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About Nail it and Thrive
The world of work is changing significantly: By 2030 nearly one in four current jobs will be disrupted, and 78 million new job types will be created. Businesses need workers who are adaptable, confident in constantly acquiring new skills and able to demonstrate leadership in sharing newly acquired skills and capabilities, whatever those skills may be. Through it's use of the Arts Award Programme, awarded through Trinity College London, Nail it and Thrive supports young people in the experience of acquiring new skills and passing them on to others via a "leadership activity" - an approach that will be increasingly needed in the future ever-changing world of work. On the course this could be, for example, participants demonstrating their nail art skills to others at a youth group, holding a pamper evening for a group of adults or hosting a nail art stall at a community fete.
In addition to developing leadership skills, Nail it and Thrive aims to help build connections between young people and support in-person fun and creativity where possible. This can be supported by families and community members too, through parts of the programme. Over one in five 8 to 16 year olds are currently thought to have a mental health condition and anxiety has been described as an epidemic that is harming young people's ability to enter the workforce. Nail it and Thrive aims to provide young people with a framework to help build positive peer support structures and sources of enjoyment and fulfillment that involve face to face contact.
The Nail it and Thrive programme has been developed with input from a qualified nail technician and advice used in the industry. We recommend that course participants are age 12+ and that they initially practice on a fake hand or use a magnetic nail tip stand with nail tips (available from Amazon and other retailers). Either standard nail varnish or gel polish can be used during the course, although participants are likely to find working with the latter easier. In line with industry standards, we recommend that gel polish is not used on models under the age of 16 without parental consent. A full list of recommended items to use during the course is provided upon registration.
Have fun and develop new connections and new skills whilst acquiring a level 2 qualification
Our level 2 (GCSE equivalent level) qualification allows teens and near teens to explore their individuality and grow in confidence without the pressure of exams. Participants who successfully complete the course will obtain the Silver Arts Award qualification, awarded by Trinity College London. This requires the completion of a portfolio of work, a template for which is provided at the beginning of the course. Participants will be led through the process of populating their portfolio with photographs of their work, ideas for their next steps, observations from their research into careers and their leadership activity, and reflections on their learning.
Our values.
1. Empowerment through creativity
We believe that every young person has a unique voice and creative spark. Through artistic exploration, we aim to nurture self-expression, build confidence, and unlock everyone’s potential, helping them to feel seen, heard, and capable of achieving meaningful goals.
2. Inclusion and belonging
Our courses are designed to be a safe and welcoming space for all, including those who have felt excluded or misunderstood. We celebrate neurodiversity, support mental health needs, and embrace differences as strengths, creating a community where everyone can belong.
3. Hope and positive futures
We are committed to providing encouragement and inspiration and helping young people to identify real career opportunities that they could pursue in the future. By helping young people gain qualifications and connect with others, we light a path toward brighter futures, purpose, and employment possibilities.
4. Individual growth at every pace
Every learner is different. We aim to meet each person where they are, offering flexible support tailored to their abilities, interests, and challenges. Progress is personal, and we celebrate every step forward, no matter how small.
5. Connection and community
Through group collaboration, mentoring, and peer support, we foster meaningful relationships and networks that enrich lives and help young people feel part of something bigger than themselves.
6. Integrity and compassion
We lead with kindness, transparency, and a deep respect for the lived experiences of those we serve. Our work is rooted in trust, authenticity, and a genuine commitment to making a lasting difference in young lives.
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Who are we?
The Nail it and Thrive project is brought to you by a Mother and Daughter team!
Michelle Stansfield
Creator of Nail it and Thrive
Hi and welcome to the Nail it and Thrive project.
I masterminded the project out of a passion for creativity and self expression, a long career focused on workforce effectiveness and leadership development and a desire to do something to help the young people of today with their entry into the rapidly evolving workforce of tomorrow.
When I was 13/14 (up until 18) I was known at school for being the kid with elaborately painted cherry red Dr Marten boots! They had Japanese-style finely painted designs that I had painted all over them ...and people used to ask me to paint theirs too. I also used to go to school with an A4 sized wooden box. In the inside lid of that box I displayed a range of friendship bracelets that I had made, and a price list. And the box was full of all different threads of all different colours. People could choose their design, choose their colours and I'd make their bracelet for them. Sometimes the designs were so elaborate it would take me hours to make them! Although I was academic at school I loved creating things for people that were a sign of self expression and it enabled me to develop business skills (buying materials, setting prices etc) at a young age. I also had a little crowd of fans who liked what I did and that felt good.
Through helping my daughter develop her interest in nails and nail art I developed what I believe to be the first structured Arts Award programme in Nail Art. Having had a long career in workforce strategy and organisation effectiveness, including leading learning and development teams, apprenticeship programmes and talent acquisition strategies, I am passionate about developing leadership skills and wellbeing, and harnessing the power of creativity at a young age.
Millie Stansfield
Lead Demonstrator
Hi I'm Millie
I'm passionate about Nail Art and provide demonstrations during the course. I've passed a level 3 Nail Technician course with distinction and have also been completing the level 2 Arts Award qualification in nail art. I might be the first person to have done that! I've been taught nail tech techniques by a local nail technician but don't worry, you don't need to be a trained nail tech to do this arts award course. We'll be focusing on nail art techniques only. You also don't need to be really good at art. A lot of designs that look good are quite straight forward and the arts award is given based on how you go through the learning process, not on how good your art is.
I hope you join us on the course and have fun!
