From Bedroom Nails to a Global Empire: How One Woman’s Passion Built a Six-Figure Beauty Brand
By Chloe Hughes, Shrewsbury
Imagine turning a simple money-saving habit into a thriving six-figure business. That’s exactly what Becci Hollis did, and her story is nothing short of inspiring. At just 17, Becci started doing her own nails at home to cut costs. Little did she know, this small act of self-care would ignite a journey that led her to own a training academy and a globally recognized brand—all before her 30th birthday. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: Becci’s success wasn’t just handed to her. It was built on grit, adaptability, and a willingness to seize opportunities, even in the face of a global pandemic.
Now 29, Becci is the founder of Blossom Academy, a Shrewsbury-based training hub where she teaches nail artistry. Her team of 10 women offers treatments on-site, turning the academy into a bustling center of creativity and skill-building. But that’s not all—Becci’s brand, Muse, sells nail equipment and accessories, and has recently expanded to a fulfillment center in the U.S., shipping products as far as Australia. “We’ve gone from 50 orders a month last year to over a thousand now,” she shares. “It’s a dream come true to be a household name in the industry.”
And this is the part most people miss: Becci’s breakthrough didn’t happen overnight. The 2020 coronavirus pandemic, while devastating for many, became her turning point. “I couldn’t do nails, so I focused on building my business,” she explains. She pursued teaching qualifications, created lesson plans and manuals, and launched her courses as soon as restrictions lifted. Her early classes were humble—one-on-one sessions in her bedroom at her mum’s house. As demand grew, she rented a local village hall, eventually establishing Blossom Academy in her hometown after a year of working in Australian salons.
Today, Blossom Academy offers two to three courses weekly, covering everything from nail extensions and gel polish to mastering tools like e-files from her Muse brand. “I’ve had to stop doing nails because I’m too busy with teaching and the brand,” Becci admits, calling it “a dream come true.” Both Blossom and Muse have surpassed six-figure earnings in their first year—a testament to her hard work and vision.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Becci recalls being dismissed early in her career as a nail technician. “When I’d say, ‘I do nails,’ male business owners would brush me off,” she says. “Now, people take me seriously because they see what I’ve built.” Yet, she’s quick to highlight the unsung heroes of the beauty industry: women running businesses while juggling family responsibilities. “They’re creating their own income, doing the school run, and providing for their families—it’s amazing,” she says. This raises a thought-provoking question: Why are beauty professions often undervalued, despite the skill and entrepreneurship they require?
Becci isn’t stopping here. She’s eyeing global expansion for Muse, targeting markets in Europe, Australia, and the U.S. “To be well-known worldwide would be incredible,” she says. For Blossom Academy, she plans to introduce new courses and bring in help to scale her impact. Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? “Business isn’t linear. It’s how you show up during the lows that matters most. Even if it feels like you’re talking to an empty room, keep shouting about what you’re doing.”
What do you think? Is the beauty industry undervalued? How can we better celebrate the entrepreneurship behind it? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
