A West Cumbrian nail artist has been shortlisted for three national awards.
Georgia Wilkinson, owner of GW Nail Fairy, based in Whitehaven, has been named a finalist in the prestigious UK Hair and Beauty Awards.
She is in the running for three awards in the categories of Nail Technician of the Year, Best Gel Nails of the Year and Best New Talent of the Year.
The awards – which are widely considered the most prestigious in the UK hair and beauty industry – will take place on August 30 in Birmingham.
It’s an achievement Georgia has reached after just three years spent working in the industry, but it all started with a bold career change after maternity leave.
Georgia said: “I’m still in shock to be a finalist in not just one, but three categories. I started my nail career in early 2022 after having my son, and to be recognised at a national level feels surreal.
“I never imagined I’d come this far in such a short time, but I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved.”
Georgia left her previous job at the end of 2021 with the unwavering support of her husband Karl to pursue her dream career as a nail art technician.
With no clients, but a clear vision, she started taking bookings in early 2022
She said: “It was all or nothing for me. I spent hours watching other nail technicians on YouTube, learning everything I could about nail art and application techniques.
“I would push myself out of my comfort zone constantly, trying new designs and refining my skills.”
Georgia is now known for her wide-ranging and intricate nail art from classic French designs and swirls to chrome effects and pop culture character art.
In 2023, she also took home the top prize in a Christmas nail art competition.
She added: “I never thought nail art would become my specialty. I used to worry that I wouldn’t be able to deliver when clients asked for custom designs on the spot—but I fell in love with it immediately.
“I genuinely care about every detail, from nail prep to application and design, and I always want my clients to leave feeling happy and satisfied.”
Georgia said she also credits her clients in her success for giving her their trust and support over the years.
She said: “I often look back at my work from months or years ago and see just how much I’ve grown.
“I’m incredibly thankful to my clients—whether they’ve been once, on special occasions, or regularly—for their trust and support. I wouldn’t be here without them.
“I love being creative and bringing my clients’ visions to life. This is more than just a job for me—it’s my passion, and I’m having so much fun doing it.”
