StyleNest chats to Nails Inc founder Thea Green.
Back in 1999, the then Fashion Editor Thea Green spotted a huge gap in the British market for quick, affordable and high quality manicures. Nails Inc. was born and a decade later Thea’s beauty empire now treats over 10,000 women each week to luxury, affordable nail treatments. With a collection of iconic nail colours, the infamous 15 Minute Manicure, numerous awards and even an MBE to her name; Thea somehow manages to be a mum to three as well. StyleNest caught up with Thea to steal some business tips and to find out what’s going to be the nail colour of next season.
Tell us about where you got the idea from for Nails Inc.?
I was working as Fashion Editor for Tatler and frequently visited New York and I noticed a gap in the UK market for professional manicure services for women with little time to spare.
Nails Inc. has grown into an iconic British beauty brand with bars nationwide and in department stores, countless awards, stand alone shops and you’ve also received an MBE. Tell us, did you ever think the brand would be so successful when you first launched it?
I have always believed in the Nails Inc. brand and knew that it had the potential to be a success.
Nails Inc. sees over 10,000 customers every week. What is it about a good manicure that women love so much?
A good manicure can make you feel groomed and ready to start the day. A great nail colour can also complete an outfit and act as a fashion accessory – Nails Inc. polish is the easiest way to experiment with new trends.
Apart from pristine nails, what other beauty indulgences do you enjoy?
I love wearing false eyelashes which I have done at our sister brand Get Lashed. I also enjoy an Indian head massage or full body massage when I’m on holiday.
Mums are always suffering from dry, worn hands; any top tips on keeping them soft and smooth?
Always use hand cream – Nails Inc’s Kensington Hand Cream is enriched with caviar to nourish and moisturise your hands, leaving them super soft. I also always carry a Vitamin E oil pen in my handbag which I apply daily for healthy and hydrated cuticles.
The Nails Inc. products always reflect fashion and trends, what trends will you be coveting this season?
This season I am loving nude, natural tones contrasted with splashes of neon. Nails Inc’s Portobello Neon Orange and Notting Hill Gate Neon Pink are available now if you want to get ahead in the fashion stakes!
Who are your top three, favourite designers?
I love Celine, Stella McCartney and Chloe.
What or who inspires you creatively or business-wise?
My team at Nails Inc. are constantly inspiring me. Also, new people with new ideas, and inventors and product developers.
Mums seem to be going it alone and starting up their own businesses more and more these days. Any tips for mums wanting to do so?
Just go for it. It’s so rewarding to run your own business, and it also gives you the opportunity to manage your own diary so you can strike that healthy work-family balance.
With three children and a beauty empire to look after it’s a wonder you get any chance to rest. When you do have some me-time, how do you relax?
I enjoy going to the park with my children and playing football with them.
Do you enjoy cooking for the family? Any specialties?
I love baking and patisserie, but at the moment I’ve been experimenting with winter risottos.
Are there any restaurants, hotels or holiday destinations you could recommend our readers to go to with small children?
I always recommend the Turks and Caicos as a holiday destination as it has beautiful wide beaches so there’s lots of room for the kids to play, and the water is very shallow so they can play games and snorkel safely.
What is going to be the nail colour of next season?
Things are about the get a lot brighter this season as we bring out lots of neon shades such as Notting Hill Gate and Portobello.
Finally, will you be making any New Year resolutions for 2012?
Yes, to cook more at home and have lots more dinner parties with family and friends.
For more information on Nails Inc or to shop online visit nailsinc.com