Meet Our Member of the Month: @byleaht

Behind every nail tech is a story, and our Members Club is all about bringing those stories, experiences and connections together.

This August, we’re celebrating our Member of the Month, Leah from @byleaht!

From her journey in the nail industry and her go-to products, to her goals for the year ahead and what being part of The Nail Tech Org community means to her.

Scroll to get to know Leah a little better and see why having the right nail community around you can make all the difference…

Tell us a little bit about you!

I’m Leah, the Welshie living in Manchester!

I’m an elder emo and metal head mum of two.

Music is a big part of mine and my families life, and being able to share my love for live music/festivals and create such great memories with my girls brings me so much joy!

I work part-time in an alternative salon just outside of Manchester in a town called Hyde. Being in an environment where I can truly be myself and the alt scene is the norm is so refreshing; especially as the team are the nicest people to work with! 00’s emo/scene, vivid colours, textured hair cuts and Kerrang radio? Just another day for us!

If life wasn’t busy enough, I also work full time. Trying to balance everything is hard work, but I have the most supportive partner and family cheering me on!

How did you get into nails?

I have always been someone who has had a creative outlet in one form or another.

My full-time job started to get heavy both mentally and physically; I needed to reignite my creative spark as a distraction.

My nail tech at the time was about to go travelling for a few months and didn’t know if she was going to come back to nails.

During my appointments, we got chatting and she put the idea in my head to go for it. I booked a course, and at the least, I figured I’d be able to do my own nails while still getting my creative outlet at the same time.

Shortly after qualifying, I started doing friends and family, then found out I was pregnant. I completed my e-file training while 5/6 months pregnant as I knew I wanted to make a go of being a nail tech once my baby was born.

Being a new mum, I wasn’t in the headspace to fully commit, but I still wanted to create beautiful nails for people. I found that my works policy on nails was getting more strict, and I ventured into creating custom press-ons.

During my second pregnancy, I spoke about making a real go at being a nail tech as I not only wanted to create great nails through nail art, but I wanted to help people feel more confident and happy with their natural nail health!

Working from a home space was not practical for me, so when I saw the salon advertising for a beautician, I jumped at it and asked if they’d consider a nail tech… fast forward a few months (and the birth of my second), I was starting!

How did you find The Nail Tech Org?

I followed a few nail techs who spoke about the NTO often and I had dialled into one of Amy’s masterclasses previously.

After seeing the impact Amy had with the price increases, I knew it was something that I’d like to be a part of eventually.

What’s your fave thing about The Nail Tech Org?

I love the community. I attended my first event this year and walking into a room full of other nail techs, not knowing a soul was terrifying; but that quickly went away!

Everyone I have spoken to and met has been so lovely. I’ve even brought my youngest to the Manchester walk event, and she had a great time getting carried and made a fuss of!

What’s your favourite course you’ve done with us?

The business program!

Being self employed, there are so many elements that you don’t even think of that you need to consider (or you do, but don’t know where to start with it).

The business program has everything separated into easy to digest sections and modules that flow smoothly.

It’s been great to work through it to make sure I have set myself up correctly and understand how I want to run my business, especially with pricing!

What are your favourite kind of nails to do?

For me, it’s a bit of a toss up. I love being able to create band-inspired nail art for upcoming gigs.

But at the same time, helping my clients restore their natural nail health is so rewarding!

Especially being able to celebrate their once damaged nails being able to have product on!

Tell us about a holy grail product in your kit.

I use a liner brush and Nailcraft Ultra Shine Top in pretty much every set I do.

I have a few different liners that I switch between as I have customised their thickness by removing bristles but the shine from Nailcrafts top is just unreal!

Clients come back weeks later and it’s just as shiny as their fresh set!

Who is your dream client?

My dream client is someone who wants to be their authentic self with some great nails!

You don’t need to have elaborate nail art, but it’s got to feel right for you, because I want you to feel your best!

It’s a bonus if we can talk about a gig or sing along to whatever’s playing on Kerrang, but if you don’t want to chat, that’s cool too, and we can have a silent service!

It would be pretty great to do nails for a band touring though.

Sat in the crowd watching the cameras zoom in during a guitar solo and seeing your work on the stage?! Sign me up!

Do you have any future plans? Let us know!

I am working on a couple of exciting things behind the scenes, one of which is coming in September!

It’s been a long time coming, and I’m so excited for it to come to life!

I’m also continuing to invest in my knowledge and education.

The world is always evolving, and as things develop, formulations change and research grows, I want to ensure I’m always providing the best service I can for my clients!

If you could sum up The Nail Tech Org in just 3 words, what would they be?

Empowering supportive community!

Ready to be part of the community?

Behind every successful nail tech is a network of people who inspire, support and help them grow.

At The Nail Tech Org, our Members Club is where nail techs come together to learn, connect and keep moving their careers forward. From expert education and industry insights to honest conversations with other nail professionals, it’s a space designed to help you feel supported at every stage of your journey.

Whether you’re looking to build your confidence, grow your business or simply connect with people who get it, you’ll find a community that’s here to cheer you on.

Want to join us? Become a member of The Nail Tech Org and start learning, connecting and growing with thousands of nail techs around the world.