International Women's Day 2025: Accelerating Action in the Nail Industry
The theme for this year’s International Women's Day is ‘Accelerating Action’, and honestly? That’s what the nail industry has been doing for women for decades. From providing opportunities for financial independence to being a space for pure creativity, this industry has always been about lifting people up.
A Rich History of Empowering Women
Nail care has been around for centuries — think Cleopatra with her henna-dyed nails or the elite of the Ming Dynasty flaunting intricate nail art. But fast forward to today, and it’s not just about looking good — it’s about having a career, a community, and a creative outlet that can change lives.
For many, becoming a nail tech is an open door into self-employment and business ownership, offering financial freedom without the barriers of traditional career paths. No matter your background, education, or circumstances, the nail industry welcomes you.
And the numbers speak for themselves — the beauty industry in the UK is over 90% female-led, making it one of the most women-dominated industries in the country. With around 600,000 people employed in the sector and nail services making up a huge portion of this, it’s clear that nails are more than just a beauty statement — they’re a business, a livelihood, and a pathway to independence.
More Than Just Nails — A Support System
What makes this industry so special? It’s not just about the colour on your nails — it’s about who’s behind the brush. The nail industry is built on a community of artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators who support each other. It’s an industry that doesn’t discriminate, where skill and passion matter more than anything else.
And it’s a space where women take control of their careers. More than 50% of UK nail technicians are self-employed, running their own businesses or working as freelancers — proof that this industry isn’t just about creativity, but also financial independence and empowerment.
And the demand? It’s only growing. The UK nail market is expected to hit £2 billion by 2025, showing just how strong and essential this industry is — not just for professionals but for the economy as a whole.
How TGB Champions Women
At The GelBottle Inc., we know that accelerating action starts from within. As a women-led business, we’re proud to support and empower our community, whether that’s through education, innovation, or creating opportunities for pros to grow. Our founder, Daisy Kalnina, started out behind the salon desk as a nail tech, and her journey is proof that with the right tools and mindset, anything is possible.
Daisy has also ensured that her leadership team is full of equally strong and empowered women, including The GelBottle’s Managing Director, Hannah Morgan. This year, in honour of International Women’s Day, Hannah will joining the HerStory IV panel — Brighton’s leading women in business event — alongside other inspiring female leaders. If you want to hear first-hand how women are shaping industries, breaking barriers, and accelerating action, check out the event here: HerStory IV.
We’re also proud to partner with Future Dreams, a charity supporting those affected by breast cancer. With 1 in 7 women diagnosed in their lifetime, we believe in using our platform to raise awareness and fund vital support services. Our collaboration with Future Dreams has seen us donate 10% of profits from the sales of five of our best-selling pink shades — Bubbly, Notting Hill, Marilyn, Hot, and S'mores — to Future Dreams. Accelerating action also means standing beside the women who need it most. Learn more here.
What’s Next?
This International Women's Day, let’s celebrate how far we’ve come, while keeping our focus on what’s next. Whether you’re a nail tech, a salon owner, or someone cheering from the sidelines, you are a part of this movement. Let’s keep pushing, keep supporting, and keep creating a world where everyone can thrive.
Together, let’s #AccelerateAction and keep breaking barriers in the industry we love.