The Glitterbels Blog

Finding Flexibility Through Nails: My Journey With Endometriosis

If you are living with endometriosis or any physical illness, and searching for a career that allows you to work at your own pace while expressing creativity, becoming a nail technician could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for My name is Shannon Martin, and I am a Glitterbels Educator. Before retraining as a nail technician, my life was heavily impacted by endometriosis and the symptoms that come with it. For more than ten years, I lived with the condition while trying to navigate work, health appointments, and the unpredictability of chronic pain. At times, it felt impossible to imagine building a career, let alone finding one that could accommodate the realities of living with endometriosis. Endometriosis can affect every aspect of life. The constant pain, severe cramps, and heavy bleeding can be overwhelming, and the uncertainty of symptoms makes planning ahead incredibly difficult. At the time, I was still trying different medications in the hope of gaining some control over my symptoms and reclaiming some sense of normality. What I needed was a career that could work around my health rather than against it. I needed flexibility to attend hospital appointments, undergo tests at short notice, and take time off on the days when my symptoms were simply too severe to manage. Most importantly, I needed something that would help me refocus my energy and give me a sense of purpose during a very challenging time. Initially, I had been looking for solutions in all the wrong places. However, I had actually trained as a nail technician years before my endometriosis symptoms became so debilitating. That memory prompted me to reconsider the beauty industry and explore the possibility of retraining and eventually creating my own salon space. The more I looked into it, the more I realised that working as a nail technician offered exactly what I needed. The role allowed me to sit rather than stand for long periods, which made a huge difference when managing chronic pain. I could create a comfortable working environment for myself, keeping essentials like sanitary products, pain relief, and hot water bottles within easy reach. Most importantly, being self-employed meant I had the flexibility to manage my workload around my health. If I needed time off, I only had myself to answer to—and on the days when I felt well, I could work a little more to balance things out. Becoming a nail technician while living with endometriosis has also brought unexpected positives. Although I’m not medically trained, I’ve met many women during appointments who share their concerns about symptoms they’re experiencing. Some are worried they might have endometriosis themselves but don’t know where to start when seeking help. Having been through the long journey myself, I’ve been able to offer support, encouragement, and guidance on where they might begin. It took eight years for me to receive a diagnosis, and if sharing my story helps even one person feel less alone or seek help sooner, then it’s worth it. Three years ago, my journey took another significant turn when I needed a hysterectomy. With only two weeks’ notice, I had to close my business for eight weeks. At the time, I genuinely thought it might be the end of my career. However, what followed was something I will never forget. My clients not only waited patiently for me to return, but the messages of support and offers of help were overwhelming. It reminded me just how powerful community and connection can be. When I returned to work, I did so pain-free and ready to begin a new chapter. Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, and the average time to receive a diagnosis is between seven and nine years. For those navigating this challenging condition, finding a career that offers flexibility and understanding can make a life-changing difference. For me, becoming a nail technician provided exactly that. For anyone considering a new path, training in nails can be a flexible way to explore a career that works around your health. At Glitterbels, there are full nail training courses available, as well as smaller “bite-sized” options. You can begin with something like a gel polish course to see how it suits you, and then build your skills over time with additional training, such as acrylic or builder gel. Ready to start your own journey?If you’re interested in exploring a career in nails, you can discover the full range of training options available at Glitterbels. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to expand your skills, there are courses designed to help you build confidence, creativity, and a flexible career in the nail industry. Explore Glitterbels Training Academy and take the first step towards a career that works for you.