Meet Our Member of the Month: @nicolavachersmith

The Nail Tech Org wouldn’t be what it is without its incredible members, and this June–we’re shining the spotlight on Nicola from @nicolavachersmith as our Member of the Month!

From her journey in the nail industry to her holy-grail products, goals for the year ahead, and what being part of NTO means to her—scroll to get to know her a little better…

Tell us a little bit about you!

I’m Nic, your nail tech big sis! I’m 29 and officially entering my 30s era this month… and I’m genuinely so excited about it!

I’m a wifey, and my husband Shaun is honestly my biggest supporter. He built my home salon, Sanctuary Twelve, and we’re currently in the middle of renovating our home together.

We’re also dog parents to Millie, our working Cocker Spaniel, and Alfie, our Bichon Frise. I’ll let you take a guess at who dog is whose!

Outside of Sanctuary Twelve, you’ll usually find me at a gym class, getting my steps in, or out enjoying a Hugo Spritz with the girls… because life is all about balance.

I love a challenge and have completed a Hyrox, which I’m really proud of. I’d definitely love to do another one too, if anyone wants to partner up!

I’m also a total sunset chaser and need a minimum of three holidays a year to keep the seasonal depression away. And one thing about me? I absolutely cannot function without a cup of tea.

Most of all, I’m incredibly passionate about helping others and sharing my knowledge. I love being around like-minded people who lift each other up and remind you that nothing is impossible.

How did you get into nails?

 I left school at 16 and went straight to college, where I spent two years completing a full beauty course. At the time, one of my teachers told me I’d get nowhere in life and that I was wasting my qualifications… but here we are 13 years later with a thriving beauty business!

Over the years, I worked in two main salons before becoming self-employed.

My first salon specialised in high-end treatments including skincare, laser hair removal, and advanced beauty services. While working there, I had no choice but to complete nail appointments in just 30 minutes (looking back seems wild) but something I’m incredibly grateful for now, as it really helped me build speed and efficiency.

My second salon was a hair and beauty salon where I managed a team of 10 girls. That role was a huge learning curve and taught me so much about myself, as well as helping me realise my long-term goals and ambitions.

Along the way, I trained many apprentices, which made me realise that teaching was definitely something I was passionate about. That led me to become a fully qualified educator, something I’m really proud of.

I still carry out a range of beauty treatments, but nails now make up around 80% of my diary. I teach beginner builder gel and gel polish courses, and I’m also the North East educator for LCN Toenail Reconstruction.

Looking back, every step of the journey has played a part in getting me to where I am today.

How did you find The Nail Tech Org?

I found NTO during the viral price increase campaign. I joined the masterclass… and the rest is history. 

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

My favourite thing about The Nail Tech Org has to be the friendships I’ve made along the way.

The girls who’ve come into my life through NTO have genuinely changed it for the better, and I truly believe our paths were meant to cross. I just wish some of us lived a little closer together!

One of the best things to come from it is that I now get to work alongside Chloe and Emily every Thursday at Sixtwenty.

The funny thing is, we only live around 20 minutes away from each other, yet we actually met on the Dubai retreat… proof that things really do happen for a reason.

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

My favourite course has to be Educators Elevation because it gave me the opportunity to unlock the next level in my business.

I loved that the course was specifically designed around teaching nails. It not only helped me develop my skills as an educator but also gave me the confidence to step into that next chapter of my journey.

What are your favourite kind of nails to do?

My favourite kind of nails has to be a clean girl mani, you really can’t beat a gorgeous pinky builder gel!

And if I’m being completely honest, after 13 years behind the desk, give me a solid colour any day… especially if you’re my last client of the day!

Tell us about a holy grail product in your kit.

My holy grail product has to be my Lucy Pastorelli e-file.

I genuinely couldn’t live without her!

I honestly think prep is my favourite part of a manicure. There’s just something so satisfying about perfectly prepped nails and removing those cuticles… especially the thicker ones!

Another product I couldn’t be without is the Loop Tool.

If you’re not using one yet, consider this your sign! go and add it straight to your basket. And if you do, don’t forget to use ST12 for 5% off 😉 

Who is your dream client?

If we’re talking celeb/influencer status, my dream client right now would have to be Farron Clark.

I’m utterly obsessed with her content and watching her growth. She’s an absolute marketing genius! I’d love to pick her brain and hear her marketing strategy from a nail tech’s point of view.

And Amy… if you’re reading this, maybe we can get her on a Monday morning call? 👀

Do you have any future plans? Let us know!

My future plans are all about following my passion for helping others!

My goal is to help nail techs feel confident, inspired, and get their spark back. I’m passionate about creating a space where people feel supported, motivated, and leave feeling like the best version of themselves.

I’m currently creating a 1-1 VIP Reset Day, which I’m so excited about, and I already have a waiting list open via the link in my bio. Watch this space!

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

Community, Growth, Inspiration!

Interested in joining The Nail Tech Org and to be in with the chance of becoming our next member of the month?

Click here to learn more and make the best decision of your life, you won’t regret it.