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 art

If 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

In part one of this two-part episode, I’m joined by Izzy from Orphic Nails & Education for a deep dive into nail art and the small details that make the biggest difference.

We talk about the evolution of Izzy’s iconic checkerboard nail art, why brush pressure and gel saturation matter more than most nail techs realise, and how refining your technique can completely change your results.

Izzy also shares her (very strong) feelings about French nails, why they’re harder than they look, and how we deal with clients who just won’t sit still during nail art appointments.

This episode was too good to cut down, so we’ve split it into two parts - part two will be with you next week!

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!

In this episode of Nails & Yap, I’m joined by Holly (A Splash of Polish) for a real, honest conversation about managing a beauty business while living with chronic illness.

We talk about what it’s actually like to work with conditions like CFS and Fibromyalgia. Holly deals with unpredictable energy levels and painful flare-ups, all whilst navigating client expectations, scheduling, and the guilt that often comes with needing rest.

Holly shares her personal journey, the misconceptions people have about working with chronic illness, and why understanding your own body is one of the most important skills you can develop as a business owner. We also get practical... breaking down energy management strategies, workspace adaptations, client communication tips, and a mini toolkit you can start using immediately.

We dive into the mindset side too. Coping with burnout, respecting your limits without losing ambition, and learning to run a sustainable business that supports your health instead of fighting against it.

Plus, we finish with a Nightmare from the Nail Desk agony aunt moment: how do you politely get a fidgety client to stay still without making things awkward?

If you’re a nail tech, beauty professional, or self employed creative navigating chronic illness (or burnout), this episode is for you.

✨ Follow, like, and subscribe for more honest industry chats
✨ Find Holly at @asplashofpolish
✨ Stay tuned for the next episode of Nails & Yap - we're chatting all about nail art with Orphic Nails

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 2026

• Habits, systems, and boundaries to leave behind for a healthier work-life balance

• Small business goals, social media strategies, and diversifying income in the salon industry

• Personal goals for 2026, including self-care, downtime, and sustainable productivity

  
  

  Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications for more honest, no holds barred conversations for nail techs and beauty professionals!

  
  

As 2025 comes to an end we’re taking a moment to reflect on the year we've had.

In part one of this two part end of year podcast, I’m joined by Sasha and India to talk openly about what 2025 really looked like behind the scenes of our businesses.

We’re sharing our biggest business highs, the moments we’re genuinely proud of, the lows that challenged us, and the lessons 2025 taught us about growth, boundaries, patience, and running a beauty business in the real world.

This episode is for anyone who’s had a mixed year, questioned their progress, or wants reassurance that growth doesn’t always look linear.

In this epsiode we cover:

• How we’d sum up 2025 as a whole
• Our biggest business wins and proud moments
• What didn’t go to plan and what we’d do differently
• Lessons we’re taking forward into 2026

This is part one of a two part end of year reflection. In part two, we’ll be looking ahead to 2026... what we’re leaving behind, the goals we’re setting, and how we want the year to feel.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow, rate, and share the podcast, it really does help more than you know 🤍

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 chaotic

• Client gifting etiquette - should we buy clients gifts?

• Controversial Christmas nail art opinions 👀

• Festive nail trends and whether they’re a yes or a no

• A Christmas quick-fire round

• Clients 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.

In episode 12 I'm joined by India, known as IndzInc on social media, to chat about a bit of everything... from training to become a foot health practitioner, to hosting her events in Manchester.

We also delve into the topic of staff as India has recently hired two team members. We discuss her decision to become an employer vs rent out desk space, as well as everything she'd do differently if she were to hire again.

It was great to catch up with India again, and I can't wait for her event on 7th December... see you there!

Use code NAILSANDYAP for 20% off your ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nail-artist-christmas-party-tickets-1685120092559aff=oddtdtcreator