We are spotlighting the winners of Nailpro’s 30 Under 30 competition for 2023, featuring 30 nail artists under 30 years of age.
Get to know Chloe Birks (@nailartbychlo). She is a 24-year-old nail tech at By Chlo Studio in Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire.
Q&A:
Nailpro (NP): What is a fun fact about you?
Chloe Birks (CB): I have a first class honor’s degree in Fashion Business, but I actually started my business before I even attended university!
NP: How did you get started as a nail tech?
CB: I originally trained as a lash technician and worked mobile alongside my first retail job, and it allowed me to work flexibly as I attended university. Halfway through my final year, Coronavirus hit and I had to leave my flat in Manchester. I trained in nails during the lockdown due to boredom really! I also knew that once I’d finished university I wanted to work on my business full-time, and in order to fill a full week’s worth of clients, I wanted to add another treatment to my belt!
NP: What do you love about your job?
CB: The ability to have full creativity to flow. It allows me to express myself through art. While having this outlet that’s good for my own mental health, it also makes my clients feel good about themselves. The relationship between nail tech and client is so special – They are with you through their own highs and lows. Nothing makes me happier than being there for my clients' engagements, birthdays and baby showers!
NP: Where do you find inspiration?
CB: I mostly get my nail inspo from Pinterest and Instagram! I love looking at prints and home décor online and seeing what elements I can take from them and apply to my sets. If clients have a specific theme or photo they want to take inspo from, I tend to pre-draw the set out on my iPad with Procreate to play around with the design.
NP: What is a piece of advice you would give other nail technicians who are just getting started?
CB: My biggest piece of advice I would give to other nail technicians who are just getting started is to utilize their own nails for advertisement! Even if you start with a small client base, you should practice on your own nails as often as you can. Get a peel-off base, use your spare time to create content and share the nails on your page. This is your best advertisement, and it's basically free!
NP: What is your favorite nail trend right now?
CB: My fave trend at the moment would definitely be chrome nails! They are so versatile, whether clients want to go for a natural look with a pinky base or the new fave is a brown chrome for the perfect autumn mani.
NP: What is your favorite service to offer?
CB: My favorite nail service would definitely be builder gel with nail art. The treatment can just transform nails, and with a little patience over a couple of months, the nails are almost unrecognizable. I love it when clients tell me they’ve been bragging about their natural nail length – It’s the biggest confidence booster!
NP: What is one of your proudest achievements as a nail tech?
CB: One of my proudest achievements as a nail tech is getting to the point in my career where I am now teaching other nail techs. This year, I hosted two masterclasses for nail art. It’s such a pinch me moment knowing just a couple of years ago I was attending classes to better my knowledge, and I have worked so hard to be able to do the same for others!
NP: What do you love about the nail community/industry?
CB: I love that the nail community is so welcoming. I have made genuine friends through my work, and if anyone needs help or advice, it’s given so freely. We are each other’s biggest fans, and I love seeing other creatives thrive being their own bosses!
NP: What are your top goals as a nail tech?
CB: My top goals for the future would be to continue growing my business and continue down the route of education. I would also love to develop my relationship with my favorite nail brands and potentially work with them more. Fashion Week is the DREAM!
You can see the full list of our winners by reading our digital magazine.
