Innovation and creativity have guided Dovile Dee Marc to her current position as owner of Perfect Nails UK.
Read how she became a Nail Technician and Educator
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
I am a qualified beauty therapist, nail professional, salon owner and educator and owner of the award-winning company Perfect Nails UK. I divide my time between the salon and training academy and I supply Perfect Nails products to South Eastern Regional College’s beauty courses in Lisburn, Bangor and Downpatrick, as well as other leading salons in Northern Ireland.
What was your favourite subject at school?
I was always very creative and excelled at Art and technical drawing.
Did you go on to further/ higher education, if so what did you study and where?
After high school I studied travel and tourism, but soon found my vocation in beauty and studied at South Eastern Regional College in Bangor.
How did you get into your area of work?
When I was 17 years old my sister-in-law trained me as a nail technician and I’ve had a passion for it ever since. My brother, who is still based in Lithuania, set up The Perfect Nail product distribution business in Europe over 13 years ago, so I took over the Irish and UK distribution, as well as opening the Perfect Nails Salon in Bangor’s Elysium. I learned everything from my brother about setting up my business from the grass roots up. It’s important to have a strong business acumen, as well as being a master of your trade.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
I always knew I wanted to work in the creative industries so, with my brother excelling in the nail products business, it was a natural fit for me to partner with him on the sales and distribution side of the business whilst continuing to develop the salon and training academy.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
Originally, I trained in basic beauty and nail qualifications but have since taken lots of additional courses and spent years training and practicing to achieve the skill set that I have today.
Are there alternative routes into the job?
There are no alternative routes. Training with a reputable company is required to gain the required qualifications and hands-on experience while hard work, dedication and passion is required to reach your goal.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
Perseverance, creativity and patience.
What does a typical day entail?
I kick start my working day with a strong cup of coffee when I arrive to work and then go through my to do list. Before I start my appointments I take care of the products side of my business, which is essentially taking orders and organising their distribution. My client appointments start at 9am and I usually have 20 clients per day. Some of my clients have been with me for over seven years so I’ve built a great relationship with them.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
My business is my life and takes up most of my time. Some weeks I work 60-70 hours, which is challenging and tiring but it’s very rewarding. My hope for the future is to gain market share for the Perfect Nails brand in the beauty salon business, expanding the products and services and establishing this brand in Northern Ireland for gel and acrylic nails. I’m part of an industry which is worth £14 billion a year in the UK according to the British Beauty Council. The nails’ market is massive and it is my aspiration for Perfect Nails to become a household name and be recognised as the best nail products on the market.
Why is what you do important?
Beauty is so much more than just physical appearance. It gives people more confidence and boosts their mental state of mind.
How has Covid-19 impacted your business/role?
Covid-19 has changed the future of beauty business as we know it. Lots of local beauty businesses took a massive financial loss and sadly many have had to close permanently. We’ve had to close temporarily following government guidelines but we’re confident we’ll bounce back as soon as we are allowed to open again.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
Just stop worrying – it all works out in the end.
And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?
Have focus and discipline and don’t give up at the first hurdle – Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Keep up to date with the latest news and views on the NI job market and more by following the nijobfinder blog.
Follow nijobfinder on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to see the latest jobs and to ensure your dream job won’t pass you by.