Season 9

Starting her nail journey from sheer boredom while working for a high street bank in 1999, Steph Smith, already qualified in depilation, decided to go to college to get further qualifications. After completing manicure and pedicure, Steph took a Saturday job in a salon to gain experience. “I was quickly put onto more professional courses and asked if I’d train in gel nail enhancements, which I gladly did,” Steph recalls. “After working in a series of salons, I opened my own in 2004. Not knowing the industry so well back then, I threw myself into Nail Professional of the Year and Nail Salon of the Year competitions and was surprised when I reached the finals of both categories for three consecutive years.

“Several years later, emerging from personal trauma, I found myself renting salon space and flitting from here to there, never completely settling. However, 19 years down the line, I’ve built everything back up and now run my own salon again. I made the career change into nails at the age of 40 and now, as I approach my 60th birthday, my love of nails is greater than ever. I’m delighted to be in my own salon again. You’re never too old to chase your dreams.”