💬 “Don’t Compare Yourself to Anyone Else” - Kayleigh on Confidence, Education & Finding Your ‘Why’

You may already recognise Kayleigh, our Northumberland Educator, from our previous introduction - but this time, we’re diving deeper.

In this Q&A, Kayleigh shares her honest thoughts on how she got started in the nail industry, why comparison is the biggest trap for new techs, and what makes her love being part of the MUSE Educate family.

Her journey is real, relatable, and full of advice every aspiring nail tech should hear - especially if you’re considering accredited EFile training in the UK.

“I knew I wanted a change… but I didn’t know what I wanted to do.”

“I was working in makeup, doing mostly weddings, and then Covid hit - everything stopped, and I was forced to slow down. That’s when I realised I didn’t want the hustle lifestyle I’d been living: working every weekend, bank holiday, and Christmas.

I wanted a change, but I wasn’t sure what. I’d always loved painting nails - I used to paint crazy designs with nail polish and pin them to a board in my room. So I thought, why not have a go? I bought a cheap gel set and lamp from eBay and started painting press-ons. The rest is history - that was six years ago!”

Kayleigh’s story is a perfect example of how creative skills can evolve into a fulfilling new career.

💡 Fun fact: According to Google Trends, searches for “how to become a nail technician UK” have risen by 60% in the last 12 months - proof that more and more people are finding their passion in the nail industry.

“Don’t compare yourself to anyone else - nothing good comes from it.”

“Don’t give up - it’s hard, like anything worthwhile is. You have to figure out your ‘why’. That way, when it gets tough or you’re having a quiet period, you know exactly what you’re working toward.

And please, don’t compare yourself to anyone else (I’m guilty of this too!). Nothing good comes from making someone a competitor in your head. You’re you, and you can’t be someone else. Focus on your authenticity and build your own style.”

Kayleigh’s advice is one of the most important lessons we share across our MUSE Educate training courses: confidence comes from clarity and consistency, not comparison.

When you focus on your own growth, progress happens faster - and your work starts to reflect you.

“I love creating a little gang of nail besties.”

“Honestly, my favourite part about being an educator is creating a little gang of nail besties! I love giving my students tips, sharing products and methods, and seeing them grow.

I still talk to my trainer six years later, and I’d like to think my students will still be messaging me years down the line for advice.”

At MUSE Educate, we love this about Kayleigh - her genuine connection with students. Education isn’t just about passing exams; it’s about building a supportive community that lasts long after the training day ends.

“The Carbide Cone Bit is a must-have - it gets into every little nook.”

“I’m obsessed with the new Carbide Cone Bit - that pointy end is perfect for all those little niggly bits. And since I do a lot of Russian pedicures, the ProLift Diamond Barrel is brilliant for the stubborn toe cuticle.”

Both tools are part of Kayleigh’s everyday kit for EFile prep and pedicure services - and her students get hands-on with these products during training too.

Why We’re Proud to Have Kayleigh on the Team

Kayleigh’s training sessions are supportive, practical and built around real-world experience. She helps students not only master their tools but also build their confidence to turn their new skills into profit.

If you’re based in Northumberland and ready to take your nail career to the next level, you can book your ABT-accredited EFile training course directly with Kayleigh via MUSE Educate.