Unica Studio Nail Academy

10 years in the industry doesn’t mean there’s nothing left to learn. Michelle’s story is the perfect example of how updating your education can completely change the way you work, even when you already have years of experience behind you.

Michelle wasn’t a beginner. She already had her own salon and years of experience, but she had worked with the same system for a long time. Her clients were starting to ask for Builder Gel, retention wasn’t always consistent and, although she knew she needed to update her skills, changing what she already knew felt scary.

This is why my 1:1s never start with a random application routine. We looked at the products Michelle was already using, tested their flexibility and strength and started understanding WHY something could work beautifully on one client and fail on another.

Michelle didn’t just need to learn how to apply Builder Gel or Hard Gel. She needed to understand which product to choose, when to choose it and why.

For me, that’s where real confidence starts: when you stop following a routine and start making your own decisions behind the desk.

This is the part that makes me so proud. 🥹

Better structure, better shaping and much more intention behind every product choice.

She didn’t need to forget 10 years of experience and start again. She just needed to update and build on what she already knew.

We also spoke about pricing.

After almost 10 years in the industry, Michelle was still charging around £25.

And sometimes the issue isn’t only technical. When you constantly doubt your work, it becomes very difficult to recognise its value too.

Education gives you knowledge, but it can also give you the confidence to stand behind your service.

This message genuinely made me so happy.

Michelle charged £40 for this set.

She was finally starting to recognise the value of her time, her work and the experience she already had.

But most importantly, she was starting to trust herself more. 🤍

If you’ve been doing nails for years but still feel stuck, confused about product choice or scared to change what you’ve always done, you don’t necessarily need another generic course.

Sometimes you need someone to look specifical

The final Russian E-File Manicure training dates for 2026 are here ✨

If you’ve been thinking about learning my method, improving your confidence with the e-file and understanding how to work safely and precisely around the cuticle area, these are your last chances to train with me before January.

This is a 2-day, in-person course in Stirling with a maximum of 2 students, so there’s plenty of time for individual guidance, practice and feedback.

All the work in this carousel was completed by my students during training 🤍

11–12 October
7–8 November — 1 space left
29–30 November

The course includes your Essential Kit with everything you need to practise the method (e-file machine not included), course manual, accredited certificate and lifetime support after your training.

A £100 non-refundable deposit secures your place.

DM me “RUSSIAN” for more information or book via the link in bio.

August through my camera roll 🤍

A special one, as always.

Maybe I’m biased because it’s my birthday month and, as a Leo, I’ve always believed birthdays deserve to be celebrated for the entire month. 😂✨

But this August really did feel a little bit magical.

I got to go home and see my sister again after last seeing her in May. Seeing her bump grow, feeling the baby move and helping prepare all the little things for his arrival was honestly one of those moments I know I’ll remember forever. 🥹🤍

It was also such a busy and fulfilling month for the Academy. I had the pleasure of teaching two amazing students, Michelle for her 1:1 bespoke masterclass and Sophie for her Hard Gel training. I’m always so grateful when someone chooses me to be part of their learning journey.

I also got to create some of my favourite sets lately, the kind of nails that feel completely me, and I even had the honour of doing a bridal manicure and pedicure. There’s something so special about being chosen for such an important moment in someone’s life. 🤍

And as if there wasn’t already enough to celebrate, my partner officially became British. 🇬🇧😂 So yes, there was definitely a lot of celebrating this month.

August was busy, emotional, exciting and full of family, work, love and so many little moments worth remembering.

A very full heart going into September. 🤍

♌️