The Martin Academy of Gel Nails will launch in Galway in the coming weeks to meet the growing demand for nail technicians in the west of Ireland. The business is the brainchild of beautician/business owner Naoise Martin who has set up the academy because she was having difficulty finding suitably qualified staff for her own salon, The Beauty Lounge, in the Eyre Square Shopping Centre.
According to Ms Martin the demand for beautiful nails is bigger than ever. “Gel nail popularity has grown over the years, so much so that a set of gel nails or a two/three week manicure has become a must have fashion accessory,” she said. “Due to this the nail business is booming. We see a huge demand for it here at the Beauty Lounge on a daily basis. I have a long waiting list for both gel nails and the two/three week manicure. However when I look for staff, I find it very hard to source people, so that is why I decided to begin training people myself.”
Ms Martin is well qualified to train others as she has more than 16 years’ experience working as a nail technician. “I am focused on attention to detail and passionate about perfection,” she said. “I will be providing advice on all aspects of gel nail application and also the right products to use to get started in the nail business. It is essential to use the correct products to ensure that customers get the best and most long lasting result.”
She says that for women, getting their nails done is the ultimate ‘me time’. “One little treatment can make you feel so much better about yourself. It makes every woman so happy to look down at the perfect set of nails.”
The course will run over four Sundays and there will be a practical exam at the end of the term. The added value is the central west of Ireland location on the hub of Galway city, allowing people the opportunity to train in a location that is convenient to them, and not have the hassle of travelling to Dublin and dealing with unnecessary travel and accommodation costs.
Naoise Martin says the nail business is certainly a growing industry. “There are great opportunities for people to make some extra money, or make a career out of nails. Something that suits a lot of people is the fact you can work from home. If someone has a flair for nails, they could make a great income because the demand is there. Something that must be emphasised is that you do not need to be a qualified beautician to become a nail technician, it is completely separate to other beauty treatments.”
Spaces are limited. Contact the Martin Academy on 091 510425 or [email protected].
