The Ed.
Well-Known Member
Nail techs Belinda Price (pictured), Sue Davies and Amanda Gould are the faces behind the new industry association, Nail Industry Association (NIA). With no less than 44 years experience behind them, the team are working hard to create an association that supports techs in the UK.
Belinda Price explains that the UK is suffering from the same problems that plague the industry worldwide. "Product diversion and fake products put all that weve worked for at risk. In the salon we see deep discounting and undercutting driving prices down, due to some techs being great at nail services but less great at business. We face all the same challenges getting new clients in, keeping old clients loyal, paying the bills, etc."
Tightening up on qualifications, Price believes, are key to safeguarding the industry. "There has only been a recognized qualification for around 15 years in the U.K. and it is not enforced. There are a few boroughs that do insist upon it, but only a couple," she says. "This means that training standards vary massively. At the moment it is possible to take a one-day course and think of yourself as a nail tech. Of course there are some very good training courses too, but many people will look for the cheapest."
The NIAs priority is to standardize training and make sure new treatments like gel-polish are included in a formal qualification. "We can only do this by working together, sharing knowledge, and promoting the industry in a positive light," she says. "Sue, Amanda, and I have the experience such a task requires and look forward to promoting the NIA to nail professionals and consumers."
Corporate membership will be available for manufacturers, distributors, and training companies.
For more information, go to Home - Nail Industry Association or e-mail [email protected].
Until then...geek on!
The Ed.
Belinda Price explains that the UK is suffering from the same problems that plague the industry worldwide. "Product diversion and fake products put all that weve worked for at risk. In the salon we see deep discounting and undercutting driving prices down, due to some techs being great at nail services but less great at business. We face all the same challenges getting new clients in, keeping old clients loyal, paying the bills, etc."
Tightening up on qualifications, Price believes, are key to safeguarding the industry. "There has only been a recognized qualification for around 15 years in the U.K. and it is not enforced. There are a few boroughs that do insist upon it, but only a couple," she says. "This means that training standards vary massively. At the moment it is possible to take a one-day course and think of yourself as a nail tech. Of course there are some very good training courses too, but many people will look for the cheapest."
The NIAs priority is to standardize training and make sure new treatments like gel-polish are included in a formal qualification. "We can only do this by working together, sharing knowledge, and promoting the industry in a positive light," she says. "Sue, Amanda, and I have the experience such a task requires and look forward to promoting the NIA to nail professionals and consumers."
Corporate membership will be available for manufacturers, distributors, and training companies.
For more information, go to Home - Nail Industry Association or e-mail [email protected].
Until then...geek on!
The Ed.
