My name is Shannon Martin, and I am a Glitterbels Educator based in Manchester. I trained in nails later in life, and I would recommend anyone else toying with the idea of training in nails to do the same!
A question I hear so often, “Am I too old to train in nails?” It’s a familiar scenario: you’re stuck in a job that no longer lights you up, and maybe you’re craving something more creative, more flexible, more you. But then that voice creeps in… “Isn’t this only for the young 20-year-olds? Surely, I’ve missed my chance?”
I’m here to tell you, with every ounce of passion I have, it’s absolutely not too late.
Let me ask you this: if you look at your current situation, is that something you want to be doing for the next 20–25 years? Can you take time off when you need it? Can you book multiple holidays without asking for permission? Do you feel excited to get up in the morning?
If the answer is no, then keep reading, because I’m about to open your eyes to a whole new way of thinking about what’s possible for your future.
My Story: Starting Again at 34
When I decided to retrain, I was 34 years old. I had been a full-time mum for 16 years, and as much as I loved that chapter of my life, I knew it was time to create something just for me.
Some people might have looked at me and said I was “too old” to start something new. But I flipped the perspective, if I had 20–25 working years ahead of me, how did I want to spend them? The answer was simple: doing something I loved, something that brought me joy, and something that gave me freedom.
Training later in life turned out to be an advantage. Because I was investing my own hard-earned money, I treated every single course like gold dust. I couldn’t afford to waste time or money, so I made sure to give it my all. I spent hours researching courses and reviews, and that’s when I found Glitterbels.
The reviews were incredible, the student work spoke for itself, and I could clearly see the level of support available from the educators and community. That support mattered to me, because I knew that starting something new at my age, with kids to juggle, meant I would need encouragement and guidance along the way.
So, I took the plunge, and it was the best decision of my life.
The Reality: Hard Work, but Worth It
I won’t sugar-coat it, it wasn’t easy. Balancing children, practice, case studies, and daily life was a real challenge. But every late night and every moment of self-doubt was worth it the first time I saw a client leave my chair smiling at their new nails.
And honestly, being a slightly older nail tech turned out to be my superpower. I’m consistent, reliable, and focused. My clients appreciate that. Many of them feel comfortable knowing they can have a relaxed chat with me about life, parenting, and everything in between. I know when someone just needs a quiet appointment or when they need a safe space to talk because they’re heading home to an empty house. This industry isn’t just about nails. It’s about connection. And as an older tech, I find I can offer a unique, relaxed, no-pressure environment that many clients love.
My Advice if You’re Thinking of Starting
If you’re considering training, here’s my advice:
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Invest in good quality training. Don’t just pick the cheapest option, find a course that feels right for you and is known for supporting its students.
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Go in with the right mindset. This is a new skill, and like any skill, it takes time, practice, and patience to master.
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Dedicate time to practice. The more you put in, the faster you’ll grow your confidence and skill set.
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Focus on the positives. Don’t let “Am I too old?” hold you back. Instead, think about the freedom, creativity, and opportunities this leap could bring.
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Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There is no shame in reaching out for guidance or support. In fact, that’s how you grow.
If someone asked me today, “Am I too old to train in nails?” my answer would be simple: Never.
The nail industry doesn’t care about your age, your background, your past job title, or your social status. It’s an industry that welcomes everyone with open arms, and we are thrilled you’re here. So no, it’s not too late. In fact, this might be exactly the right time for you.
You can follow me on Instagram @Inkcredibrow_shannon_martin for more advice, tips, tricks, and nail content! If you’re local to Manchester or interested in training with me, you can book your training with myself via Shannon Martin – Glitterbels