Meet Lorraine Franklin; natural nail specialist, glitter devotee, and 25-year beauty industry veteran based in Norwich, Norfolk. Lorraine has been using LE since it first arrived in the UK, and her passion for the brand comes from the same place ours does; what's actually in the products, and what that means for her clients.
Meet Lorraine
Where is your salon/studio based, or are you mobile?
I work from a Home Based Salon in my back Garden. I love my salon space. When clients visit me it's one on one with a calming and inviting atmosphere so they can unwind and enjoy their treatments.
How long have you been in the nail industry? How did you start and why?
Officially Ive been in the beauty industry for over 25 years. However, I started focusing on my nail journey over the last 7 years. I've always loved nails and thought of them as little rays of light that catch our eyes throughout the day. Nails have always been such an excellent way to elevate someone's style and help them express themselves by collaborating creatively.
What is your speciality?
My speciality is working on natural nails. I also do extensions and overlays but ultimately my goal is for my clients nails to be strong and maintained. Through this maintenance when someone asks my clients ‘are they your nails’, they can say with pride ‘yes’.
Who or what inspires you in your work?
All nail technicians in the industry inspire me; especially my fellow Light Elegance brand ambassadors and educators. My clients and their ideas are also a source of inspiration. I am always up for a challenge and find it exciting to explore new techniques and products to achieve some fabulous outcomes!
What would be your biggest piece of advice for someone just starting in the nail industry?
"Practice, learn, practice, learn and never stop. The industry is ever evolving and as a tech it is important to continually evolve with it to ensure you give the best to your clients and challenge yourself to stay fresh. The best way to learn is to find a great brand like Light Elegance to support your craft."
What’s your top tip for nail applications?
Scrupulous prep work and regular maintenance plus oil, oil, oil. This will be your recipe for successful nail applications and longevity.
How long have you been using Light Elegance products? What led you to use the brand and why do you continue to use them?
I have been using the Light Elegance range since it came to the UK in early 2019. I was overjoyed when our current distributors Jojo and Leila took over as I knew their passion and experience with the brand would make it an even stronger presence in the UK market. I was initially drawn to Light Elegance because of the product innovation and technologies. For me, the ‘what's inside matters’ ethos is super important for ensuring the best results for my clients. I love that it is a company with a head scientist at the forefront of new ideas, and as a tech I feel the brand supports me. The products speak for themselves with results based nails.
What are you Top 3 Light Elegance products and why?
Picking only 3?? That’s a challenge! Since I am such a fan of great prep work, Tack is my first choice. The "double sided sticky tape" effect that is the basis of all my nail work. That is because when you start with a great foundation thats strong and versatile you cannot go wrong. It's a miracle in a bottle!
Next up would have to be the colours and glitters. I am a glitter fan, always covered in the stuff and think! Is glitter really only for Christmas? No! The staying power and sparkle whether you use a P+ or Buttercream, really is one in a million. The Light Elegance colours are vibrant and durable and regular new collections always ensure both clients and myself have something new and exciting to look forward to.
Finally the LEDdot Lamps are the cherry on top. Using the right tools and gels ensure longevity of the set ensuring quality is not compromised. The Lamp completes the collection for a seamless salon set up, and effective curing every time.
Tack
Tack
ButterCream Colour Gels
ButterCream Colour Gels
Glitter Gels
Glitter Gels
P+ Gel Polish
P+ Gel Polish
LED Lamps
LED Lamps
You can follow Lorraine on Instagram or Facebook
LE UK Blog
LE Nail Pro Feature - Lorraine Franklin @smidgeofbeauty
Meet Lorraine Franklin; natural nail specialist, glitter devotee, and 25-year beauty industry veteran based in Norwich, Norfolk. Lorraine has been using LE since it first arrived in the UK, and...
