EP61 SCRATCH STARS AWARDS with HELENA BIGGS, SCRATCH STARS ORGANISER & MANAGING EDITOR, SCRATCH MAGAZINE
In this episode I have a deep dive with Helena Biggs on the Scratch Stars Awards, THE nail industry awards. Now in it's 12th year and one of the most integrity filled award systems in the salon industry. I'm a tad biased as I have been involved as an entrant, finalist, winner and judge since the first year and I've had the honour of winning Salon of the Year (Independent) in 2014 and Services to the Nail Industry in 2017. Both times the process was challenging and hard earned and those two awards still have pride of place on my shelf.
The awards are open for entries until midnight 10 March 2024 and if you miss this years, start prepping for next years with your images and also by enhancing your customer journey. It is a vital part of the process with Scratch Stars. The application process and judging look at not only the given skill set of the category, but also the overall running of your business, your industry awareness and your client journey through your socials and website etc. No stone is left unturned.
If you are ready to 'Stand Up and Be Recognised!' get your entry in now! All categories require evidence of your qualifications/insurance to show you are a professional but you can work part time in the industry as long as you provide 10 hours of nail services per week for practical skill categories and other conditions apply to other categories.
I hope you can feel the positivity surrounding the awards from both Helena and myself as we are both super passionate about promoting the nail industry as a professional entity in it's own right and also as part of the wider salon industry.
Find out more and enter Scratch Stars here
Subscribe to Scratch Magazine here
Here's the official guide from Scratch Stars for dates and details
HOW IT WORKS
Stage 1: Online entry open
1 February - 10 March 2024
On 1 February, FREE online entry will open for competition hopefuls. Entrants can choose up to two categories to enter & fill in the relevant form for each.
Stage 2: Finalists revealed
15 April 2024
The Scratch team whittles the entrants down to five in each category & announces them across its platforms. Finalists are emailed information about the next competition stage.
Stage 3: Competing & judging
From 20 May 2024
Those in the artistic & technical categories are sent requirements for a practical competition, which takes place at LCBT. Judges, put forward by sponsors, score on various criteria & the results are collated to determine each category winner.
Those in the media & business categories are required to either submit a portfolio or are subject to a mystery shop. Others will have reports taken on their social stats.
Stage 4: Winners revealed!
Sunday 21 July 2024
The winners of the Scratch Stars Awards will be announced at a glitzy event - The Scratch Stars Party - in London on 21 July 2024.
You can find out more about Inspiring Salon Professionals on my website and you can pick up the back catalogue of podcasts there as well as downloading my free guides.
