A NAIL artist who has been honing her skills during lockdown has caught the eyes of celebrities and a manicurist to A-list stars.
Eleanor Szejner, who rents a chair at Michaela’s Hair and Beauty Salon in Blackburn, has been wowing people with her talon-tastic designs — including Kylie Jenner and Cardi B’s nail technician, Chaun Legend.
Eleanor and her fellow beauticians are also through to the final of the prestigious Hair and Beauty Awards, where they have been nominated for five accolades, after being put forward by salon owner Michaela Valentine.
The 19-year-old is up for nail technician of the year while her Beauty by Elee Instagram page has racked up more than 24,000 followers.
Nail tech to the stars Chaun spotted her work in the first coronavirus lockdown and recreated one of her nail designs on celebrity make-up artist, Make-Up By Ariel.
Eleanor said: “It was amazing, I could not believe it. Chaun even mentioned me in his story!
“I was screaming while at work with my mum and all of sudden I had gone up by 2,000 followers in 20 minutes.”
The young nail tech was only on 3,000 followers before the first lockdown but, after getting noticed by her heroes, her numbers skyrocketed.
She said: “I could not do nail art until the lockdown started, then I had time to start practicing and did a masterclass. Before that, I could just do simple nails with colours only.
“When I first started, I learnt a lot from my mum. I liked it because it was something different and not the same thing every day like doing lashes."
Miss Szejner also received a message from Michelle Visage, a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, telling her how talented she is at nail art.
Miss Valentine said: “It has been hard and different for everyone. I am not charging the girls who rent from me, because I know how hard it is.
“I saw the awards on Instagram and wanted to apply, not just for me but for everyone here. They work so hard and it’s been tough for them, they deserve some recognition.
“We are like one big family, there is no competition, we help each-other with so many things.
“To be up for each category shows how great we all work together. We needed it to perk us up a bit during these times.”
The nominations include best salon, apprentice Libby Whalley, best team and spotlight salon of the year.
Follow Miss Szejner on Instagram @beautybyelee
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