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Are you someone with a flair for art, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for all things nails? If so, you may want to consider starting your own nails business. Not only can it be a fun and flexible career choice, but it can also be a lucrative one. As a nail artist, you'll have the opportunity to express your creativity, work with clients from all walks of life, and build your own brand. With the right qualifications, experience, and equipment, you can set yourself up for success and enjoy the freedom and satisfaction of running your own business. So, if you're ready to turn your passion for nails into a profitable career, read on to learn more about what it takes to become a successful nail artist in the UK.

Getting Qualified
Getting qualified is an essential step in starting your own nails business. In the UK, the most recognized qualification for nail technicians is the NVQ Level 2 in Nail Services. This course covers all the essential aspects of nail care, including manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements. The course typically takes around six months to complete, and you can find NVQ courses at many colleges and training centers across the country.

Getting Experience
Gaining experience is also crucial before starting your own nails business. You could work in a salon or spa to gain experience and build up your skills. You could also offer your services to family and friends for free or at a reduced rate to gain some experience and build your portfolio. This will help you to build up a loyal customer base and get some feedback on your services.

Setting up your own business
When setting up your own nails business, you'll need to decide whether you want to set up a salon or offer a mobile service. A salon will give you a professional setting to work in, and you'll have access to all the necessary equipment. However, you'll also have to pay rent and other overheads. Offering a mobile service means you can work from home or travel to your clients, which is convenient for them. However, you'll need to invest in your own equipment and travel costs.

Equipment
The equipment that you'll need for your nails business will depend on whether you choose to set up a salon or offer a mobile service. Some basic equipment that you'll need includes a nail table, chairs, lamps, and nail tools such as files, buffers, and clippers. You'll also need to invest in nail products such as polishes, gels, and acrylics. If you choose to work in a salon, you may also want to invest in some more advanced equipment such as electric files, UV lamps, and airbrushing kits. Electric files are used to shape and buff nails, while UV lamps are used to cure gel and acrylic nail enhancements. Airbrushing kits are used to create intricate nail designs, and they can be a great way to offer unique services to your clients. If you choose to offer a mobile service, you'll need to invest in portable versions of the equipment that you'll need. For example, you could invest in a portable nail table that can be folded up and transported to your clients' homes. Portable lamps and electric files are also available, although they may be less powerful than their salon counterparts.

Taxes
When you start your own nails business, you'll need to register with HMRC for tax purposes. You'll need to keep accurate records of your income and expenses and file your tax return each year. The tax you pay will depend on how much profit you make each year. In the UK, the current tax rate for profits up to £50,000 is 19%, and for profits above this, it's 20%.

Marketing
Marketing your nails business can be a fun and creative endeavor that allows you to showcase your work and connect with potential clients. One of the most effective ways to market your nails business is through social media. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are great for sharing photos of your work, engaging with followers, and building a community of nail art enthusiasts. You can also create a website or blog to showcase your work, provide information about your services, and share your knowledge and expertise. Another effective way to promote your business is through local advertising, such as flyers or posters in your community or ads in local newspapers or magazines. Finally, word-of-mouth is a powerful tool in the beauty industry, so make sure to provide excellent service to your clients and encourage them to spread the word about your business to their friends and family. With a little creativity and effort, you can successfully market your nails business and build a loyal client base.

Starting your own nails business can be a great way to turn your passion for nails into a profitable business. As a nail artist you can enjoy a flexible and lucrative career that offers the opportunity for growth and success, and reap the freedom and satisfaction of running your own business.
8:26 AM No comments

Becoming a parent doesn't mean giving up on your dreams- in fact, many successful parents have shown that they can achieve their goals while raising their children. Having kids can really make you realise what's important and give you motivation to get to where you want to be to better their lives or just to make them proud, and can be the catalyst to huge, positive changes in your life. Here are some inspiring success stories of parents who have achieved their dreams.

Ayesha Curry: From food blogger to restaurant owner
Ayesha Curry is a mother of three and a successful entrepreneur in the food industry. She started her culinary journey as a food blogger, sharing recipes and cooking tips on her blog "Little Lights of Mine." Her blog gained popularity, and she eventually wrote her own cookbook, "The Seasoned Life." Her success continued as she launched her own line of cookware, "The Ayesha Curry Kitchenware Collection," in collaboration with Meyer Corporation. In 2017, she opened her first restaurant, International Smoke, in San Francisco. The restaurant serves global cuisine with a focus on barbecue and smoked meats. Since then, she has opened two more locations in Miami and Houston. Ayesha is also a TV personality and has appeared on shows such as "Ayesha's Home Kitchen" and "Family Food Fight."

Lisa Price: From homemade beauty products to multimillion-dollar business
Lisa Price is a mother of one and the founder of Carol's Daughter, a line of natural hair and beauty products. She started making homemade beauty products in her Brooklyn kitchen in the early '90s and sold them at flea markets and craft fairs. Her products gained a following, and she eventually launched Carol's Daughter in 1993. The business grew rapidly and was soon selling in major retailers such as Sephora, Macy's, and Ulta. In 2014, the company was acquired by L'Oreal USA, but Lisa remained as a spokesperson and ambassador for the brand. Today, Carol's Daughter is a multimillion-dollar business with a focus on natural and organic ingredients.

Tiffany Dufu: From raising funds for nonprofits to author and speaker
Tiffany Dufu is a mother of two and a successful author and speaker. She spent years raising funds for nonprofits before pivoting to become an author and speaker. Her book, "Drop the Ball," is a bestseller that helps women let go of the unrealistic expectations of doing it all and instead focus on what matters most. Tiffany is also the founder and CEO of The Cru, a peer coaching service for women. She is a sought-after speaker on topics such as leadership, diversity and inclusion, and work-life integration.

Leticia Barr: From teacher to travel blogger
Leticia Barr is a mother of two and the founder of the travel blog Tech Savvy Mama. She started her career as a teacher but pivoted to become a blogger, sharing tips and advice on using technology to enhance family travel experiences. Her blog has since become one of the most popular family travel blogs on the internet and has been featured in publications such as The New York Times and USA Today. Leticia is also a speaker and has given talks on topics such as technology and travel, social media, and digital citizenship.

These mothers achieved incredible things, and did it all while raising kids, which is no easy feat. But these parents didn't let that stop them. They powered through the challenges, whether it was facing rejection, dealing with financial struggles, or trying to juggle multiple responsibilities. And in the end, their hard work and determination paid off in a big way. Their stories are a great reminder that success doesn't come easy, but it's definitely possible if you're willing to put in the effort. And who knows? Maybe you'll be the next success story we're reading about. It's never too late to chase your dreams and make them a reality.
9:37 AM No comments

Studying while parenting a toddler is no easy feat, but it's a journey that I've been on personally and I'm here to share all the ups and downs, the challenges and the triumphs. If you have children yourself you'll understand that parenting in itself is a full-time job- so when you add studying to the mix, it can feel like you're juggling a million things at once. But, as I've come to learn, it's all about finding a balance, taking things one day at a time and making sure to take care of yourself too. I have a beautiful toddler daughter and as you can imagine, she's my world. But as much as I love being a mum, I also wanted to further my education and pursue my passion for learning. And so, I took on the challenge of studying for a diploma online while also raising a little human. Here's my advice if you're planning on doing the same. 

Finding time to study
We all know that time is a precious commodity when you're a parent, so finding time to study can be a real challenge. I found that staying up a little later to study when my daughter was asleep worked well for me, her bedtime is 7pm so I had a good few hours each evening to work through everything without getting to bed too late myself. That way I was able to focus on my studies without any interruptions and maintain a slightly clearer mind (as clear as it can be as the parent of toddler!) You could consider studying during your child's naps or while they're occupied with an activity, such as playing or eating their lunch. While this did take a chunk out of my downtime, I reminded myself that this wasn't forever and kept pushing on. The main issue I had with this was that I had to find time during the day to do the jobs I was previously doing in the evening. But staying organised and keeping to a schedule as much as possible helped.

Short study sessions
One of the things that I found helpful for balancing parenting and studying was utilising short study sessions. This allowed me to make progress without sacrificing too much time with my daughter. Breaking my studying down into manageable tasks was also helpful- instead of trying to do everything at once, I would focus on one assignment or chapter at a time, making the process less daunting and helping me to stay motivated and on track. Be realistic about what you can achieve each day, if you can only study for fifteen minutes a time then work this into your overall study schedule. The beauty of online learning is that it is flexible so it's totally doable breaking it down this way. 

Enlisting help from family and friends
Balancing parenting and studying becomes a lot easier with the help of family and friends. I was able to enlist the help of my husband, who would always take over with the care of our daughter on his days off while I studied. My friends also helped every now and again by taking turns babysitting, which allowed me to attend my online classes and study without any distractions. While not everyone is lucky enough to have this kind of support, don't be afraid to ask for help if you do have people in your life who you think would step up for you. Spending time with others can be great for your child's social development too, previously she was only ever really with me or my husband the majority of the time. Another way you could make time for study is potentially look into childcare options, whether that's a childminder, nanny or a nursery. If you search things like 'toddler school near me in Perry Hall, MD' (depending on where you live) it will show you all of the options available.

Taking it one day at a time
Finally, I want to emphasise the importance of taking it one day at a time. Studying while parenting a toddler can be overwhelming, but it's important to remember that progress is made one day at a time.  Not every day will be a huge success, the nature of parenting a small child is that they're unpredictable and that means your days are unpredictable. Just keep on trying, and if one day is a bust when it comes to your learning then try again the next. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may be, and be proud of yourself for making the effort to better yourself and your family's future.

If you're a parent who is thinking of studying around parenting, don't let the challenges hold you back. With a little bit of effort and support, you really can make it work.
7:56 AM No comments

Thanks to changing attitudes and improving technology, more people than ever had begun working from home in the past decade. So when covid hit, it really ramped things up in this area. And even now the chaos of the pandemic has died down and life has returned to a more normal state, lots of people have continued remote and home based working, as it provides so many benefits. Flexibility and being able to manage your own schedule in particular are two reasons why this type of work suits mums, and if you're a work at home mum it's important to create a space that supports productivity and reduces distractions. Whether you're a busy mother or just someone who values a good work-life balance, having an effective home working environment is essential for success. Here are some of the ways you can go about achieving this. 

Assess Your Workspace
As a working mother, it's important to create a home working environment that helps you stay focused and productive. If you have a home office, how about redecorating to make it more personal to you- a light, bright and airy room will be much more pleasant to spend time in. If you need a full redecoration, consider getting the professionals in; a quick search for 'handyman services in boise' (or wherever you live) will give you a list of decorators, plasterers and more. Aim to reduce distractions such as clutter and mess, and invest in good storage so you know exactly where everything is. A desk that's large enough to accommodate everything you need day to day and a comfy chair are also essentials. Check out Pinterest for design ideas, while you don't need a Pinterest worthy office it can be nice to improve its appearance and browsing others might spark some ideas for your own. 

Find the Right Work-Life Balance
As a working mother, finding the right work-life balance can be a challenge, but it's an important aspect of maintaining productivity and avoiding burnout. One way to find the right balance is to set clear boundaries and stick to them. For example, you might decide that you'll only work during specific hours each day or that you won't check your email outside of work hours. It's also important to communicate with your family about your work schedule and what you need from them in terms of support. If you have young children, try and find a childcare arrangement that allows you to work without interruptions while still fitting within your budget. For many of us, work can only really happen when the children are asleep or at school, so fit your schedule around this. Make your office a child and partner free zone and communicate this to them, that way when you enter the room you know it's all about work. When you finish for the day and close your home office door behind you and switch off from all work related tasks. 

Set Realistic Goals and Priorities
Decide what's most important to you in each situation- sometimes this will be work and sometimes it will be family. Understand that sometimes you'll need to say no to certain projects or delegate tasks to others, either because you don't have the time or you don't have the mental or emotional capacity to tackle the job to the standard you want (and thats ok!). Come up with a system at home so that your partner is pitching in and your kids are doing age appropriate chores. reducing your mental load. By focusing on what's most important, you'll be able to get more done in less time and have more time for the things that matter most to you. You're not superwoman and are only one person, you're not failing if you drop the ball at times or have to turn down certain opportunities either with family or with work. Be realistic about what can be achieved, and don't be too hard on yourself.

Take Care of Yourself
Finally, it's important to take care of yourself and avoid burnout. As a working mum, burning out is so easy to do, with so much responsibility on our shoulders it's no wonder we feel ourselves crumbling at times.  Make sure to take regular breaks, try and fit some exercise in if you can, and attempt to find time to do the things you love outside of work. Hobbies from home are a good way to take time to yourself and explore your interests outside of work and family- and can keep you sane! Consider baking, crafting, gardening, art: rediscover your passions and make at least some time for them. 
9:15 AM No comments

Outsourcing is a buzzword in the business world today and for good reason. It's a practice that has been proven to be highly effective for companies of all sizes, especially for small home-based businesses. In this post, we will be discussing how outsourcing can help small home-based businesses grow and succeed in today's fast-paced business environment. Small home-based businesses often struggle to stay afloat because they have limited resources and a limited pool of talent. This makes it difficult for them to compete with larger, more established businesses. However, outsourcing provides a solution to this problem by allowing small businesses to tap into a much larger pool of talent and resources.

Focus on Core Competencies
One of the biggest benefits of outsourcing is that it allows small home-based businesses to focus on their core competencies. This means that they can concentrate on what they do best, and leave the rest to the experts.

Access to Cutting-Edge Technology and Expertise
Outsourcing also provides small home-based businesses with access to cutting-edge technology and expertise that they would otherwise be unable to afford. By outsourcing, you can work with professionals who have the latest tools and knowledge to help you succeed.

Save Money
Another benefit of outsourcing is that it allows small home-based businesses to save money. When you outsource, you're not just hiring one person, but a team of experts who can help you achieve your goals. This means that you can get a lot more done for a lot less money.

Scale Operations
Quickly and EfficientlyOne of the most significant benefits of outsourcing is that it allows small home-based businesses to scale their operations quickly and efficiently. This means that you can grow your business faster and more effectively than you could if you were trying to do everything yourself.

Greater Flexibility
Finally, outsourcing provides small home-based businesses with greater flexibility. This is because you can choose to outsource only specific tasks, rather than hiring a full-time employee. This means that you can adjust your outsourcing strategy as your business grows and evolves, ensuring that you always have access to the talent and resources that you need to succeed.

In conclusion, outsourcing is a powerful tool that can help small home-based businesses grow and succeed in today's fast-paced business environment. By tapping into a larger pool of talent and resources, focusing on your core competencies, accessing cutting-edge technology and expertise, saving money, scaling operations quickly and efficiently, and providing greater flexibility, outsourcing can help small home-based businesses reach new heights. So, if you're a small home-based business owner, consider outsourcing as a means to achieve your goals and grow your business.
7:38 AM No comments

There's no doubt that balancing a demanding career with the responsibilities of raising school-aged children can be a difficult and overwhelming task. From early morning school runs, to after-school activities, meal planning, health appointments and everything else in between, it can feel like there are just not enough hours in the day to get everything done. On top of that, the added pressure of performing well in the workplace can make it even more difficult for us working mums to achieve a healthy work-life balance. However, finding a a happy medium between work and family is crucial for the wellbeing of both parents and children, so we need to find ways to fit everything in around our busy schedules. Whether you're just starting out on this journey or have been balancing work and family for years, hopefully you find these ideas insightful.

Set Priorities
It's important to be clear about what's most important to you and your family. Take some time to think about your values and what matters most to you. This could mean setting aside certain times for work and other times for family. When you're clear about what's most important, it becomes easier to make decisions about how to allocate your time and energy. It can also help you feel more fulfilled and less stressed, knowing that you're spending your time on what truly matters.

Get Organised
Keep a schedule and a to-do list to help you stay on top of your responsibilities. Make sure to include time for yourself, as well as time for work and family. You may also want to consider using tools like calendars and task management apps to keep yourself organised and on track. This can help you feel more in control and reduce stress, as you'll be able to see exactly what needs to be done and when.

Communicate with your Partner
Communication is key when it comes to balancing work and parenting responsibilities. Make sure to have open and honest conversations with your partner about your schedules and what each of you need in order to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This could mean dividing up responsibilities, such as one parent handling pick-up and the other handling dinner, or it could mean having set days where one parent works late and the other takes over the majority of parenting responsibilities. Whatever it takes, make sure you're on the same page and working together as a team.

Take Breaks
It's important to take breaks throughout the day to recharge and refresh your mind. Even if it's just for a few minutes, stepping away from work and taking some deep breaths can help you feel more energised and focused. This can also help you be more present and focused when you are with your family, as you won't be bringing work stress into your home life.

Be Present
When you're with your children, make sure to be fully present. Put away your phone, turn off your computer, and focus on spending quality time with your kids. This is a crucial time to connect and bond with your children, and it will make a positive impact on your relationship with them. The same goes for when you're at work – be fully focused and engaged in your job so that you can get the most out of your time there. This can help you be more productive and feel more fulfilled in your work life.

Get Support
Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Whether it's hiring a babysitter, asking a family member for assistance, or outsourcing some of your responsibilities, having support can help you maintain a better work-life balance. It can also provide you with much-needed time to recharge, focus on your work, or simply take a break.

Remember, finding a healthy work-life balance is all about making smart choices, and being intentional with your time.
9:38 PM No comments


Are you looking for a career in the healthcare industry that sets you apart from the crowd? While traditional healthcare degrees such as medicine, nursing, and dentistry are popular choices, there are also a number of unique and unusual healthcare degrees that you might not have heard of before. These degrees offer a chance to enter the healthcare field while pursuing your passions and interests. In this article, we'll explore five of the most unique and unusual healthcare university degrees available in the UK, from art psychotherapy to therapeutic radiography. So, if you're ready to take your healthcare career to the next level, read on to discover your options!

Art Psychotherapy
This degree combines the fields of psychology and art, teaching students how to use creative expression to help individuals overcome mental health issues. Graduates of this degree can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and community mental health centres. There are several universities in the UK that offer degree programs in Art Psychotherapy. These institutions offer students the opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of the theory and practice of art psychotherapy. Some of the most well-known institutions include The University of Derby which offers a BSc (Hons) in Art Psychotherapy. The University of Hertfordshire offers a Master of Arts in Art Psychotherapy, as well as a number of continuing professional development courses for practicing art therapists. The University of East London offers a Master of Arts in Art Psychotherapy, as well as a number of postgraduate diploma and certificate courses in the field.

Medical Illustration
This degree is for students who have a passion for both science and art. Medical Illustrators work to create images, diagrams, and animations that are used for medical and scientific purposes, including educational materials, patient communication, and scientific publications. In the UK, one of the universities that offers a degree in Medical Illustration is the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol). The course at UWE Bristol is called "BSc (Hons) Medical Illustration" and is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to become a professional medical illustrator. This degree covers a range of subjects, including anatomy, physiology, illustration techniques, and graphic design, preparing students for a career in medical and scientific illustration.

Paramedic Science
Paramedics play a crucial role in providing emergency care and transportation to those in need. This degree trains students in advanced life support and patient assessment, preparing them for a career as a paramedic. There are many universities in the UK that offer a Paramedic Science degree program. Some of the well-known universities include the University of the West of England, Coventry University, Birmingham City University, Sheffield Hallam University, De Montfort University and the University of Central Lancashire amongst others. 

Therapeutic Radiography
This degree is a specialised form of radiography that focuses on the use of radiation in the treatment of cancer. Graduates of this degree work in radiation therapy departments and play an important role in the cancer treatment team. In the UK, there are several universities that offer Therapeutic Radiography degree courses. These include the University of Salford, University of the West of England in Bristol, St. George's University of London, and Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. Each of these universities offers a three-year full-time course in Therapeutic Radiography, covering subjects such as anatomy, physiology, radiation physics, and oncology.

Sports Therapy
Sports Therapy is a branch of healthcare that focuses on the prevention and treatment of sports injuries. This degree covers a range of topics, including anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, as well as injury assessment, rehabilitation, and massage therapy. Graduates of this degree can work in a variety of settings, including sports clubs, gyms, and private practices. If you're considering studying Sports Therapy in the UK, there are several universities that offer this program. Some of the well-known institutions include the University of the West of England in Bristol, University of Chichester, St. Mary's University in Twickenham, University of South Wales, and Sheffield Hallam University.

Choosing the right university degree is a big decision, and it's important to choose a course that aligns with your interests, skills, and career goals. Whether you're interested in a traditional healthcare degree or something more unique, it's important to do your research and find the right fit for you.Each degree offers its own unique set of skills and experiences, and it's important to consider what type of career path you want to follow before making your decision. So, start researching and exploring the many exciting opportunities available in the healthcare industry!
9:23 PM No comments
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Looking to improve your personal development plan and better your life? Perfectly Productive is a blog for ambitious women, featuring advice and information on business, career, education, health finance and more

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