Part of the Etc.
If you don’t like creepy crawlies then you might want to look away now.
The latest innovation in nail art might not be to everyone’s taste – but when it comes to capturing nature’s beauty, Leanne Douglass has got it nailed.
Using the little critters in her designs, the Stockton Riverside College student has struck upon a unique idea that sets her services as a nail technician apart from the competition.
But be assured, she is quick to point out, no creatures are injured in the process.
“I was looking for something different,” said the mum-of-two from Stockton. Then inspiration struck in an unlikely form.
She explained: “My mum’s snake shed its skin. I thought to myself that would look good on a sculptured nail.”
Inspired into trying other alternate items, Leanne started incorporating feathers, crickets and even locust wings in to her designs.
While she admits it might not be to everyone’s taste, there’s no denying it is eye catching.
Collecting the already deceased bugs from her local pet store, and using a complex sanitising process, Leanne, 28, who also offers a fluffier line in sparkles, sequins and hundreds and thousands, said: “The crickets and snake skin is quite a specific market.”
Either way it’s an idea that has won her fledgling business, Aurora Nails, the backing of Stockton Riverside College’s enterprise forum.
Invited to pitch for a panel, made up of business, university, council and voluntary sector leaders from across the region, Leanne certainly grabbed their attention with her quirky idea.
Picking up advice and support from the forum she is now offering a range of bespoke nail services from a purpose built nail bar at home in Stockton.
The mum-of-two who has always dreamed of launching her own business, said: “A lot of people think it is creepy but amazing at the same time.
“It is definitely quite a statement look so people tend to just go for one accent finger.”
While it might sound like quite a gothic look she said when you see the intricate detail particularly of the locust wings it can be quite beautiful.
Describing herself as “not really a girly girl” Leanne said: “When I first started retraining as a nail technician I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I have.”
But given the chance to draw on her imagination she said: “I have fallen in love with it.”
To see more of Leanne’s work visit auroranails88 on Instagram or search for Auroranails Leanne on Facebook.
The latest innovation in nail art might not be to everyone’s taste – but when it comes to capturing nature’s beauty, Leanne Douglass has got it nailed.Using the little critters in her designs, the Stockton Riverside College student has struck upon a unique idea that sets her services as a nail technician apart from the competition.
But be assured, she is quick to point out, no creatures are injured in the process.
“I was looking for something different,” said the mum-of-two from Stockton. Then inspiration struck in an unlikely form.
She explained: “My mum’s snake shed its skin. I thought to myself that would look good on a sculptured nail.”
Inspired into trying other alternate items, Leanne started incorporating feathers, crickets and even locust wings in to her designs.
While she admits it might not be to everyone’s taste, there’s no denying it is eye catching.
Collecting the already deceased bugs from her local pet store, and using a complex sanitising process, Leanne, 28, who also offers a fluffier line in sparkles, sequins and hundreds and thousands, said: “The crickets and snake skin is quite a specific market.”
Either way it’s an idea that has won her fledgling business, Aurora Nails, the backing of Stockton Riverside College’s enterprise forum.Invited to pitch for a panel, made up of business, university, council and voluntary sector leaders from across the region, Leanne certainly grabbed their attention with her quirky idea.
Picking up advice and support from the forum she is now offering a range of bespoke nail services from a purpose built nail bar at home in Stockton.
The mum-of-two who has always dreamed of launching her own business, said: “A lot of people think it is creepy but amazing at the same time.
“It is definitely quite a statement look so people tend to just go for one accent finger.”
While it might sound like quite a gothic look she said when you see the intricate detail particularly of the locust wings it can be quite beautiful.
Describing herself as “not really a girly girl” Leanne said: “When I first started retraining as a nail technician I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I have.”
But given the chance to draw on her imagination she said: “I have fallen in love with it.”
To see more of Leanne’s work visit auroranails88 on Instagram or search for Auroranails Leanne on Facebook.
