Lincoln entrepreneur expands beauty business

Trendsetters’ passion for sporting the most eye-catching set of nails has driven an expansion move for a Lincoln entrepreneur.

Demand for Lisa Graves’ nail art treatments, coupled with a rise in the number of people who want to become nail art technicians, has led the owner of Body Beautiful to make a “jobs-creating” relocation to bigger premises in the city’s lower High Street.

Lisa, who was formerly based in Monks Road, now boasts a bigger studio, which has created space for three more budding nail technicians, a “mini shop” selling nail essentials and a separate room for her training arm.

News comes as the nail art market continues to grow in popularity, as an important part of today’s beauty scene.

“I am really excited about how my business has been growing and really enjoying sharing my skills with others who are keen to come into this industry, by offering certified training,” said Lisa.

“I have grown to have about 100 clients and I am increasingly being approached by people who want to know how to become creative nail technicians.  My new premises are ideal for all aspects of my business.”

Lisa, who is mum to Emily-Jayne (nine) and Sophie (five), started Body Beautiful from her kitchen table five years ago. Soon more and more people wanted her services and some clients began asking about how they could access training.

“When Sophie was six-months old I decided I wanted to work again, so I did my training with what was Pompadour in Lincoln (now Capital). I also took my new business idea to the Princes Trust, which had supported me with an earlier business.  They agreed to help me with a loan and advice and also provided me with a business mentor.

“The growth of my business and the fact that I was able to start teaching nail art skills under the Award in Education & Training qualification – which gives students a good grounding in everything from nail anatomy to creative nail finishes – encouraged me to take a small shop in Monks Road in the middle of 2016.  Last year I realised I needed somewhere bigger,” said Lisa.

Now the entrepreneur, who has been helped by Suzie Eglon and part-timer Rachel Smith, has created nail stations for three more (self-employed) technicians, Sammy Macdougal, Natasja Miles and Lyndsay Rothon.

“Of course, our training means we know all about nail anatomy and health and safety issues when it comes to nail care. However, because we concentrate solely on nail art, this work is really exciting. It means we can be as creative as each individual client wishes us to be,” said Lisa.

Our clients typically include people who want their nails doing for special occasions, from parties through to proms, or those who want something bespoke which reflects their personality or a special interest.”

Lisa intends to keep her business buzzing by continuing to research the latest nail art trends.  She also welcomes enquiries from would-be nail artists who are keen to know about training options.

Photo caption: New homes being built by Larkfleet Homes. New land deals mean more sites will be developed in 2018