Posts Tagged ‘Sponsor’
This brand uses AI to apply techs’ designs to nails & pays them for their art
Would you like to reap financial rewards from your nail concepts, and perform and showcase nail artistry at speed?
Meet Umia: the Canadian creator of a fully automated artificial intelligence (AI) manicure studio, which has gained global recognition since its soft launch two months ago and allows intricate patterns to be directly applied to nails.
The company founders, TX Qui and Modi Lui, came across a DIY nail stamp printer in 2018, sparking the idea to build on this product by addressing its limitations, from manual, complicated operations to poor image quality. “We looked into the nailcare industry and stumbled into a vibrant and dynamic world,” they say. “We conducted surveys on 980 individuals and uncovered three barriers that prevent people from fully embracing nail services: time constraints, high costs and potential damage to nails.”
Determined to break down these barriers, Umia embarked on a six-year development journey, creating eleven prototype machines and conducting more than 3,000 manicure tests. “We collected as much real-life data as possible: on nail shapes, curvature, texture and skin tone, and used this to train our precision algorithm,” share TX Qui and Modi Lui.
While addressing barriers to nail treatments experienced by consumers, the Umia team noticed challenges faced by nail techs. “Nail professionals often work long hours creating intricate designs, but without proper ergonomics, this hard work can lead to physical strain. Adding more clients per nail artist is not feasible when trying to grow a business, therefore solutions that can aid growth and profit are welcome,” notes TX Qui. “Our technology is designed to automate repetitive tasks, allowing technicians to focus on creativity and building client relationships, while reducing the risk of injury and burnout.
“Umia also provides a platform that allows nail artists to be compensated fairly for their creativity.”
Every time a client selects a nail art design via Umia’s system, the artist behind that design receives payment – similarly to how a musician or photographer earns royalties for their work. “Umia empowers artists to thrive in their craft, gain global visibility and create a deeper impact with their unique work,” comment TX Qui and Modi Lui.
With Umia automating time-consuming tasks involved in intricate nail art, professionals can serve more clients in a day, which helps to reduce customer waiting times, while increasing efficiency and boosting revenue and client happiness. Clients can browse a wide selection of nail art options, which have been designed by nail professionals, via the Umia app. Once they have chosen their preferred style, they can book a nearby automated studio.
“At Umia, we see technology as a tool to uplift people – not replace them,” reveal its founders.
“Our goal is to integrate technology into the broader beauty industry, making meaningful improvements and benefitting people worldwide.” The brand is proud to be sponsoring the Nailympia London 2024 competition and is exhibiting at Salon Beauty, 13-14 October, ExCeL London, eager to hear from the industry about how technology can improve their wellbeing.
www.umia.beauty
The story of Glitterbels: the Staffordshire-born nail brand supporting techs worldwide
Professional nail brand, Glitterbels, has made waves in the industry since being founded seven years ago.
The brainchild of Newcastle-under-Lyme nail artist, Annabel Maginnis, and her husband, Elliott, Glitterbels was established with a focus on providing high-quality, trendy acrylic powders to the UK nail sector. Since then, the brand’s offering has quickly expanded to include gel polishes and paints, builder gels, tools, salon essentials, furniture and apparel, and its number of monthly customers reaches over 10,000.
Online and in-person training is also available via the brand, and its education team scooped Nail Team of the Year at the Scratch Stars Awards 2024.
“Our mission is to ensure high-performance products are accessible to all,” says a spokesperson for Glitterbels.
But it’s not just its products that have expanded – the brand boasts a US HQ, as well as its Staffordshire base in the UK, and is stocked in hundreds of beauty supply stores across the globe, from the Netherlands to Australia. With brand ambassadors worldwide, Glitterbels is dedicated to providing guidance to pros internationally. “Nail technicians who shop and follow Glitterbels feel more like a community, rather than a group of customers,” continues its spokesperson.
“With open support groups and a dedicated customer service team, Glitterbels provides ongoing guidance to nail techs. The team shares tutorials, blogs and live videos, with knowledge on how best to use products. The education team can also be found in the comments of social media posts, offering top tips and advice on any problems customers may be facing.”
Fun fact: One of Glitterbels’ most popular products is Brush On Builder Gel in Dolly.
A passion for community is also clear via events, designed to excite pros and immerse them in the signature pink and magical aesthetic of Glitterbels. In June, the DreamFest event in Manchester welcomed around 400 attendees to shop the brand, network, learn and immerse in fun social media activities, including celebrity fans of Glitterbels.
The brand is sponsoring renowned competition, Nailympia London 2024, as it marks its 20th anniversary at the Salon Beauty trade show (13-14 October) – where Glitterbels is exhibiting. Its dedication to encouraging creativity and supporting global talent perfectly aligns with Nailympia’s values, as the spokesperson concludes: “At the heart of Glitterbels is a passion for creativity. This is something we try and showcase within all aspects of our business, so we love seeing the talent involved in the nail industry and take pride in supporting nail technicians during their journeys.”
Explore the Glitterbels brand via www.glitterbels.com
Seeking a high-quality, innovative & eco-conscious salon furniture brand? Meet REM UK
For over a century, REM UK has been at the forefront of developing salon furniture and equipment, playing a pivotal role in shaping the salon industry’s products and work environments.
From its humble beginnings in 1918 with the pioneering work of Eugene Suter, REM has continuously evolved and transformed to meet the needs of salons, barbershops, beauty, nail, hair and spa spaces across the world. Today, the company is a globally recognised brand, known for its innovation, quality and commitment to sustainability.
REM UK has been a stalwart supporter of Nailympia London for more than 15 years, donating its nail desks year-on-year to the arena, which presents the smart and professional air to the competition that the industry now expects.
The evolution of REM
REM’s journey began in the early 20th century, originally focused on producing electrical hairdryers. Over the years, the company expanded its product range to create a diverse array of salon furniture and equipment. The brand we recognise today was officially established in 1995, based in the heart of the Pennines and has since flourished, employing a skilled workforce of around 90 people.
A key factor in REM’s success has been its continuous investment in state-of-the-art technology. This commitment to innovation has allowed REM to remain competitive in a global marketplace, providing salons with high-quality, British-manufactured products that stand the test of time.
The importance of buying British
REM stands as a reminder of the value of investing in British-made products. While they may come at a higher price than their foreign counterparts, the quality, craftsmanship and longevity of British-made goods often far outweigh the initial cost.
Supporting British manufacturing is not only a way to ensure you receive a superior product, but also helps sustain local industries and jobs. By choosing British, customers reduce their carbon footprint by cutting out the need for long-distance shipping, whether by land, sea or air. REM champions this philosophy, emphasising the importance of preserving the UK’s industrial heritage and nurturing the unique skills that have been passed down through generations.
Urban Rose Beauty, London
Trend-setting salon styling
“Designing your dream salon involves more than just selecting furniture; it’s about curating an environment that reflects your brand’s personality and enhances the overall client experience,” explains a spokesperson on the design team. “At REM, we understand the importance of combining aesthetics with functionality, which is why we offer an extensive range of customisable salon furniture options.
“Whether you’re drawn to calming earthy tones, sleek neutrals, vibrant hues or charming pinks, REM has everything you need to bring your salon vision to life.
“The team at REM works to provide high-quality products that are as durable as they are beautiful,” the spokesperson continues. “There’s an extensive range of fabrics and laminates, presenting the perfect combination of materials to match any salon’s aesthetic. From styling chairs and wash units to reception desks, nail stations, pedicure thrones and mirrors, each piece of furniture can be tailored to suit any chosen colour palette.
Customisation is key to creating a space that truly reflects a brand’s identity and the REM team will assist in developing a cohesive colour scheme to transform ideas into a functional and visually stunning space.”
The REM UK team
Sustainable initiatives at REM Earth
“The world is realising the need for change in how we think, work and live to reduce carbon footprints and achieve net zero,” reveals Trevor Lingard, commercial director at REM. “While global efforts vary, in the UK, we must lead by example. REM recognises the urgency of adapting to climate challenges and is committed to making a meaningful impact, regardless of others’ actions.
“By partnering with the Green Rose Project, REM is expanding its REM Earth project to develop sustainable, net zero targeted products for salons. This initiative aims to reduce our carbon footprint by 25% over the next two years by optimising processes, cutting energy use and improving fuel efficiency.”
Committed to reducing its environmental impact through innovative practices in furniture packaging and waste management, its specialised protective bags have replaced plastic, bubble wrap and pallets, offering eco-friendly furniture delivery that reduces waste and enhances the customer experience.
“We repurpose surplus pallets for internal use and convert damaged ones into firewood,” continues Trevor Lingard. “Waste wood is also given to employees for home heating, reducing waste. Sawdust from our timber manufacturing is reused by local farmers as animal bedding. Fabric waste is repurposed into soft toys for charity, turning waste into a positive force. We also collaborate with suppliers to reuse cardboard in product deliveries, ensuring a sustainable packaging cycle.”
Nail’d It London
Uniting for a greener future
JUST ONE Tree is a non-profit organisation focused on restoring entire ecosystems, working in deforested areas such as Kenya, Madagascar, Indonesia and Nepal. By partnering with Eden reforestation projects, the company is helping to restore forests, improve biodiversity and protect the habitats of endangered species. REM’s involvement in this underscores the company’s commitment to not only producing high-quality salon furniture, but also ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.
REM UK’s more than 100-year journey is a testament to the strength of British manufacturing, innovation and craftsmanship. As the company continues to grow and adapt in an increasingly globalised and environmentally-conscious marketplace, it remains committed to producing superior salon furniture that supports local industries and preserves the environment. Through its dedication to sustainability and its focus on quality, REM is ensuring that its legacy will endure for many years to come.
*Lead image shows Nail’d It London