Power Up Your Potential
Welcome to an exclusive three-part series, where Quine shines a spotlight on Royal Bank of Scotland’s support for business owners and its unwavering commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs.
Join us on a journey of inspiration, as we explore the advantages and opportunities of Royal Bank of Scotland’s numerous initiatives. We’ll speak to the female leaders from inside the bank, female founders who have succeeded with the programme and hear from our founder’s own experience on the start-up programme.
Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an established business owner seeking to take your venture to new heights, our series offers practical advice and insider tips to help you unlock your full potential and thrive in the world of business.
Hear from Kirsty MacCormick, founder of The Nail Yard about her experience on Royal Bank of Scotland’s Accelerator Hub.
The Nail Yard is an award-winning nail, lash and brow bar in Edinburgh that specialises in luxury beauty experiences with wellbeing and sustainability at its core.
From creating long-lasting gel manis to helping clients achieve their perfect lash goals, it’s no wonder The Nail Yard has a roster of nearly 6,000 happy patrons. Quine sat down with The Nail Yard’s founder Kirsty MacCormick to find out more about her entrepreneurial journey and how the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Accelerator Hub has helped her business grow from strength to strength.
Kirsty, can you tell us about The Nail Yard and what the concept behind the salon is?
At The Nail Yard, our mission is to create a distinctive and luxurious experience for each client, while upholding their well-being and environmental responsibility. We are dedicated to minimising chemical usage and maximising the incorporation of natural ingredients in every treatment.
Our approach is personalised, tailoring each treatment to meet the specific needs of each client. We offer a wide range of services, including natural nail polish, the latest long-lasting gel polish from Bio Sculpture, Nailberry and advanced manicures and pedicures from esteemed brands like Margaret Dabbs London and ELIM.
Working in collaboration with the Green Salon Collective and the Sustainable Spa Association, we have embraced eco-friendly practices across the salon. Our salon operations are entirely paperless, and we diligently recycle files, buffers and bottles. We conscientiously separate all recycling items and general waste, and use eco-friendly towels and accessories whenever possible. With a clientele of nearly 6000 individuals, many of whom are regular patrons, we take pride in our commitment to excellence and sustainability.
Can you tell us about your journey of starting your business and what inspired you to enter the nail industry?
I embarked on my journey in the beauty industry at the age of 17, starting my very first beauty venture in Stockbridge with a £5,000 loan from the Princes Trust. Like many businesses, we encountered initial challenges and made mistakes but these experiences taught me valuable lessons about driving and marketing the business effectively.
Subsequently, I moved into spa and wellness, taking on senior leadership roles at both national and international platforms. These roles gave me the expertise and insights necessary to understand the intricacies of managing a multi-site business.
Through these experiences, I’ve gained the knowledge and acumen vital for business success in the competitive beauty and wellness industry. The success of The Nail Yard can be attributed to our staffing structure and dedicated team, well-defined systems and processes, coupled with specific targets and KPIs meticulously crafted to boost our revenue.
Tell us about your experience with the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Accelerator Hub. How has the programme helped you successfully navigate some of the challenges you’ve faced?
I first learned about the programme when Mandy Bailey, Regional Ecosystem Manager with Royal Bank of Scotland, visited the salon with her daughter. I applied, had the opportunity to interview and was thrilled when my application was accepted!
Most of the challenges I face stem from within myself, particularly in finding the confidence to seek assistance or support. Fortunately, I’ve encountered amazing women in the programme who share my situation, and their presence has empowered me to seek help without hesitation.
The Hub is completely free, and the events and workshops, particularly the sessions on investment and funding, have proven to be incredibly valuable. I used to find this area of business quite intimidating, but these sessions have been really helpful.
Can you share some key lessons or insights you gained from your experience on the Accelerator Hub that have been instrumental in your business’s development?
No one has all the answers. Just as I’m an expert in my field, there are others who are willing to share their expertise and experiences with you. Feel free to ask questions and be curious; there’s always someone out there with the information you’re looking for.
How did the programme help you refine your business model and strategy, and how has it impacted your long-term goals and aspirations?
Thanks to the Accelerator Hub, I’ve examined our forecasting thoroughly and explored various marketing strategies to increase foot traffic. Additionally, we’ve revisited our investment deck, making modifications to enhance how we present the business and request funding.
In what ways did the programme help you forge connections and build relationships within your industry and with other entrepreneurs?
My Royal Bank mentor Amanda provided substantial support and facilitated valuable connections with fellow entrepreneurs who have shared similar experiences. I felt a really strong connection to the other entrepreneurs on the programme. We understood one another’s challenges and everyone was willing to offer their time and support. Realising that you’re not alone and there are lots of people willing to listen and assist is crucial.
What has been your favourite thing about being part of the programme and the Royal Bank of Scotland entrepreneurial community?
The events and workshops have been priceless, as has the support from fellow entrepreneurs who attended our opening event at Archerfield. I would encourage other women to apply to expand your business network and explore the support and assistance that’s available. There’s always someone out there with the experience or knowledge you require.
Looking ahead, what are your future plans for The Nail Yard?
Thanks to the Accelerator Hub, I was introduced to Jo Chidley from Beauty Kitchen. We are currently exploring the opportunity to create our own line of products utilising her refillable scheme.
Our goal is to expand the business, with a pipeline of new units slated for the next year. Subsequently, we intend to transition the business into a franchise model. Additionally, we are actively pursuing another interesting partnership offer that is currently on the table.
You can check out The Nail Yard’s range of nail, lash and brow services at thenailyard.com and follow on Instagram at @thenailyard.
Find out more about the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Accelerator Hub at rbs.co.uk/business.
