Nail tech spotlight Abbi Williams
This month, we’re so excited to shine a light on one of our amazing community members, Abbi Williams of @thebeautyboxabbi. Abbi’s journey with HONA began after experiencing a severe HEMA allergy, a moment that could have changed everything for her career. Instead, it led her to discover a system that helped her rebuild her confidence, continue doing the job she loves, and create a salon space centred around safety, care and genuine connection.
As a fellow Welsh nail tech, supporting a local brand was an added bonus, but for Abbi, HONA quickly became about much more than just products. From finding her holy grail in TrueFoundation to building a welcoming space where clients can feel relaxed, comfortable and looked after, her story is a lovely reflection of what it means to grow a business that feels true to you. In this month’s Spotlight, Abbi shares more about her journey, why safe systems matter, and the advice she’d give to other nail techs building their own version of success.
Q&A with Abbi
Q: What made you choose HONA as the brand for your salon?
A: I chose HONA back in August 2024 after experiencing a severe allergic reaction to HEMA. I thought I would lose my own nails & my job that I love forever. I was super stressed and the team at HONA were instant on replying to any of my messages with guidance & support. I am a welsh nail tech & came across HONA through social media, A bonus being able to support a local Welsh brand! I first purchased the trail kit which I really got on with, and there on built up my collection. HONA aren’t just a brand with amazing products, they are a brand filled with love and support, they notice the small nail techs/ creators like my self, they interact with their community & always rewarding us with praise, positive attribution’s, little freebies now and then & love. A brand that ALWAYS gives back to their customers! I have never ever used a brand of any product that has so much love for their customers as HONA do.
One of the main things that attracted me to HONA in the beginning is that they are a brand that cares about their customers nail health, they are always posting educating content & helpful tips, a massive positive in the nail industry!
Q: What is one HONA product you genuinely can’t live without, and why?
A: One HONA product I cannot live without is True Foundation. I use this DAILY, my holy grail! The most seamless application & the best retention, I would never use another builder gel. Definitely my favourite HONA product! Such a staple in your nail kit.
Q: What advice would you give to other nail techs who want to build a salon that feels safe, welcoming, and true to them?
A: Advice I would give to a nail tech wanting to build a safe space salon that is welcoming and true to you is number 1 be your true real self, you cannot run a business & meet new faces daily if you cannot be your self, be chatty, be authentic, your clients love that! Clients love to feel relaxed and comfortable with you. sometimes their 1 hour appointment is the only relax & chat they may have all week. Having a clean salon, certificates on show & going over the treatment with clients lets the client know you practice safe salon procedures. Our clients learn to trust us as appointments go on, and I do truly believe clients turn to Good clients/ friends when you are being kind, bubbly and always ensuring the customer is happy with your work. Be YOU!
Q: Was there a specific moment, experience, or client story that made you more conscious of offering hypoallergenic services?
A: I was conscious of using a hypoallergenic system at first due to the media portraying that hypoallergenic doesn’t last. this is in fact not true. If you put the time & effort into your work and adjusting to a new system, using correct prep, products & take your time, your clients nails will last just like any other system. You need to be willing to educate your self on the products you use & how to use them, HONA have the best education system to show us exactly how to use their products & to get the best out of your mani’s.
Summary
Abbi’s journey is a beautiful example of how the right support, education and products can help you keep doing what you love with confidence. Her passion for creating a safe, welcoming space for her clients, alongside her commitment to growing in a way that feels true to her, is incredibly inspiring. We’re so proud to have Abbi in the HONA Community and so excited to shine a light on her this month.
