Vienna Marchant, a nail artist trained in 2019, built her own garden studio, The Gel Studio, in Minehead after a previous salon proved structurally unsound. The four-month construction project, which involved draining a garden pond, resulted in a personal sanctuary for clients aged 16 to 82.
The studio's serene design uses soft beige and cream tones, complemented by faux plants and a prominent wall display of gel polishes. This aesthetic supports the salon's aim to provide a peaceful escape where clients can relax and disconnect.
Marchant offers services including gel manicures, pedicures, BIAB™, hard gel extensions, and medical pedicures, using trusted brands like The GelBottle Inc and Navy Professional. She currently works part-time and rents her space to another nail technician, with future plans to expand services to include head spa treatments.
This venture highlights a trend towards specialised, personalised client experiences. While Marchant's success demonstrates the appeal of bespoke environments, the industry might benefit from more shared resources or collaborative spaces. The dual use of her studio suggests a potential model for maximising asset utilisation and diversifying service offerings, but it raises questions about consistency and brand representation when multiple practitioners use the same space.
