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From salon owners and educators to content creators and rising nail techs, women are shaping the future of the industry every single day. They are building businesses, supporting their communities, sharing knowledge online and championing creativity across hair, beauty and nails.
This International Women’s Day, Salons Direct is celebrating the women who keep the industry moving forward, the artists, leaders, mentors and entrepreneurs who inspire others and prove what’s possible.
Take a look at some of the influential women below and read about their successes within the industry?
Inspirational Women In The Nails Industry
Amy Guy
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After years of experience in the nail industry, Amy founded The Nail Tech Org, an online learning community designed to support nail technicians around the world. What began as a platform to bring nail techs together has grown into a thriving community where artists can connect, learn and support one another at every stage of their careers.
Today, Amy continues to inspire thousands of nail professionals through education, business guidance and her online platforms. Through The Nail Tech Org, social media and her teaching, she champions a more supportive and collaborative industry where nail techs can build successful businesses while staying creative and confident in their craft.
With a growing global community and an ever-expanding platform, Amy is helping shape the future of the nail industry, and we can’t wait to see what she does next.
Shea Osei
With over 15 years of experience in the nail industry, Shea Osei is a hugely talented nail artist known for her exceptional creativity and flawless technical work. Her client list includes high-profile names such as Maya Jama, Candice Brathwaite and Cynthia Erivo, and one look at her work shows exactly why she’s become one of the industry’s most sought-after nail technicians.
Shea first began her nail journey as a hobby, but it quickly became clear that her creativity and passion for nail art set her apart. Early on in her career, she noticed there were few nail techs pushing boundaries with bold, artistic designs, which inspired her to develop her own distinctive style. What started with mobile services soon evolved into Shea’d Beauty, a salon known for everything from statement acrylic sets to beautifully executed gel manicures.
Today, Shea is celebrated not only for her artistry but also for the relationships she has built with her loyal clients and the wider beauty community. Her work continues to inspire nail technicians across the industry, proving that creativity, consistency and authenticity can take you incredibly far.
Through her designs and growing platform, Shea continues to champion individuality and artistry in nails
Corrine Jackson
Corrine Jackson, the talent behind @nail_it_with_corrine, is a true example of what determination and passion can build within the nail industry. Starting her journey into nails as a teenager, Corrine worked tirelessly to grow her career from humble beginnings into a thriving business built on skill, resilience and a genuine love working in the nail world.
Over the years, Corrine has expanded far beyond working behind the nail desk. She is now the founder of Nail It Academy, where she trains and mentors aspiring nail technicians, helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the industry. Her mission has always been simple, to show others that with hard work and belief in yourself, anything is possible.
Corrine’s career has also opened doors to exciting opportunities, including working with high-profile clients such as Molly-Mae Hague and collaborating with leading brands in the beauty industry. Yet despite her success, she remains passionate about giving back to the community by supporting and educating the next generation of nail professionals.
Through her work as a nail artist, salon owner and educator, Corrine continues to inspire nail techs to pursue their ambitions, refine their skills and build careers they’re proud of.
Amy Louise
Amy Louise, the talent behind @thebeautyroom.amylouise, represents the new generation of beauty professionals who are redefining what it means to build a career in the industry. As a beauty therapist, educator and content creator, Amy has built a platform that blends creativity, education and real insight into life behind the treatment room.
Through The Beauty Room, Amy has created a space where clients can feel confident and cared for, while also sharing her expertise with fellow professionals through training and masterclasses. Her passion for learning and developing new skills continues to shape her journey as she grows both her business and her influence within the industry.
What makes Amy stand out is her openness in sharing the realities of the beauty industry — from building a client base to developing new treatments and growing as a professional. By documenting her journey online, she has created a supportive space where other beauty therapists can learn, feel inspired and see what’s possible with dedication and hard work.
Amy’s commitment to education, creativity and authenticity continues to inspire other beauty professionals to invest in themselves and their careers
Inspirational Women In the Hair Industry
Nikki Clifford
With years of experience in the hair industry, Nikki Clifford has built an impressive reputation as a stylist, salon owner and educator. As the Director of the award-winning NJUK Hair & Beauty salon and a Top Artist for Wella Professionals, Nikki has dedicated her career to pushing creative boundaries while helping others grow within the industry.
Known for her expertise in colour — particularly luxe blonding transformations — Nikki’s work showcases both technical precision and a strong creative vision. Alongside working behind the chair, she spends much of her time educating and inspiring other hair professionals, sharing her knowledge, techniques and passion with stylists across the industry.
Beyond her own work, Nikki is deeply passionate about mentoring and empowering the next generation of hairdressers. Through her salon team and her role as an educator, she has created an environment focused on growth, collaboration and delivering exceptional client experiences.
Nikki’s dedication to education, creativity and community continues to make a lasting impact on the industry
Tia Lamborne
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Tia Lambourn is a powerful voice in the hair industry, known for her passion for education and her dedication to helping stylists elevate their skills. Over the years, she has built a reputation as a leading educator, sharing her knowledge and techniques with hair professionals across the UK and internationally.
Through her platform The Blonding Bible, Tia has created a space where stylists can refine their craft, learn new techniques and gain the confidence to push their work further. Her approach to education focuses on empowering hairdressers with practical skills and real industry insight, helping them build sustainable and successful careers behind the chair.
Alongside her education work, Tia continues to inspire through her own creative work, showcasing beautiful blonding transformations and modern colour techniques. Her dedication to supporting other stylists and raising standards within the industry has made her an influential figure for the next generation of hair professionals.
The women behind Salons Direct
The hair and beauty industry is flooded with inspirational women who are absolutely smashing it, and we’re here to celebrate everyone’s wins.
Spread some love this International Women’s Day 2026 (and every day), and send your appreciation to those who are completely exceptional.
Follow us on Salons Direct Instagram to be part of a community of like-minded individuals who are eager to learn more, support others, and be the best version of themselves.
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