From a single nail brush to an international classroom, Anna Brodziak has turned her passion for beauty into a thriving business and a powerful platform for education. As the founder of The Nail Shop Ireland, she’s not only shaping nails but shaping futures, empowering hundreds of aspiring nail artists with the skills, confidence, and mindset to build lasting careers. With nearly two decades of experience, Anna is on a mission to raise the standard in the industry and create a supportive space where creativity meets professionalism.
Join us as we dive into Anna’s inspiring journey from artist to entrepreneur, and discover what it takes to build a beauty business and a brand with purpose.
- Tell us a little about yourself. What first sparked your passion for nails and beauty?
Hi, I’m Ania, founder of The Nail Shop Ireland- a professional academy offering top-tier nail education and products. With over 18 years in the industry, I’ve trained nearly 1,000 students across Ireland, the UK, Saudi Arabia, Macedonia, and Poland.
My journey started with a love for transformation and the confidence a great manicure brings. But it quickly grew into a deep passion for the science, skill, and artistry behind nails. Today, my mission is to empower women with the knowledge and tools to build successful careers in the nail industry.
- Building a business from scratch is no small stunt. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while launching Nailshop.Ireland, and how did you overcome them?
Starting The Nail Shop was thrilling, but it came with numerous challenges. The biggest one, I would say, was breaking into a saturated market where trust isn’t given as it has to be earned. I had to build everything from scratch: my reputation, systems, and most importantly, genuine relationships.
What kept me going was staying true to my values. I believe in being open, supportive, and approachable. Whether someone is a student, thinking about joining, or even working with another brand, if they need help, I’ll always try to be there. From product advice to nail prep tips, I’m happy to share what I know.
For me, being an educator isn’t just about teaching my own students. It’s about showing up for the whole industry with heart and honesty. I don’t care about titles or competition, as I care about people. The mindset of helping without expecting anything in return helped The Nail Shop grow into something real and respected.
- Nail artistry is a unique blend of skill, creativity, and precision. How would you describe your signature style when it comes to nail design?
My style is clean, elegant, and timeless – with a strong focus on structure and the health of the natural nail. I love creating nails that look effortless but built with precision. My work often blends soft minimalism with subtle luxury, and I always prioritise durability and wearability. Beauty should never come at the cost of nail health, that’s a key part of my philosophy.
- The world of nail treatments is always evolving. What are some of your favourite advanced techniques or trends that you love teaching your students right now?
I keep up with trends, but what I actually love teaching is how to think critically. Not every trend works for every client, just like not every hairstyle suits every face, and not every product suits every nail. My prime focus is on helping students understand nail structure, skin type, and how to choose the right techniques for each individual. It’s not just about what’s popular, it’s about what’s healthy, strong, and right for the client. For me, this is the core of real, advanced education – understanding structure, adapting techniques, and working with purpose, not just trends.
- Running an academy means shaping the next generation of nail artists. What do you want your students to take away from their time at Nailshop.Ireland, beyond just technical skills?
I want my students to leave with real confidence, not just in their skills, but in themselves as future businesswomen. I’m not just an educator; I’m a mentor, coach, and biggest cheerleader. Mistakes are part of the journey, and I teach them that progress isn’t perfect, it’s growth.
My courses go beyond nail art. We dive into anatomy, nail types, product choices, and how to make the right decisions for each client without solely relying on trends. For example, Builder in a Bottle might be trending, but it’s not right for every nail. As a nail instructor in Ireland, my mission is not just about teaching technique, I aim to empower women to believe in themselves and build careers they’re proud of.
Alongside nails, I teach marketing and business skills to show that with the right tools, running a successful, profitable salon is possible. Seeing my students grow into confident, independent business owners is my greatest reward.
- As a businesswoman and artist, how do you stay inspired and keep your creativity flowing in such a competitive industry?
Inspiration comes from growth – mine and my students. I stay creative by constantly learning, travelling, and observing what’s happening globally. But I also listen to what my clients and students need. That human connection is my biggest source of motivation. When I see someone succeed through what I taught them, that’s everything.
- Can you share a proud moment or a career highlight that affirmed your choice to follow this path?
One of my proudest moments was being invited to teach internationally for the first time, standing on stage in Macedonia, and sharing my knowledge with nearly 500 nail professionals. That experience was incredibly empowering. To know that my expertise was recognised and respected on such a large scale gave me a deep sense of purpose.
But the most rewarding part is seeing my students succeed, opening salons, becoming educators, and building careers. Their growth is the highlight of my journey.
- As an entrepreneur, how do you balance the artistic side of your work with the business and marketing demands of running Nailshop.Ireland?
Balancing creativity and business isn’t always easy, but I’ve learned they actually fuel each other. I treat my business with the same passion as my art. A big part of my growth was letting go of unsupportive people and surrounding myself with those who lift me up. Believing in your vision, even when it scares you, is pivotal. Fear often points to the path where success begins.
I plan, create, market, and most importantly, stay true to my vision with the right people by my side.
- What upcoming projects, collaborations, or ventures are you most excited about in the near future?
For now, I would say that exciting things are coming! From new advanced courses and exclusive pro products to online resources that support students beyond certification. Education doesn’t stop at the certificate, and neither do we. Stay tuned to our Instagram @nailshop.ireland or visit our website www.nailshop.ie for the latest updates and appointments!
- Finally, what’s your vision for the future of Nailshop.Ireland?
My vision is to make The Nail Shop the ultimate hub for ambitious nail professionals- a place to learn, shop, and grow with confidence. I’m passionate about raising the standard of education and building a supportive community that values quality, integrity, and empowerment. Whether you’re just starting out in this industry or ready to level up, this is where you belong.