Tootsies Nails

Before setting up Tootsies Nails, Lynn Brooks, from Blakelaw, Newcastle upon Tyne worked in a variety of jobs including as a croupier in a leading North East casino for several years.

From September 2008 to June 2009 Lynn completed a Level 2 Diploma in nail technology, in which she received a Distinction. She also completed extra courses in gel application, acrylic application, Hollywood toes and also attended a workshop with the prestigious OPI company. She has also obtained a level 2 qualification in Beauty.

After qualifying, Lynn then began shadowing a nail technician who owns a salon for several months and this gave her a great deal of experience, hints and tips. Lynn also gained vast experience by doing the nails of friends and family.

"The nail technician that I shadowed has given me training in admin, stock, sales and advertising. There is ongoing training in the nail industry, and if there are any new techniques, or products that become available, then I would do a workshop course with the manufacturers."

Once Lynn began her course, family and friends were lining up for her to do their nails. She started to realise that many people could only get their nails done when they were finished work, later in the day at 5pm or beyond. This is when Lynn realised that a mobile service with no restricted hours would be a fantastic business opportunity.

Lynn attended a number of "Be Your Own Boss" seminars provided by Entrust, helping her to start the business and developed her skills with the one-to-one help and support available through FIN. Lynn's older sister helped with the administration side of the business, having ran her own businesses for several years. She spent time working with her adviser at FIN, and became more and more confident on starting her own business.

The business is now flourishing as a mobile service, offering customers high levels of quality and customer care in their own home. Top brands such as Easyflow are used by Tootsies Nails, and Lynn has established relationships with clients that will last for many years.

Ultimately, Tootsies Nails aims to have its own premises while also offering a mobile service. Lynn would love to employ staff and be based within Newcastle City Centre, offering not only Nail treatments but also Beauty and Massage. She believes that the hardest part of running a business is getting your name out there; word of mouth is crucial to the business' success, and word is now spreading that Tootsies is the nail technician to call!

To contact Tootsies Nails, please speak to Lynn by calling 07554 917536.