Sweet Squared

I did my first set of nails at age 15 with my Mum's kit while she was out shopping. I thought I would be grounded but instead I was encouraged!  I started full time as a nail technician in our newly opened little salon when I left school and I worked through the CND education programme attaining my L&P Master Artist Qualification in 2002 aged 19.

It was in 2004 that I was asked to try out for, and then attend the infamous CND Bootcamp where nail professionals are put through their paces in the hopes of becoming part of the Global CND Education Ambassador team.  Achieving this title was made even more special when I won the Nordstrom Spirit of Inspiration Award as voted for by the other newly qualified Ambassadors who had all shared in the trials and tribulations on the journey from nail industry professional to CND EA.

Personally, my particular strengths lie in customer care and motivation. I pride myself on the quality of the education I provide at all levels, from Foundation through to Master.  CND's approach to education is unlike any other organisation in this industry and that is one reason I love our brand so much.  I have always found the performance of our products to be second to none and with that comes real professional integrity.  When someone learns with CND they are gaining powerful tools for personal and professional development, and also becoming part of a global family of skilled individuals who revolutionise our industry every day.

Music is probably my biggest passion after nails. I love listening to a wide range of musical genres and try to get along to as many local gigs and performances as possible.  My favourite bands/artists include; Kate Bush, Tool, Bjork, Nine Inch Nails, The Knife, Radiohead, Modeselektor, The Cinematic Orchestra and Aphex Twin.

When I love a movie I'll watch it over and over; some of my favourites include those produced by David Lynch and Terry Gillingham.  You can't go wrong with creepy weirdness or a bit of surreal comedy.  I try to watch a good cross section of world cinema and not just Hollywood blockbusters, it's almost always worth the extra effort of the sub-titles.

Cooking is one of my favourite ways to relax. After spending 14 years as a strict vegetarian, I've spent the last two eating my way through everything I missed.  My Italian influenced flat-mate and I have some of our best nights in with smoked mackerel, fresh pasta and colourful salads.  The only foods I don't like to eat are jellies and marshmallows.

I haven't done nearly as much travelling as I would like to - we are always so busy here at home.  When I do get the opportunity to travel, I like to visit vibrant, multi-cultural European cities like Amsterdam or London.  I'd like to visit Berlin and Barcelona in the next two years.  Hopefully I will get the chance to venture further afield before retirement!  I'd love to visit India and Japan as culturally I have always had a fascination for the history and felt an affinity toward art produced by these countries.  


My Favourite Quote:  Like the bee, we should make our industry our amusement.
-Oliver Goldsmith