Nails and Yap is a weekly podcast hosted by nail tech Laura Large, blending nail talk with business and beauty-industry conversation. Each episode features Laura doing a guest’s nails while they discuss salon life, client stories, and the highs and lows of working behind the nail desk. The show mixes unfiltered chats, practical business insight, and light beauty gossip for nail techs, beauty lovers, and anyone who enjoys a good catch-up.
Episodes
Being a Male Nail Tech in a "Hey Girls" Industry with James Nail In The Coffin
"Hey girls!"... says emails from suppliers, course pages, every nail tech group chat. James has spent his whole career in an industry that talks like he isn't in the room.He's one of the few male nail techs in the UK, here to talk to me all about how he got into nails, what everyone said, being the only guy at training courses and supplier events, what clients assume when they wa
What Your Nail Educator Wishes You Knew Before Your Course
Thinking about training as a nail tech? Already a nail tech wanting to upskill? Part way through a course and panicking? This one is for you!!Tash from The Creative Nail Academy has been doing nails for 17 years and educating students for six of those years. She teaches beauty school level 3, ABT accredited day courses, her own academy and she's also a Nail Order educator. I wanted to pick Tas
The income stream most nail techs don't consider
This week I'm joined by Liv Paints Nails and we're talking all about press ons, not just as a quick side hustle but as a properly priced, properly structured income stream that nail techs might be sleeping on.Liv was so open and honest, sharing vulnerable stories, nightmare client tales and her advice for becoming a press on nail artist.We get into:How she started selling press-ons remotel
Your Body Is Your Best Business Asset
When you're a beauty professional, in the chair 6 days a week, sprinting towards your next 5 minute gap so you can nip for a wee and inhale a sandwich... you're probs not thinking about the next 5/10/20 years in the job.But for most of us, if our body stops working... so does our business. This week I'm joined by Charlotte, ex nail tech and owner of Satya Santuary, a yoga/pilates studio in Knutsfo
Nail Tech Business Advice, Hot Takes & Honest Moments | 1 Year of Nails & Yap
Nails and Yap is ONE!!!!! (I know what the helly?!) and instead of one guest in the chair, I've gone back through every single episode and pulled some of the clips that I think you'll find funny, interesting and that will change your beauty business.The advice that genuinely changed how I run my business, the laughs that nearly ruined the set, the honest bits no one planned, and the opinio
Why Your Clients Really Leave (And Why They'll Never Tell You) | Ep 24
87% of clients never tell their nail tech why they stopped booking. They just disappear. In this episode I surveyed 60 real clients - not nail techs, but regular people who've ghosted their hairdresser, beauty therapist, nail tech, brow tech and asked them to be brutally honest about why they left. The results were insightful, sometimes funny, and made me think about how I run my own nail busi
Salon Life, Self Employment & The Things No Nail Course Teaches You
Ever wondered what it's really like working in a busy nail salon and whether going self employed is worth it?In this episode I sit down with a nail tech who spent 8 years employed in a high street salon before making the leap to self employment after COVID. Elle shares what genuinely surprised her when she started working in a salon, the etiquette lessons she picked up that nobody teaches you
Spring Reset for Nail Techs: Cleaning, Social Media & Getting Ready for Summer
Spring is the perfect time for a reset and in this episode I’m joined by Lacey to talk about how to refresh your nail business inside and out 🌸We cover everything from cleaning and organising your tools to reassessing your social media and shifting your mindset ready for a busy summer season.We also get into:- Our most hated spring nail art trends 👀- A simple tip for creating better floral nail de
How Nail Techs Can Get More Clients (And Keep Them Coming Back)
Struggling to get more nail clients? Or noticing gaps in your appointment book?In this episode, we break down exactly how nail techs can attract new clients, keep them rebooking, and stop them from going elsewhere.This conversation is especially helpful if you're:A beginner nail tech trying to build your first client baseA nail tech returning after time off or a quiet periodExperiencing new ga
The Client Perspective: What Makes a Great Nail Appointment?
In this episode of Nails & Yap, I’m joined by Lizzie (one of my clients and also a fellow podcaster over at Tiny Talks) for a chat about nail appointments from the client perspective.Lizzie is actually my first guest who isn’t in the beauty industry, so we thought it would be interesting to talk about what clients really think about their appointments and get an unfiltered, honest perspective.
The Pressure Behind Nail Art | Burnout, Speed & Social Media with Orphic Nails (Part 2)
Welcome to part 2 of my nail art chat with Izzy at Orphic Nails! This time we get into the pressure behind nail art - from ourselves, clients and social media.We talk about how social media has changed nail art expectations, the unrealistic speed standards nail techs face, and how constantly creating content can lead to burnout.We also cover:– Scheduling posts to avoid overwhelming yourself– Navig
Nail Art Tips Every Nail Tech Needs to Hear - PART 1 with Izzy @ Orphic Nails & Education
In part one of this two-part episode, I’m joined by Izzy from Orphic Nails & Education for a deep dive into nail art and the small details that make the biggest difference.We talk about the evolution of Izzy’s iconic checkerboard nail art, why brush pressure and gel saturation matter more than most nail techs realise, and how refining your technique can completely change your results.Izzy also
Why Nail Techs Need Real Community and Offline Friendship: Introducing the Nail Social
I'm back with a little bonus episode of Nails & Yap to share a new project, that I'm really excited and passionate about. If you're a regular listener you'll already know how much I yap on about the value of community, making friends and creating connections in the nail industry. And if you're not a regular listener - hi, I'm Laura, and I yap on about the value of commu
Energy, Expectations & Nails: Running a Business with Chronic Illness
In this episode of Nails & Yap, I’m joined by Holly (A Splash of Polish) for a real, honest conversation about managing a beauty business while living with chronic illness.We talk about what it’s actually like to work with conditions like CFS and Fibromyalgia. Holly deals with unpredictable energy levels and painful flare-ups, all whilst navigating client expectations, scheduling, and the guil
Out With the Old, In With the Goals: Setting Intentions for 2026 With IndzInc & Beauty by Sasha | Part 2
Welcome to Nails & Yap, the podcast for nail techs, beauty professionals, and salon owners looking for honest conversations about business, creativity, and growth. In this episode, we’re diving into our 2026 goals, reflecting on what we’re keeping and leaving behind from 2025, and sharing the business and personal habits that will help us thrive in the year ahead.Join Laura, Sasha, and India a
2025 Recap: Beauty Business Highs, Lows & Lessons Learned | End of Year Reflection With Indz Inc & Sasha
As 2025 comes to an end we’re taking a moment to reflect on the year we've had. In part one of this two part end of year podcast, I’m joined by Sasha and India to talk openly about what 2025 really looked like behind the scenes of our businesses.We’re sharing our biggest business highs, the moments we’re genuinely proud of, the lows that challenged us, and the lessons 2025 taught us about grow
Christmas in the salon 🎄 Festive chaos, seasonal nail art & mince pie crumbs everywhere with By Chiara
It’s officially Christmas in the nail salon and we’re talking about everything that comes with it.In this episode of Nails & Yap I'm joined by Chiara to dive into what nail techs really think about the festive season behind the desk. From the things we love about December appointments to the things we absolutely don’t, nothing is off limits.Let's talk:Christmas in the nail salon: the g
Let's talk feet, hiring staff, and hosting events with Indz Inc
In episode 12 I'm joined by India, known as IndzInc on social media, to chat about a bit of everything... from training to become a foot health practitioner, to hosting her events in Manchester.We also delve into the topic of staff as India has recently hired two team members. We discuss her decision to become an employer vs rent out desk space, as well as everything she'd do differently i
Mistakes we made as beginner beauticians: business, content & strategy advice with Sophia Georgiou
It's fair to say that a lot of us in the beauty industry started off with a big dream... and not a lot of business knowledge for how best to achieve that dream.In Episode 11 of Nails & Yap, I'm joined by Sophia, experienced beautician and business mentor with over 10 years of experience. We discuss everything we wish we had known when we first started out, from pricing and boundaries t
Building Community in the Nail Industry with Olivia Annice: Support, Mentorship & Education
Feeling isolated as a nail tech? In this episode, I chat with Olivia about the importance of community, mentorship, and ongoing education in the nail industry. We explore how supportive networks, peer groups, and guidance from experienced educators can help nail artists grow their skills, boost confidence, and run a thriving business.Olivia shares her perspective on the gaps in nail education, inc
Professionalism, being unapologetically yourself, and ranty Instagram stories, with Jennie Padbury
I'm joined by Jennie Padbury, queen of real no holds barred content, to discuss what professionalism is as a nail tech. What do we consider professional, when do we filter ourselves, and which topics we think are a no go in the nail salon!From Mounjaro to conspiracy theories - we share our tips for navigating tricky conversations, and how to show up authentically and unapologetically whilst in
Prioritising Wellness as a Nail Tech with Jess O Nails
In this episode I'm joined by Jess to talk all about fitness and health as a nail tech, and how she fits it into her busy diary. From setting boundaries to eating peperamis, Jess is full of helpful advice for those of you looking to incorporate wellness into your life when you're in a job that doesn't always go hand in hand with work/life balance.We also solve a dilemma from someone wh
Stocking The Salon: How to pick the right brand(s), with Beauty By Sophie O
When it comes to choosing nail products to use on your clients, is it better to stick with one brand or mix and match? In this episode I'm joined by Beauty By Sophie O to talk about the pros and cons of brand loyalty as a nail tech.We share our experience with different systems, how brand choice can impact your services, and what to consider before committing. Whether you're just starting
Saying Yes to Events (Even When It Feels Awkward) with Beauty By Sasha
Beauty By Sasha joins me to discuss all things events... from pre event anxiety to fire breathers, road tripping, and dancing until 3am! After meeting Sasha at a Manchester nail tech networking event, we've since gone to two more together including the HONA After Christmas party, so who better to come onto the podcast and chat all about nail industry events?! Episode 6 is kindly sponsored by HONA,
Becoming an Educator: How Nail Order educator Novo Geo got into teaching
After an (unplanned) hiatus whilst I got married - Nails and Yap is back!!In today's episode I'm chatting with Novo Geo, Nail Order's Manchester Xtensions educator, studio owner, and all round top gal. We're both yappers so strap in, it's a long one! Mentioned in the podcast:All Nails Welcome Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allnailswelcome/Find GeorgiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/novo
Burnout & Boundaries: Surviving as a Nail Tech with Studio Kiki
Do you find yourself exhausted, losing your passion and resenting the job? It could be burnout... but it could also be a lack of boundaries.I'm joined by Studio Kiki to discuss the importance of boundaries, and the consequences not setting them has, while I give her a cute chrome mani 💅
Memorable Clients: The good, the brides & the illegal...
I'm joined by Liv 4 Nails to talk all about our memorable clients throughout our nail tech careers - from the good and the bad to the brides, funerals, and our red flags.We also solve this weeks 'Nightmare From The Nail Desk'... which may or may not involve an illegal request!
Starting a Nail Business Later in Life: Confidence & Imposter Syndrome with Gel By El
As with as lot of nail techs, neither me or my guest El started our nail careers at beauty college. Both of us ended up owning our nail businesses after trying other jobs first, so today we're discussing how we think starting later impacted our businesses, what the pros are, struggles we've faced, and how it impacts confidence and success.This week's 'Nightmare from the Nail Desk' involves a negat
Welcome! Introductions, hen do nail chat, & what to expect from Nails & Yap!
Welcome to Nails and Yap Episode 1! I'm so excited to launch my new podcast. This one was a bit of a sit down intro, so it's not in the usual format but I wanted to say hi and introduce myself a little bit before I roll out the guests from next week.Thanks for listening!
