Nail Tech Spotlight - Jamie Tovey

This month, we’re celebrating the incredibly talented Jamie Tovey @jaymarie_beauty, known for her detailed, creative designs and passion for hypoallergenic systems. But beyond her artistry, Jamie has recently embarked on a whole new journey as a mother. With Mother’s Day around the corner, we couldn’t think of a more inspiring person to feature. She’s navigating the challenges of being a self-employed nail tech and a new mum, balancing work and family while staying connected to the industry she loves.

Jamie’s journey highlights the realities of maternity leave as a self-employed nail tech, from the worries of stepping away from clients to the relief of setting her own schedule. Through it all, she’s felt the support of her clients, fellow nail techs, and the HONA community, who have been there for her every step of the way. Whether it’s checking in, engaging with her content, or offering encouragement, the power of community has played a huge role in keeping her motivated.

In this blog, we dive into Jamie’s story, her advice for other nail tech mums, and how the industry can better support self-employed parents.

Q: Do you find having your own business gives you more control over your schedule?

A: I do yes! Having a baby means your life becomes very unpredictable, not knowing if you’re going to have a smooth sailing day or if you’re little one is going to be super difficult , and so by having no employer to run anything by just takes off the pressure/worries! I am able to take bookings for times that I choose will work best around my new life- this gives me such a nice sense of being in control and at ease when it comes to my work schedule, where as I don’t get much else of that in my personal life haha! 

Shop the look: 

• PureFoundation Bonny 
• Detail Paint Cherry

Q: Did you worry about losing clients while taking time off for Maternity leave and how did you overcome it? 

A: I would say there was a slight worry in the back of my head at times. I think when you run your own business, having ANY kind of time off feels daunting! I personally found it very comforting to confide in all of my close clients in the lead up to my maternity leave and explain how much I value them, their time and support. By doing this I received so much love back from them, reminding me of the amazing bond i have with them all and giving me the confidence I needed in knowing that they’ll return for both my work and the personal connections we have. 

My biggest advice for anyone scared to go on maternity leave is to just be transparent and open with your clients so you’re not carrying any negativity/fear but instead will be left feeling boosted and uplifted! 

Q: How has HONA’s community supported you throughout your journey?

A: well, how HAVEN’T they supported me haha! Honestly HONA’s community is full of the most understanding people who radiate such beautiful energy. They really have always made the effort to engage with my socials, in all types of ways, which gives me such a huge boost as someone who’s aspiring to have a strong social media presence in the nail community! They even remember details about my personal life that I share, my pregnancy journey especially, and have gone out of their way to message me and check in which I greatly appreciate- the way they care is just so lovely. Even being just considered, let alone actually chosen, for this spotlight is amazing and feels like such an incredible way to show they support me and see me. Pregnancy can feel like such a lonely time and it’s so scary to be off work and away from the social interactions with clients both in person and via social media, so by having them reach out to me for this just makes me, and my work, feel so loved, supported and seen! 

Q: Do you think there’s enough support in the nail industry for working mums? 

A: In regards to other nail techs, I really do. The amount of other nail technicians who think to check in with me and send me such lovely words of encouragement via DM is just beautiful! Any time I’ve asked a question, or for help, on my socials I get so many responses from fellow mums in the industry. The honesty from these women makes me feel so normal during such scary times and I wouldn’t know what I’d do without them honestly!

But again I just need to really highlight how amazing HONA have supported me as a working mum! In this industry, I rarely see brands/companies make the effort to keep in touch and make personal connections with nail techs just as much as they do. I would love to see more of this support from other brands! 

Q:What’s your best piece of advice for a nail tech expecting their first baby?

A: My best piece of advice is “be kind and patient with yourself”.  Becoming a mum is one rollercoaster of a journey and it takes time to learn- if anyone ever properly does haha! You’re only human and mistakes are going to happen, it’s more important to focus on all the amazing progress and milestones you and your baby achieve together, as you won’t get that time back!

On that note, I also want to highlight just how important it is to soak it all up. Please don’t put ANY pressure on yourself to come back to work sooner than planned if you’re not mentally or physically ready. It’s important to give yourself grace and acknowledge how you’re still learning and you need the time. Mainly don’t forget that all the beautiful and pure love you give your new little one, you can give to yourself too! 

Q: What made you choose HONA for your nail business, and how has it impacted the way you work? 

A: I kept seeing HONA pop up on my socials more and more often through other nail techs who I value hugely so I did some research into their brand and I instantly had such a positive vibe! I often just see brands simply reshare a story from time to time but HONA were really taking the time to show deeper love and appreciation to people who supported their brand and what they stand for.

I loved the trial kit that they offer and couldn’t resist. As soon as I tried that on myself, and a couple clients, we were all hooked to say the least haha- only a few months later I had ordered the WHOLE collection!!

Feeling so much love from HONA has impacted the way I work in such a positive way. When they take the time to check in with me and support my work and personal life, it just pushes me to want to do more content! My social media presence is super important to me and sometimes, in all honesty, I can loose that motivation so when I see how much they value me and my work I’m reminded of the boss lady that I am and to keep going! 

Overall they make me feel so valued as a nail tech in every way possible which makes me see the greatness in my work and business.