Nail Tech Spotlight Ffion Sian

This month, we're shining the HONA Nail Tech Spotlight on Ffion @thenailshack.byffi a talented Welsh nail tech whose beautiful work, loyal client base and passion for what she does have helped her build a thriving business that's very much her own.

Beyond creating gorgeous sets, Ffion has built the kind of trust that means her clients genuinely value her recommendations. By introducing HONA Skin Cuticle Balms, Cuticle Oils and Hand Sanitisers into her salon, she's created an additional income stream while helping clients care for their nails between appointments.

And as a Welsh business owner herself, there's something particularly special about being able to recommend professional products made right here in Wales.

In this month's Spotlight, we chat to Ffion about supporting Welsh-made products, introducing retail with confidence and why growing your nail business doesn't always have to mean taking on more clients.

Q&A With Ffion Sian 

Q: As a fellow Welsh business owner, what does it mean to you to stock and recommend products that are made here in Wales? 

A: Knowing that the products I use and recommend are made here in Wales is amazing. All of my clients are always so surprised when I tell them that HONA is made in Wales, and I love being able to share that with them. It’s really nice to support a Welsh brand and know that I’m recommending a product that’s made locally. 

Q: How did you introduce HONA Skin into your salon through products like the Cuticle Balm, Cuticle Oil and Sanitisers. Do you have any tips on introducing retail to your salon? 

A: I started stocking the cuticle balm once HONA released it, and my clients instantly wanted to buy it. I only have four left from the retail pack I originally bought! The cuticle oils are also some of the best I’ve ever used; the quality is outstanding. My clients also love the variety of scents that are available. My advice would be to start with products that you genuinely love and use yourself. If you believe in the products, it makes recommending them to your clients feel really natural rather than like you’re trying to sell them something. 

Q: Many nail techs worry that clients won't buy retail products. What has your experience been, and what advice would you give to someone who's thinking about introducing retail for the first time? 

A: I used to worry that my clients wouldn’t want to buy products from me, but I’ve actually found that most of my clients do! I think they often prefer buying from me rather than a big corporation because they know me, trust my recommendations and know that I’m the one benefiting from the sale. If you’re hesitating about stocking retail products, I’d say don’t overthink it! Give it a go and start small. You might be surprised by how much your clients actually want the products you recommend. 

Q: How has retailing HONA benefited your business beyond the extra sales? Has it changed the way clients engage with aftercare or helped strengthen their loyalty? 

A: I definitely feel that stocking the cuticle oils and balms has had a really positive effect on my clients’ aftercare. They tend to take it more seriously when they have the right products at home, especially because I’m always reminding them how important cuticle oil is! It also means I can recommend products that I genuinely trust and know will help them look after their nails between appointments, which makes their overall experience with me better. 

Q: What's one piece of advice you'd give to nail techs looking to build a more profitable business without taking on more clients? 

A: Stock those products! Retail can be a really simple way to create an additional income stream without having to take on more clients or work more hours. That extra bit of profit might not seem huge at first, but it really does add up over time. If you’re already recommending products to your clients, you may as well make sure they’re buying them from you! 

Summary

Ffion's experience is a brilliant reminder that growing your nail business doesn't always have to mean adding more appointments to your diary. By choosing products she genuinely loves and trusts, retail has become a natural extension of her service rather than simply another sale.

From creating an additional income stream to encouraging better client aftercare, starting small with HONA Skin has added another layer to Ffion's business while allowing her to proudly support products made here in Wales.

A huge thank you to Ffion for sharing her experience with the HONA community. If you've been thinking about introducing retail into your own salon, maybe this is your sign to give it a go.