A fan of low-key nail looks and dainty designs, Jennifer Oatham styled her salon to match; with a minimalist aesthetic, neutral shades and a fresh, tidy finish.
“I keep all of my products in drawers to ensure the salon is clutter-free. My clients always comment on how chilled they feel when they visit, which makes my heart sing,” she smiles.
Jennifer attained her first nail qualification in September 2019, opening Boheme Beauty in the same month, while also working on a mobile basis. Prior to her nail training, she worked as a make-up artist for 10 years, and spent lockdown honing her beauty skills and drawing up plans to set up her home salon. She now offers nail, brow and last lift services from the space.
“Lockdown hit the beauty industry hard. In between homeschooling my three children, I spent what little time I had on honing my skills and working on how to grow my business,” she remembers.
“With three children and no childcare, I found that working on a mobile basis wasn’t practical,” Jennifer reveals. “I knew it was time to invest in a home salon. My husband and I built my salon from scratch in the garden, and it took over a year to complete. Inside the salon is a nail and brow bar.
“YouTube was a huge source of support and information, and my husband was capable of the job. We spent a small fortune on timber, and built our garden room from the ground up!”
“My favourite brands to use in the salon are HW Nail Systems and Home Of Nail Art,” she reveals. “Builder gel is my most popular treatment by far in the salon, and I love creating chic and classy designs with minimal nail art.
“I’m a creative person who loves deep conversations, so my time with my clients is usually full of laughter and compassion.”
“My salon design is minimal, with lots of plants. I wanted to keep it clutter-free and fresh, because I wanted to let my space speak for itself.
“Self care is so important, having your nails done is so much more than people realise. I adore my job. I have a nail bar and brow bar to be proud of.”