Glossify has just launched one of their best collections to date. We’re beyond proud to introduce the Hollie Barker Collection, now available at Salons Direct! This incredible collaborative collection understands that when it comes to nudes, it isn’t a one size fits all type of situation. That’s why the range consists of several of the dreamiest nudes, with the perfect match for everyone. We’re joined by Hollie Barker herself, to discuss this incredible new collection, along with her journey working in the nail industry.

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Please give us an introduction to yourself and a bit about your background

 My name is Hollie Barker, I am 24 years old and from Leeds, West Yorkshire. I work from my log cabin which my boyfriend and family kindly built for me during the first lockdown. I have been in the nail industry for 2 and a half years now but feels like forever. I’m also a brand ambassador for Glossify!

How did you get started in the nail industry?

 I always had a bit of an obsession with nails from a young age, I would religiously have my nails done and loved how you felt like you had your life together after a fresh set of nails!

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So, after finishing school I went to college and completed my NVQ Level 2 & 3 in Nail Services and Beauty Therapy. I didn’t really know what direction I wanted to go in after completing my course and ended up going on to get a full-time job in something completely different. After my boyfriend and I bought our first home, I decided to start offering nails part-time in our spare room alongside my full-time job, and within a year, I was offering nails full time!

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 What inspired your latest collection with Glossify?

When Glossify asked me to collaborate with them to create my very own collection, I knew straight away what I wanted to do!

I’m a sucker for aesthetics and gradients, so I wanted to create a collection that not only looked amazing but made it impossible to choose a favourite – because you want them all! Nudes, Beiges, and Browns will always be my favourite shades so I knew that had to be my colour choice.

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 Why did you choose Glossify to collaborate with on this collection?

 I’ve been a Brand Ambassador of Glossify since June 2020, so when they asked me if I would like to collaborate it was a no-brainer!

I love everything about Glossify. Their vision, products, knowledge in the industry, and their constant support for their ambassadors – I’m just so lucky to work with such an amazing brand that is only just getting started!

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 What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting a career in the nail tech world?

Don’t think about it, just do it! It’s so scary throwing yourself into something new but sometimes you’ve just got to go for it – you never grow from living comfortably.

It was the best decision I ever made, not just being my own boss but being able to do a job that I love every day, most of my clients have become friends for life too and what more could you want than chatting to your friends all day making their nails look pretty?!

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What are your top 5 tools/products that you can’t work without?

 My top product would have to be my Glossify Naturabuild, one product I could not live without! There’s no better shine than a layer of Glossy Top either, I’ve never used a top coat so shiny and that lasts so long!

I couldn’t live without my Doris, Ethel & Katey from Navy Pro Tools which prep my nails perfectly. I use the Glossify liner brush for all French manicures and nail art one coat gels for all of my french manicures! 

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Your Instagram feed is so inspiring! What are your top tips for getting the perfect nail pic?

 Ah, thank you! I would say play around with lighting, backgrounds, indoor/outdoor pics and find your own style.

I think it is great to take inspiration from other nail techs but put your own twist on it and make it your own – and once you’ve found a setup you’re happy with, stick with it. I love natural lighting and find that it’s the best way of catching what a colour really looks like in person, I found that some lights depending on the tone would completely change what a colour looked like in real life.

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 How important has social media been to your career?

 I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without social media – especially Instagram. It helped build my business in more ways than one. In fact, I have probably gained 70% of my clients through Instagram, and I have also been given opportunities to work with brands I could’ve never imagined and had my work shared by magazines I could’ve only ever dreamed of such as Glamour! 

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Where do you find your creative inspiration?

 110% from Instagram and other nail technicians, and I also sometimes use Pinterest for inspiration. I would say most of my clients bring in photos of nails they’ve found on Instagram from other nail technicians. 

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 What advice would you give to nail techs that want to grow their social media presence?  

 My best advice would be to just be yourself! It’s great to be inspired by others but you want to create your own style and be consistent with it, that’s what makes you stand out from the rest.

I love when you can tell who’s work you’re looking at from a photo before seeing their name. I would also say stay active on your social media, whether that be posting on the grid, posting on your stories, or going live.

The best thing I did was build relationships with other nail techs in the industry, it can be the most supportive industry especially if you work on your own, building those relationships gives you a support network and the best cheerleaders too!

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Shop the Glossify Hollie Barker Collection at Salons Direct today

Read more Ask the Expert features on the Salons Direct blog…

Ask the Expert with Dom Seeley| Ask the Expert with Nail Artist Amy Guy | Ask the Expert with Rhian Thomas of Lash Glo