Gloss by Storm in Shrewsbury earns national recognition in its first year

A Shrewsbury nail technician who swapped a publishing career for a garden studio is celebrating a first year to remember. Gloss by Storm was highly recommended in three categories at the UK Hair and Beauty Awards 2026: Best Nails, Best Home Salon and Best Newcomer.

Founder Storm spent eight years in publishing as an editor before deciding to follow her passion for nail care. After relocating to Shrewsbury, she was inspired by the town's entrepreneurial scene and the growing number of women setting up independent businesses in Shropshire.

She completed her professional training locally and started Gloss by Storm as a part-time venture, working from a spare bedroom alongside her corporate job. Demand grew quickly, and she soon made the leap into full-time self-employment.

To give clients a better experience, Storm invested in a purpose-built garden studio. The private space offers one-to-one appointments built around luxury gel manicures, natural nail health and long-lasting results, and she has kept up a commitment to specialist training, education and mentorship. Treatments on her booking page include a Signature Gel Manicure and a two-hour Luxury BIAB Manicure.

"To receive national recognition across three areas in my first year is something I'm incredibly proud of," she said. "Taking the leap into self-employment was a huge decision, so to see how far Gloss by Storm has come in such a short time means so much."

Her clients seem to agree. On the booking platform Fresha the studio holds a five-star rating from more than a hundred reviews, with one client praising a "lovely catch up in the new outdoor salon".

Storm has also made her business part of the wider Shropshire community. She has collaborated with local names including Gelatistry and Planet Doughnut, and teamed up with other independent businesses to co-host wellbeing and social events for clients, from yoga and Pilates sessions to sip-and-paint evenings.

Following the awards, the studio has a limited number of regular daytime appointments available for new clients. Gloss by Storm takes bookings online through Fresha.