win!

Being part of an industry that’s constantly evolving and filled with so much talent is something I never take for granted.
 
The Scratch Awards celebrate excellence and dedication within the nail industry, and to be recognised within that is incredibly special. I’ve wanted to be a finalist for so long but hadn’t entered for a few years so even reaching this stage already feels like a dream come true.

Winning would mean everything—not just personally, but for my business too. It would be a reflection of the hard work, the hours behind the scenes, the continuous learning, and the passion I put into every client. More than anything, it would reinforce my mission to specialise in advanced pedicure services and show that this area of the industry deserves just as much spotlight as nails.

What trends do you see shaping the nail industry right now?

Natural nail health & BIAB – Clients are prioritising strength and nail health more than ever

 • Advanced pedicure treatments – There’s a growing demand for results-driven services like medical-grade pedicures and toenail reconstruction

- Education & professionalism – More techs are investing in proper training and raising industry standards

What advice would you give to aspiring nail techs?

If I could give one piece of advice, it would be: don’t rush the process.

Take your time to build strong foundations and really focus on your technique. It’s easy to compare yourself to others, especially on social media, but consistency and growth are what truly matter.

 Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there either. Whether that’s posting your work online or entering competitions, those moments can feel uncomfortable, but they’re often what lead to the biggest growth.

And most importantly, never stop learning. The industry is always evolving, and the best thing you can do is keep developing your skills and continuously investing in yourself. Also—don’t be afraid to find your niche. For me, that was pedicures and toenail reconstruction, and it completely changed the direction of my career.

And finally...your fave holy grail products!

Every nail tech has those products they can’t live without, these are mine:
  • Halo EasiBuild Profiterole – my go-to builder gel
  • Halo e-file – essential for prep
 • Halo dust collector – so important for protecting our lungs and creating a safer working environment
• Medical-grade pedicure products – especially for effective callus removal and skin care
• Cuticle oil – because aftercare is everything and makes such a difference to the final result

It’s always inspiring to hear from professionals who are not only shaping their craft but also uplifting the industry as a whole. This finalist’s journey is a reminder that success doesn’t happen overnight, it’s built through passion, persistence, and care. We’ll be watching closely and wishing her the best of luck on awards night!