Amy Guy, founder of The Nail Tech Org, is calling on experienced nail technicians across the UK to step into education, warning that without their knowledge, future industry standards are at risk.
We spoke with Guy about the challenges nail professionals face and how they can access further training, build confidence and hone their specialities within an ever-evolving industry.
@amyguynailartist
Why should nail technicians be looking to become industry educators?
I've been in the industry for well over a decade, and genuinely feel like we're experiencing a huge shift right now. Products are becoming more advanced, techniques are evolving, and clients are more knowledgeable than ever before.
Because of that, I don't think there's ever been a greater need for high-quality education delivered by people who are living and breathing the industry every single day.
For a long time, education was something we primarily associated with larger brands, but today there are thousands of talented nail technicians whose expertise has been built behind the desk, working with real clients and solving real problems. That's where I think the opportunity lies.
The next generation of education doesn't need to come from one place. It can come from experienced nail technicians sharing what they know through mentoring, masterclasses, workshops and training. Now more than ever, nail techs need nail techs.
For those who feel ready for a new challenge, becoming an educator is an opportunity to grow your impact, give something back to the profession and help raise standards across the industry.
What are the risks in compromising the quality of education in the nail industry?
Education has a ripple effect. Every student an educator teaches goes on to work with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of clients throughout their career. That means one educator can influence industry standards for years to come.
When education is delivered well, we create confident, knowledgeable professionals who can build successful businesses and provide safe, high-quality services. But when education is rushed, poorly structured or focused only on demonstrating techniques without teaching the theory behind them, that's when we risk creating knowledge gaps that get passed from one generation of nail techs to the next.
Being an exceptional nail technician and being an exceptional educator aren't automatically the same skill set. Teaching is a profession in itself, which is why it's so important for educators to invest in learning how to teach, not just what to teach.
@amyguynailartist
What could be holding nail technicians back from teaching?
Confidence is probably the biggest one.
So many people think they're not experienced enough, they're too young, too old, or that there are already people teaching what they want to teach. But every educator started somewhere.
Another misconception is thinking you need to know everything before you're allowed to teach. You don't. Some of the most valuable education in our industry comes from specialists. Whether you're known for nail prep, e-file techniques, French manicures, salon systems or business skills, you don't need to teach every aspect of nails to make a genuine difference.
I also think people imagine teaching has to mean running a big training academy. It doesn't. Education can be one-to-one mentoring, a workshop, an online programme or a masterclass. There are far more ways to educate than ever before, which makes it much more accessible than people realise.
Where can nail technicians find the resources to start teaching, what are the best first steps?
My biggest piece of advice is to treat becoming an educator as its own profession. Being technically brilliant as a nail technician doesn't automatically mean you'll know how to create an effective learning experience for someone else.
Teaching involves understanding different learning styles, structuring education effectively, giving feedback and building confidence in students. That's why I'd always encourage anyone considering education to complete an educator qualification before launching courses.
It's also important to remember that education doesn't have to start with a full beginner's course. You might begin with one-to-one mentoring, a specialist masterclass or a workshop focused on an area you're known for. Great education often starts with sharing the thing you're most passionate about.
@amyguynailartist
Is there any advice you'd give early-stage career nail technicians who want to work towards a teaching accreditation?
If you're early in your career and know you'd like to move into education one day, don't make becoming an educator your first goal. Make becoming amazing at what you do your first goal, and the rest will follow.
The best educators aren't necessarily the people who've been in the industry the longest. They're the people who never stop learning. Focus on building experience with clients, refining your skills and finding the areas of the industry that genuinely excite you.
Every experienced nail technician has a journey behind them that somebody else is only just beginning. Over time, you'll develop knowledge and perspectives that others can benefit from learning.
About Amy Guy
Amy Guy is a prominent Liverpool-based entrepreneur, nail artist, and business mentor who has significantly influenced the UK beauty sector. With over a decade of industry experience, she established The Nail Tech Org in 2020, bringing together nail technicians through a community based online platform.
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