Eurovision fever is rife, as event lovers get set for the 2023 final on 13 May in Liverpool, UK, hosted on behalf of last year’s winning country, Ukraine.
To promote the event and boost excitement, the BBC has been playing an advert across its channels, featuring colourful nail art cameos courtesy of Rachel Shuttleworth of Betty-Rose Beauty Boutique in Nelson, Lancashire.
The home salon owner, who specialises in acrylic enhancements and portrait painting, has been featured in both national and local press for her realistic nail artistry. Articles in The Sun and Lancashire Evening Telegraph attracted the attention of media make-up artist, Sarah Cherry, who asked Rachel to paint a portrait of TV presenter, Graham Norton on a nail.
The nail artist obliged, and Sarah revealed that nail designs were being sought to feature on the BBC TV trailer for Eurovision.
“At first, I thought she was joking,” laughs Rachel. “But she revealed that the production team loved the nail – and then asked if I would create 60 additional nail designs on press-ons, featuring the Eurovision logo, flags from all participating countries and ’12 points’.”
Rachel rearranged her clients, who she credits for being understanding and excited by the opportunity. “I had limited time to create the nails, and sent progress pictures to the team throughout, which they loved” Rachel continues. “All designs were completed within 27 hours, using NSI and Brillbird products.”
Once the advert was released and clients spread the news of Rachel’s work to their friends and family, Rachel admits that she was inundated with messages of congratulations and was even stopped in the street to talk about her work.
“I was so excited when I saw the advert on TV and how often the nails were featured,” she shares. “I had a rocky start to life and before I entered the nail industry, I was juggling five jobs. It was 16 years ago that I found my calling in nails, and had to give up renting a salon when Covid hit.
“Eighteen months ago, shortly after I set up my home salon, I had a major accident and am still in a knee brace and unable to walk properly. I have had to adapt my working style, but I am the happiest I have ever been in my career and so proud that my work has been seen as good enough to feature on such a mainstream advert.
“I was never a big fan of Eurovision, but I am now!”
