Natalie nail artist

About

About Natalie nail artist

I’m Natalie, the nail tech and educator behind Shardilly Nails and Shardilly Signature Training, based in Hebburn, South Tyneside. My journey into the nail industry wasn’t something I ever planned. In fact, four years ago, I didn’t really know where I was heading at all. In 2022, I left a job I genuinely loved after struggling with my mental health. I was at a point where I cried every day, barely left the house and had very little idea what the future was going to look like. I started doing nails from home with very little money, basic equipment and no real business plan. I was also dealing with Universal Credit and regular Job Centre appointments while trying to build something from scratch. What started very simply has completely changed my life. Over the last four years, Shardilly Nails has evolved through multiple brand changes, countless courses, new qualifications, industry awards and a huge amount of learning. I’ve invested thousands of pounds into my education, products and equipment because I’ve always believed that being a good nail technician means never stopping learning. I now specialise exclusively in gel services, with a particular passion for structured manicures, builder gel and hard gel. My signature style is all about creating slim, strong and aesthetically pleasing nails rather than bulky or overly thick enhancements. For me, the small details matter. I’m obsessed with clean preparation, meticulous cuticle work and creating a seamless finish that looks beautiful not only on the day of the appointment, but throughout the wear. I use an e-file as part of my service and have developed techniques that allow me to rebalance and maintain enhancements without automatically removing everything and starting again. I’m also passionate about doing things properly. I care deeply about product chemistry, curing, correct lamp use, safe preparation, hygiene and protecting the natural nail. I’ve spent a huge amount of time learning the science behind the products I use because I don’t believe that being a nail tech is simply about making pretty nails. There is a huge amount of skill, knowledge and responsibility behind what we do. My own studio reflects that philosophy. It’s a private, one-to-one space where clients can enjoy a calm, quiet and personal experience rather than the noise and rush of a traditional salon. I’ve spent years creating the environment I wanted for my clients: warm, welcoming, exceptionally clean and focused entirely on quality. Alongside my own nail work, education has become a huge part of my journey. After completing my Level 3 Award in Education and Training, I created Shardilly Signature Training. I teach beginner nail technicians as well as qualified techs who want to improve their existing skills. My beginner training focuses on more than simply teaching someone how to apply gel. I want students to understand what they are doing and why they are doing it. Alongside practical skills such as gel polish, builder gel, structured manicures and e-file work, I also help students understand products, natural nail preparation, safe application, client care and the realities of running a nail business. For qualified technicians, my masterclasses focus on refining technique, improving efficiency and developing those little details that can completely change the finished result. One of the things I’m most passionate about is reminding nail technicians that education shouldn’t stop the moment they receive their certificate. The industry constantly evolves, and there is always something new to learn. I know that because I’ve lived it myself. I’ve taken courses that completely changed the way I work, invested in education even when it was a huge financial commitment, and continued to learn long after I could have simply stayed comfortable doing what I already knew. I’m proud of how far Shardilly has come, but I’m even more proud of the person I’ve become through building it. From starting at a dining table with very little money to having my own dedicated studio, becoming an award-winning nail technician and now teaching other technicians, it has been a journey I never could have predicted. My goal now is simple: to keep learning, keep improving and share as much of that knowledge as I can. Because beautiful nails are only part of what makes a great nail technician. The real difference is in the knowledge, technique, safety, attention to detail and passion behind them.