Nail Tech Spotlight India James
This month, we are excited to shine the spotlight on the incredibly creative and talented India @indzinc. Known for her bold designs, engaging content, and passion for hypoallergenic nail systems, India has built a strong presence in the nail industry, particularly on TikTok, where she connects with fellow nail techs and educates clients about safer nail products.
Since rebranding to HONA in April 2024, India has been a vocal advocate for using high-quality, transparent, and hypoallergenic products. Her content not only showcases her exceptional artistry but also helps raise awareness about nail allergies and the importance of safe ingredients.
In this blog, we dive into India's journey as a nail tech and content creator, her experience with TikTok Shop, and the HONA products she loves! Keep reading to discover how she has built her brand, attracted new clients, and created a supportive nail tech community online.
Q: What inspired you to start creating content on TikTok, and did you expect it to have such an impact on your business?
A: Initially, I started just for fun! I'd seen lots of other creators, making content, filming day in the life type videos and wanted to take part. The reach TikTok has given me has been unbelievable - the majority of my new clients come from social media, in particular TikTok. Not only has it helped me raise awareness of nail allergies and hypoallergenic products like HONA, it's helped me build more of a foundation as a nail technician in my local area.
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Q: How has TikTok helped you grow your nail business, from bookings to product sales?
A: Since posting on TikTok, I've had clients travel over 25 miles to have their nails done by me. These are clients who have suffered previously from a nail related allergy, something most of the time, they don't understand or haven't seen anyone talk about until my TikTok videos. Alongside this, I've gained new clients from my other videos, highlighting my space, the type of nails I create. For me, TikTok is really personal, it allows people to get to know me before actually meeting me. This can be helpful for people who are more anxious or even just nosey and want to check a place out before going!
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Q: How do you approach selling on TikTok Shop, and what advice would you give to nail techs looking to start?
A: My biggest piece of advice is to promote a product you actually love. It is so much easier to explain/sell a product when you genuinely love it! Personally, I don't have a background in sales and it was originally out of my comfort zone but using products I actually use in day-to-day life or in videos already, it is so easy to then link the product.
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Q: What led you to become passionate about hypoallergenic nail systems?
A: Passionate is an understatement! When I rebranded to HONA back in April 2024, what I would say to my clients was - 'if I can use safer products, then why wouldn't I?'. To some, being a nail technician is a very glamourous and stereotypically, an easy job - but it's not, from the science behind how gel cures under a lamp, to the health & safety for each appointment, being a nail technician is complex. The further I researched into different acrylate ingredients, into monomers/polymers, I realised I didn't align with the brand I was previously using. When I decided to rebrand, it was imperative for me to find a new brand who were transparent, had incredible products and an amazing, relatable team behind it - that's why it was so easy to pick HONA.
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Q: How important is having a supportive community when working independently, and how has being part of the HONA community helped you as a solo nail tech?
A: As a solo nail tech, even though the job itself is very social, it can become quite lonely. I went from working in an office to being at home full time, which was a massive change. I have been creating an in-person community for nail technicians in and around Manchester, where I'm based, as it is so important to have others to talk to in a similar position. Some of the techs I met, actually joined me whilst attending HONA's After Christmas Christmas Party, which was so fun. Both HONA's online and in-person communities are an incredible resource for when you're feeling lonely, lost or just in need of speaking to someone in the same industry. There's Facebook groups, WhatsApp chats, and different events/parties hosted by HONA, and everyone is so eager to help. It really is an amazing community
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Q: What is your favourite HONA Product?
A: It has to be TrueSculpt core. Even since the testing phase, I've been obsessed and haven't had any other product on my nails since! I'm currently wearing it in the shade Nude.
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India's HONA must-haves on TikTok Shop!
Summary
India’s journey shows the power of authenticity, creativity, and community in growing a nail business. Through TikTok and TikTok Shop, she’s connected with clients, educated on nail safety, and turned her passion into success!