News / nail art
Meet the queer artist pushing for change in nail industry
“I wanted to be able to create my own workplace culture and boundaries which are inclusive.”
These are the words of Nathan Taylor, a queer, disabled and working class nail artist who is pushing for change in the nail art industry.
They have noted that a lack of funding or support for marginalised communities routinely excludes them from the industry since becoming self-employed and running their own business.
is needed now More than ever
Taking matters into their own hands, Nathan has forged career path which allows them to attend to their individual health needs and break down barriers for budding artists, while still being able to participate in work they deeply enjoy.
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Nathan started their journey studying fashion and clothing design in Essex and then went on to pursue a degree in creative arts practice at Bath Spa University, where they found a passion for sculpting.
After graduating, Nathan moved to Bristol after being enticed by the city’s “vibrant art scene”. Here, they found a strong sense of community they hadn’t experienced before.
The artist then embarked upon a number of creative enterprises, including baking and cake decoration, before eventually enrolling in a fully funded nail course where their creative passions were fully unleashed.
“I just realised I love doing nails, and I also wanted to be self-employed and start my own business,” they said.
Put their ambitious visions into action, and, after gaining some experience within the nail industry, Nathan curated a business plan and set up the home nail art studio, Buff Bar Bristol.
Since then, Nathan has been selected to participate in a range of nail art competitions. Most recently, they were selected for World’s Star Nail Artist Challenge 2023, which saw artists from across the globe creating extravagant, intricate and impressive nail art.
They said: “It has been nice to have come full circle, I used to watch nail artists or technicians on youtube and spent so much time researching nail art. Now I get to network with various artists.”
Nicola and Marcia are the first trainees of the In Your Hands project – photo: @inyourhands
Alongside their huge success and recognition, Nathan realised a widespread need for affordable and accessible training programme.
Due to this, they have sought to dismantle barriers marginalised people face when accessing into the nail industry by setting up their own mentorship programme, called In Your Hands.
The programme helps artists to navigate set-up costs and equips them with free nail tools and training, allowing marginalised creatives within the industry to achieve greater financial independence through providing networking opportunities teaching them how to work with brands and garner social media skills.
Nathan is currently training two mentees, Nicola and Marcia, who they claims have helped shape future visions for the mentorship programme’s trajectory.
They hopes to secure further funding for the programme by the end of 2023, citing it as a crucial opportunity for people to grow and develop their skills.
Main photo: Nathan Taylor
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