Introduction to Sky High Studio
In the vibrant city of Glasgow, U.K., Sky High Studio is more than just a nail salon; it’s a sanctuary of creativity and inclusivity. Owned by the passionate Elise Smith, this salon has quickly become a favorite among locals for its unique atmosphere and high-quality services.
The Backstory of Sky High Studio
Elise Smith’s journey to establishing Sky High Studio is both inspiring and relatable. After working in various salons and studying law, Elise realized her true passion lay in the beauty industry. A transformative lockdown experience prompted her to pivot her career and create a space that was not only aesthetically pleasing but also welcoming and inclusive. ‘Having worked in multiple salons, I never quite found the place for me,’ says Elise. ‘I wanted to create the inclusive, friendly environment that I had always desired.’
The Unique Aesthetic
Sky High Studio is adorned with smiley faces and funky decor, reflecting Elise’s desire to inject joy into the salon experience. ‘I love anything smiley and funky,’ she shares. ‘I’ve had people message saying walking past the salon cheers them up!’ The cheerful ambiance combined with professional nail care sets Sky High apart from other salons.
Signature Services Offered
The salon specializes in a range of nail services tailored to meet the diverse needs of their clientele. These include:
- Gel Manicures: High-gloss, long-lasting nail treatments.
- Builder Gel Overlays: Strengthening natural nails without heavy tips.
- Gel-X Extensions: A premium system for exquisite nail extensions.
- Acrygel Sculpt Extensions: A careful blend of acrylic and gel for custom shapes.
Every service is completed using top-notch products from OMYetc, Sissi, and Lecente, ensuring clients leave with beautifully crafted nails.
Caring for Nails: The Goods
Sky High Studio retail products include the acclaimed OMYetc cuticle butters, known for their delightful scents and effective nourishment. Elise also loves using Sissi’s stunning clay range, glitters, and velvet gels, with the pastel clay being her ultimate favorite.
Future Plans for Sky High Studio
Elise has exciting plans for the future, including the launch of her own product line and expanded collaborations with other brands. ‘I will be creating a line of products related to Sky High that’s under wraps now,’ she reveals. This ambition signals that Sky High Studio is here to stay and grow.
Meet Elise Smith: The Heart Behind Sky High Studio
Elise’s background in a fast-paced Glasgow salon helped her develop her skills quickly. She’s inspired by the creative individuals in her life, including illustrators and tattoo artists. Elise emphasizes the importance of community in the beauty industry, stating, ‘I try to take inspiration from anything other than nails to put my own spin on it.’
Challenges in Starting a Salon
Opening a salon comes with its share of challenges. Elise worked full-time while renovating the salon, which took a toll on her mental and physical health. ‘I was unmedicated for my ADHD during this time, which was super hard,’ she shares, demonstrating her determination and resilience.
Advice for Aspiring Salon Owners
Elise offers sound advice for those looking to start their own salon: ‘Just go for it. You’re never going to be fully ready. Take the plunge, get the outline of the place ready, and the décor and style will follow.’ Her journey reflects the power of perseverance and self-belief.
Celebrating Inclusivity and Pride
Sky High Studio is proud to create an inclusive space for everyone. Although Elise doesn’t host specific Pride events, she actively promotes rainbow nails and charities during Pride Month. She values openness in her salon, encouraging a welcoming atmosphere on her social media where she discusses her identity as a lesbian.
To ensure comfort for all clients, Sky High Studio features chairs without arms, offers a variety of gel polish colors for all skin tones, and maintains soothing lighting to reduce sensory issues.
A Commitment to Diversity
Elise emphasizes the need for greater diversity in the beauty industry, particularly regarding brand ambassadors. ‘Seeing a variety of brand ambassadors would be great,’ she notes, advocating for change that fosters inclusion.
Being a Queer Nail Artist
For Elise, being a queer nail artist is an honor. It allows her to create a welcoming space where everyone, especially queer individuals, feels comfortable. ‘The number of clients I’ve had that never had their nails done before because they didn’t know if they would be welcomed into a regular salon is really sad,’ she admits.
Advice for New Queer Nail Artists
To those starting out in the industry, Elise encourages authenticity: ‘Be yourself. So many queer people are joining the industry, so don’t feel you need to put yourself in a box. Create the art you want to!’ Her words resonate with all aspiring creatives, fostering a sense of belonging.
Visit Sky High Studio
Located at 106 Allison St, Govanhill, Glasgow G42 8ND, Sky High Studio invites you to experience a delightful fusion of creativity, inclusion, and stellar nail care. Join the community of happy clients and find your next nail inspiration by visiting their social media at @skyhighstudio.