The nail industry has come a long way since 2013, but for one entrepreneur, it was the gap in community support that sparked a revolution. Clawgasmic, founded by Chantelle Johnson, a seasoned nail tech with a passion for both creativity and business, has become more than just a platform for education, it’s a vibrant, thriving community that empowers nail professionals to take their skills, confidence, and businesses to the next level.
But what’s the story behind this trailblazing brand, and how did it evolve into a place that nail techs from all over the world turn to for guidance, camaraderie, and growth? Let’s take a closer look.
The Spark: What Was Missing?
When Clawgasmic first launched in 2013, the nail industry looked drastically different than it does today. Back then, there was no easy way for nail techs to connect, share, or grow together. “If you weren’t part of a team of colleagues, you were basically on your own,” says the founder. “There were few spaces online, and even those were riddled with gatekeeping.”
The lack of free, helpful content made navigating the industry more challenging than it needed to be. “That’s why we started Clawgasmic in the first place,” the founder reflects. The goal was simple: create positive, supportive spaces where nail professionals could come together, learn, and thrive.
The Turning Point: How Lockdown Sparked a New Vision
For many, the pandemic was a time of uncertainty. But for the Clawgasmic team, it was an opportunity to slow down and reevaluate. During the lockdown, when everything came to a halt, the founder and her husband, who was also involved in the business, found the space to really think about their next steps.
“We knew we wanted to work together, but we hadn’t figured out how,” she explains. “Lockdown gave us the time to create our membership, which has been transformative for so many nail techs. It was also when we first thought about launching our podcast, which now has over 100,000 downloads.”
For them, lockdown wasn’t just a challenge, it was the catalyst for real growth. “It was a silver lining in the storm,” she adds with gratitude.
Lessons Learned: What Would You Tell Your Younger Self?
After over 18 years in the industry, the founder has learned countless lessons along the way. The most important one? “That an app would come soon and change everything,” she laughs. But more seriously, she wishes someone had told her that working in this industry could truly transform your life.
“You can create your own freedom,” she shares. “You can make more money than you ever did in a job, and you can love what you do. Don’t listen to those who call it your ‘little business’ keep going, keep pushing, because the rewards are worth it.”
She stresses the importance of perseverance. “It won’t always be smooth sailing,” she admits. “But if you work hard and stay focused, it will pay off.”
Building Clawgasmic: The Perfect Blend of Experience and Creativity
The founder’s journey has been shaped by a wealth of experience in various areas of the beauty industry. From salon work to fashion and education, each experience helped her build Clawgasmic into what it is today.
“London Fashion Week opened my eyes to a whole new world,” she recalls. “It made me realise the importance of creative expression, even when it’s not the norm in your hometown.” This drive to innovate and think outside the box led her to open a nail art bar in her town, something that was practically unheard of at the time.
“Salon work taught me the importance of business structure,” she continues. “I learned from my managers, who worked tirelessly to grow the salon while implementing smart strategies to scale.” These lessons were essential as Clawgasmic expanded from a small idea into a global resource.
Most recently, the brand took another step forward by offering fully accredited nail courses, helping students gain the qualifications they need to thrive. “It felt like the missing piece,” she says. “Now, we can provide everything: the community, the content, and the qualifications.”
The Power of Community: Why It’s More Than Just Courses
One of the driving forces behind Clawgasmic’s success is its focus on community. “The nail industry has a huge gap in terms of support and self-belief,” says Chantelle. “It’s not just about teaching technique; it’s about helping people get through the tough times.”
She highlights the importance of providing a space for nail techs to connect with each other. “When clients cancel, when the money isn’t coming in, or when you feel like you’re not growing fast enough, community is everything,” she shares. “Having people to turn to makes all the difference.”
This sense of community is a core part of Clawgasmic’s mission, and it’s one of the reasons why Chantelle believes in the power of the Clawgasmic Nail Tech Talks podcast.
Real Conversations, Real Support: The Clawgasmic Podcast
The podcast, which has already amassed over 100,000 downloads, was born out of a desire to create a platform for “real, authentic conversations” about the nail industry. “There were so many superficial 20-second clips and picture-perfect images on social media, but I wanted something deeper,” Chantelle says.
She wanted a space where nail techs could hear from industry leaders and learn from their experiences, both the highs and the lows. “We’ve had so many amazing guests, and every conversation has been a learning experience for me. When I get messages from our listeners telling me it’s helped them, it truly means the world.”
Redefining Success: What It Means Today
For Clawgasmic, success has evolved from the hustle of growing a business to focusing on impact. “If I can help at least one nail tech a day, I’m happy,” Chantelle shares. “Success is about doing what I love every day, being present with my family, and staying true to my vision of creating a positive space for nail professionals.”
She also emphasises the importance of balance. “In the past, I got caught up in the work, eat, sleep cycle,” she admits. “Now, I make sure to prioritise my health, family, and happiness. That’s what true success looks like.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Clawgasmic
So, what’s next for Clawgasmic? “The sky’s the limit,” says the founder with excitement. With their first in-person event coming up in February and more plans for growth, the future is looking bright. “We want to expand our fully accredited courses, grow the podcast and membership, and continue being a positive, supportive space for everyone.”
Clawgasmic is about more than just nails, it’s about building a community, providing real support, and offering resources that help people not just survive, but thrive. And as the industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Clawgasmic is here to stay, making waves and changing lives along the way.
To find out more about Chantelle and the Clawgasmic movement, follow this link Clawgasmic.com – Helping Nail Techs Thrive
