We caught up with the renowned nail technician to discuss her career that has spanned over 20 years.

Going from a forensic scientist to a nail technician is not your regular job change. How did it happen?
To be honest, I kind of fell into nails! I stopped working in forensics when I had my children. I decided to stay home with my kids so I took a makeup course because I saw it as flexible job that would fit easily around my family life. As nerdy as this may sound, I fell in love with the science of it all; the variety of techniques really appealed to me.

You have had such an amazing career, what would you say inspires your work?
I am inspired by everything but how inspired I get depends on what I am working on. I rarely get full license to creatively go crazy because nails are like accessories, they always have to accentuate the outfit and not overpower it. When I do get the opportunity to create statement nails I get my inspiration from everything and anything at all. I once worked on a Gareth Pugh runway show where I made nails out of chains!

Looking at your work it is clear to see that simplicity and sophistication is the reoccurring theme. Would you say that you are an advocate of the less is more idea?
Yes, I do actually like things that are very simple. I really don’t think piling on decorations and glitter makes beautiful nails. The beauty is always in the simplicity and sophistication of the designs and most of the time it is what you take off rather than put on that counts.

What obstacles have you encountered in your career?
I was one of the first nail technicians in the UK to do session work and I was the first one to do a high-end fashion show which was the ’97 Givenchy show. Back then nails were nowhere near as recognised as they are now, so I guess one of the biggest hurdles for me has been getting acknowledgement for my work, especially in the early years. The number of times I have turned up to a shoot and people would be so shocked that I was there to do the nails is unbelievable. People just could not understand why a nail technician was needed. As far as they were concerned hair, makeup and a stylist were all that were necessary for a shoot.

However, things have changed now. Nails are more of an accessory so I don’t really get the shocked responses anymore.

Your Inkredible Nail Pens line brought high-fashion nails to the everyday woman. What brought about the line?
I brought the Inkredible Nail Pens out because nail polish can be such a drama. I have tried everything to get nail polish to dry quicker so I decided to bring out a quick-fix that gets rid of the tedious application and the waiting around for your nails to dry. It’s only a small line but they are brilliant. I also have a top coat that dries really fast and that saves so much time.

Finally, could you give ‘The Tip’ readers your top three nail care tips?
First of all, always without fail use  nail oil every day! You will see the difference within a week. You have to keep your nails nourished and protected and that is the best way to do it. Secondly, cut the edge of your nail every week. You can liken it to trimming your split ends. Your nails will not grow unless you get rid of the unhealthy parts. Lastly, use a good hand cream. Nobody likes ashy hands!

You can purchase Marian’s Inkredible Nail Pen’s from her online store www.mariannewmannails.com


Aishat Hassan is a budding writer currently living in Birmingham, England. She has a passion for poetry and fiction writing and shares her work on her blog.