Beauty talks: Meet Nail Technician and Educator Catherine Lavelle

Emma James, Digital Marketing and Communications Executive at Flair Hair & Beauty Supplies, talks with the best in the beauty business. 

This month she meets, Catherine Lavelle, a Galway-based Nail Technician and Educator, who owns and runs CL Nail Studio. 

Hi Catherine, lovely to meet you. Tell us a little about yourself and how you first became interested in beauty.

“I was born in London and moved to Barna, Co. Galway when I was eight years old. I went to primary school in Barna and secondary school in Salthill. At a young age, I began working Saturdays in a local hairdressing salon. After four years of working there I went to hairdressing college in GTI Galway for a year.

“My interest in beauty came from my job working in the local salon. I studied for a year in the School of Make Up Artistry in Galway. I then proceeded to complete my first nail course in ASU Dublin.”

Tell me more about where you studied nails and courses you've completed to date.

“After completing my first nail course in ASU, I went on to do many more courses with them such as CND, Crystal Nails, Young Nails, 1:1 Nail Masters, Indigo Nails, Kinetic Nails, IBX and Purple Professional.”

When did you decide to open CL Nail Studio in Barna, Co. Galway?

“After I qualified as a Nail Technician, I was mobile for two years. I loved it but going from house to house can be time consuming. In 2012, premises became available and I decided I wanted to open my own studio. I was still working in my local SuperValu whilst I built up a steady clientele, I used this as a platform to promote myself and my business.”

Describe your typical week…

“I'm five years in my salon now, I work alone in the studio as a nail technician so in a typical week I have about 10 clients a day. 

“I work Tuesday to Saturday and open late three nights a week. I have many different treatments available from nail repair to shellac and gel or acrylic nails. People prefer all different styles and so I try to cater for this.”

You're a self-employed woman in business. Tell me more about this?

“Being self-employed is challenging because I am the sole earner and need to cover all overheads; it also means putting in a lot of work with little time off. However, I have a deep passion for nails and that keeps me motivated!

“I set goals every year and I am very strict with myself to reach them! I always target three upskilling courses a year to stay on top of my trade and I enter nail competitions each year too. I have entered a nail competition for this year and have already started preparing for it. For me, being self-employed allows me to work flexible hours and is very rewarding!”

Where do you get your inspiration from for nail trends?

“I get inspiration every day fashion trends, magazines, online and catwalk such as London, Milan and New York Fashion Week.”

How has social media impacted you and your business?

“Social Media is huge at the moment and I find it to be very positive. It has given me a platform to promote my business and opened new business opportunities up for me! Instagram especially is a big support for me as it allows me to visually showcase my work.”

Do you get time to network with other women in business? 

“I network with other woman in business through social media platforms, word of mouth and networking events.”

Thanks so much for taking the time to talk to me today. Before I go, I'd like to know have you any advice for anyone thinking of starting their own business?

“When starting your own business, you need a lot of passion and drive. Mostly be consistent in your work and advertising!”