Imagine building a six-figure business starting from just doing nails in your own home — sound too good to be true? Well, this is the inspiring story of Becci Hollis from Shrewsbury, whose journey from humble beginnings to entrepreneurial success proves that with dedication and resilience, dreams can become reality. But here’s where it gets interesting: her story highlights how a simple decision, like doing your own nails, can unexpectedly become the foundation of a thriving business empire.
Becci, now 29, began her journey at age 17 by practicing nail art at home to save money. Little did she realize that this small act of self-care would act as the seed for something much bigger. Over time, she turned her side hobby into a professional endeavor, founding Blossom Academy in her hometown of Shrewsbury. This training center offers comprehensive courses on various nail techniques, including extensions, art, and gel polish, and has grown significantly, with a team of 10 women who provide treatments from the academy premises.
Aside from the teaching side of her business, Becci launched a brand called Muse, which supplies high-quality nail equipment and accessories. Muse’s reach is now global, with a new fulfillment center opened in the United States and products shipped as far as Australia — showcasing her diversification and worldwide ambitions. She shares, “From about 50 orders a month last year to over a thousand now, it’s been an incredible boom. We’re essentially a household name in this industry, which feels like a dream come true.”
However, her success wasn’t handed to her on a silver platter. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 became a pivotal moment for her enterprise. Stripped of the ability to do nails during lockdown, Becci used that time strategically. She dedicated herself to completing her teaching qualification, creating lesson plans and manuals, and preparing for when restrictions would lift. Once she could reopen her doors, she began offering courses, initially on a one-to-one basis from her mum’s bedroom, gradually expanding into larger groups in community spaces like village halls.
Her entrepreneurial spirit then took her abroad. After working in Australian salons for a year, Becci decided to establish roots back in her hometown, leading to the founding of Blossom Academy. Today, she runs two to three courses weekly, covering everything from nail extensions and nail art to using her own brand’s equipment, such as e-files.
Becci admits she’s now too busy teaching and managing her brand to continue doing nails herself — a testament to her success. “Blossom is a six-figure business in its own right, and Muse has exceeded six figures in its first year,” she says proudly. Her journey illustrates how passion, perseverance, and strategic growth can turn a simple hobby into a flourishing enterprise.
Her reflections on the industry reveal a common misconception: when she was a full-time technician, she often faced dismissive attitudes from male business owners who couldn’t see the value in her work. Now, she believes her accomplishments have earned her more respect, especially as she showcases her thriving business and team.
And this is the part most people miss: her story isn’t just about personal success — it’s about inspiring others, especially women, to see beauty professionals as serious entrepreneurs. Becci emphasizes the importance of community, highlighting women who are building their own income streams, juggling family life, and proving that creating a successful business in the beauty industry is not only possible but incredibly empowering.
She encourages others to keep promoting their work, even during tough times. Her advice? “Business isn’t a straight path. The way you handle the dips — the tough moments — is what really matters. Show up, even if it feels like shouting into an empty room; persistence is key.”
Looking ahead, Becci aims to expand her reach further into Europe, Australia, and America, eager to establish Muse as a global brand and to diversify Blossom’s course offerings with new educational programs. She plans to bring in more help so she can focus on growth while still nurturing her community.
So, what do you think? Is this a story of entrepreneurial brilliance, or does it challenge the idea that success in the beauty industry requires a certain privilege? Drop your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear whether you agree that passion combined with resilience can truly change your life.
