Katie Barnes launches learning platform KB Educate to teach nail techs essential skills

Professional Beauty Award-winning nail tech and nail tools range founder, Katie Barnes, has launched her own education programme KB Educate to help nail professionals upskill in a range of different techniques.

KB Educate is launching with six programmes, each with a variety of options for what you can study under the umbrella, including Manicure and Pedicure, Beginner Acrylic and Gel, Refresher and Conversion courses, One-to-One Course, E-Filing and Prep, and Nail Art courses. Find out more here about the options in each programme.

Taught by people hand-picked by Barnes, the programme of expert training draws on the knowledge of some of the most experienced nail and beauty professionals in the industry for a collection of comprehensive, fun and engaging courses. 

Courses take place both online and in-person around the UK, starting from £165, and range from beginner courses in gel and acrylics, to e-filing and advanced nail art such as one stroke, mixed media and flat 3D. KB Educate also offers one-to-one courses which will help nail techs develop specific skills, tailored to their needs. 

On top of nail and beauty-focused classes, KB Educate will also offer a range of business classes to help nail techs take their career to the next level. However, prior to each course, the KB Educate Theory Unit must be completed online to give nail techs the best possible foundation, while post-course you will also receive ongoing support.

Barnes won Nail Professional of the Year at the 2018 Professional Beauty Awards, has created the Katie Barnes Tool Range, and runs her own training academy in Warwick. 

Meet the KB Educate trainers:

KB Educate’s expert trainers are lead by Derby-based head of education Melanie Lewendon, who has been in the industry for 14 years. “Education is massively important to me,” she said.

“I believe that all students should receive the highest standards of education from start to finish, which is why I was thrilled when Katie asked me to head up her academy as we share the same ethos. I'm so excited to deliver some amazing courses and work with these educators to bring you the best education possible and inspire you to be the best you can be.”

Lewendon is joined by Joy Dutson in Gloucester, who takes a slow and steady approach to learning, telling us: “If I could give only one piece of advice to a new student it would it be do not compare your work to others – everyone learns at different paces. Look back at your earlier nails and compare yourself from then to now to see how far you’ve come."

Hertfordshire educator Jo Duncan is also on hand to impart her wisdom. Duncan joined the beauty industry eight years ago, after spending more than 20 years working in the corporate sector, bringing bundles of business skills with her.

“I love inspiring new and upcoming students as well as the already established, and I love being part of their new found careers as nail artists,” she said. “Choosing an educator to train with can be a minefield – choosing one that oozes knowledge and passion can be even more of a minefield. Come train with me and you will get bags of both and have fun at the same time.

"I do have high expectations when it comes to teaching and the work produced but this can only make you a better artist, right?”

Erin Searle from Hampshire is the final expert on the panel. Searle has dabbled in all areas of the industry, from being home-based and a mobile tech, to working in salon and alongside top businesses, as well as creating her own range of nail art brushes.

With Searle’s experience in the industry, running a successful business, competitions, distribution and starting her own brand she is able to offer not only nail education but advice and training on other segments in the industry.