Drew Sallows of @t4tnails feels fortunate to have been surrounded by love throughout their nail career: working in accepting salon spaces, while being able to do the job that they adore.
“I always knew I wanted an artistic career, and spent a lot of time watching content by Cristine of Simply Nailogical, practising techniques from her videos before being offered training by my former nail tech,” the Glasgow-based nail artist shares. “I feel very lucky to do what I love, and think that love has helped me to grow my business.
“I am also fortunate to have solely worked in queer spaces in my nail career. When you’re queer, it’s easy to connect with other queer people, as there’s an unspoken understanding.
“Generally, the nail industry seems to be accepting, but I unfortunately hear stories that some salons aren’t welcoming to queer people,” Drew continues. When asked what they want others to be aware about in regards to the trans community, Drew says this: “In the UK, many trans people don’t feel safe, therefore it’s important to challenge transphobia and listen to trans voices. Real lives are lost to transphobia, which is unacceptable, so education and compassion are incredibly important.”
Drew has been the on the receiving end of transphobia on social media, but takes a positive approach to the comments. “I see these as the commentors’ problems – not mine. I can’t change how they feel about me, and I am proud of who I am and the space I have built for others like me,” they tell Scratch.
To be inclusive to all in their business, Drew doesn’t assume pronouns, identities or the type of nails a client would choose, based on how they present themselves.
The nail artist has gone to therapy to help process their emotions, and shares how beneficial this kind of support can be: “Being trans can be very heavy on your mental health. I recommend therapy to trans pros, and finding queer people in the local community. There are apps that can be used to find LGBTQ+ events in each area.”