Vanessa's perfect polishing earns Ulster Nail Technician of the Year award

Donegal nail technician Vanessa Canning is on cloud nine after scooping the Nail Technician of the Year Ulster award.

Vanessa, who runs her own business ‘Polish Perfect’ in Manorcunningham, is well known for her bright, creative styles and intricate nail art. That skill earned her her first-ever award at The Irish Nails Brows Lashes Awards last Sunday.

Speaking to Donegal Woman, Vanessa said she was shocked to be selected from all the businesses in Ulster.

"With the level of talent in my category, never in a million years did I think I would win," she said.

Vanessa at the INBL Awards 2022 at Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport

Vanessa credits a lot of her success to her training and her amazing clients. Now in business for six years, she has closed her books due to the loyalty and support from her client base.

Nail art has been Vanessa's passion ever since she finished school. She found her flair while studying at NWRC in Derry, where the teachers encouraged her to set up her own business. Ever ambitious, Vanessa gained a wide range of nail tech, hair and beauty qualifications before setting out on her own. She has since returned to the college as a teacher.

"I think that I started at a good time when not as many people were getting their nails done. It was a risk compared to now," she said.

They say that if you choose a job you love, you will never have to work a day in your life. To Vanessa, that motto reads true, thanks to her ‘darling’ clients.

"I have the same clients coming through my door for years, so I go through everything with them. There are clients who got their engagement nails, their wedding nails and then their baby nails. You don't realise the bond you make with people when you see them every three weeks. They are so supportive," she said.

A selection of Vanessa's colourful nail art

Vanessa was also nominated for ‘Best Customer Experience in this year's NBL Awards, a title she was highly commended for in the same awards in 2020.

If you are searching for some showstopping nail inspiration, make sure to follow Vanessa's social media on Facebook or Instagram. You’ll find everything from Christmas characters to Liverpool FC logos, and even election art Vanessa did on herself to campaign for her dad, Cathaoirleach of Inishowen Cllr Paul Canning!

Vanessa's Local Election nails in 2019