Polished by Katie Lou

I made another order with DNKA,DARK,LUNAmoon,AMERICAN CREATOR,HER,HEYLOVE,YAS,TRENDY,ULKA the other day for some new Autumn/Winter colours and tried a brand thats new to me.

UKRAINE — is a capital of nails. NOTD really impressed me. All the colours I ordered were so pigmented and rich. Most of them 1 coat was enough.

Anyway here is their colour Odri, it is a beautiful deep dark brown, almost black, with subtle reflective glitter.

Little bit of an honest post here so feel free to scroll on....
I've been soooo bad with social media recently, there are so many sets that I need to get on, but I just don't have it in me it seems.

Please tell me I'm not the only one that really struggles to keep up with the social media expectation?! Like the pressure to post everyday, reels, grid posts, stories. Then the fact it seems your followers directly correlate to your worth as a tech. So if your follower count isn't growing massively then you must be sh*t.

I just think realistically, doing all the things on all the socials is just not in the cards for me. It's not my time.

I've got 3 kids - youngest being 2, oldest being 6 - if I'm not sat behind my nail desk I am doing school runs, cleaning, cooking, basically everything involved to keep children alive, don't get me started on the amount you then still need to do for school and to help your kids' learning. I run our house full time as my husband works at least 12 hour days in London. I then also work one full day on the weekend so get ONE day off as a family.

I think I've realised that right now, it's not my time to be able to 'do' the social media thing. And its not because I'm no good at nails, I can magic up some pretty good stuff tbf 🤷🏻‍♀️, but because I'm already stretched in so many ways it's just not a priority.

What I'm trying to say is, your social media doesn't correlate whatsoever to your business' worth. Or to your worth. Do what you can manage and don't feel bad about it. Life is worth so much more than stressing over bloody social media.

How do you all feel about it? Let's chat in the comments ⬇️

A mini round up of August!

From ranting with regulars about the school holidays, to a trip to Manchester half way through the month to attend the The Official UK Hair and Beauty Awards, where I won 'Highly Recommended' in the category for Best Gel Nails, to being privileged enough to paint beautiful bridal nails and to everything else in-between.

Entering the new season feeling excited for what the last stretch of the year has in store for me and my little business 🥰

Forever grateful for everyone who chooses to book with me and honestly, I have the most hilarious time with you all - just remember, what is said at the nail desk, stays at the nail desk 😉😘

This weather's got me feeling Autumn is near 🍂

I have a couple of September slots so if you have been thinking about getting a head start on the end of the year rush, DM me and we can get you at the nail desk 🤍

Gel Nail Products for Professional Nail Technicians | UK light structure pot in Cupid and Sangria gel polish

Quiet little details ✨

There’s something so satisfying about the tools of the trade… the prep, the precision, the little rituals behind every set

Just a glimpse behind the scenes of nail tech life 🤍

Want to see the exact process of how I work?

Swipe to see each step of how I did my nails for the The Official UK Hair and Beauty Awards

Started with these bright pink nails that I did in a rushed job a couple of weeks ago with the colour chosen by my husband - and let's just say, I won't be asking for his choice again 😭🤣

All old product has been de bulked down about 90%. You can see at the free edge where I have previously done an extension

LILLY BEAU | E-Files & Nail Tech Tools carbide smooth top in coarse

Cuticle was first lifted to open the pocket before going im with my flame bit and then scissors to cut away the dead skin

STALEKS UK Official 🇬🇧 micro scissors expert 90
LILLY BEAU | E-Files & Nail Tech Tools flame 023 in fine

New product applied!

DARK - ICONIC NAILS • все для манікюру Iconic gel 19
DNKA,DARK,LUNAmoon,AMERICAN CREATOR,HER,HEYLOVE,YAS,TRENDY,ULKA

Filed the shape and refined with my most trusted STALEKS UK Official 🇬🇧 disposable papmam files in 180 grit cause we are hygienic over here 👌

Lastly topped it off with UKRAINE — is a capital of nails. NOTD Korean cat eye 03

I'm absolutely thrilled to share that I’ve been named a 2026 Highly Recommended Winner for Best Gel Nails at the UK Hair & Beauty Awards 2026! 🤍

After only qualifying 17 months ago, I am so incredibly proud to have made this achievement and grateful to every single client who continues to support, trust and believe in my work 🫶🏼

This recognition means so much and is a beautiful reminder of why I love what I do!

Here’s to creating beautiful nails and continuing to grow! 🥂✨

What an absolute pleasure it was to paint these Bridal nails 🤍

It did take some time to trial all our options, but this pale pink hard gel from TWENTY™ with a glazed chrome was definitely the best choice. Timeless and elegant ✨️

TWENTY™ S&B Angel Cake

Beautiful nails begin long before the colour goes on.
Every appointment is designed with the health of your natural nails in mind, so you leave with results you'll love.
Ready for your next appointment? My DMs are always open 🤍

NIBOVI® E-File & Education
STALEKS UK Official 🇬🇧

When all the other nail art you tried didn't tick the box, sometimes going back so basics is what you need 💙

TWENTY™ S&B Fresh, gel colour mykonos