sam's journey

sam biddleI began my journey in 2000 as a mobile technician and soon realised that in order to progress I would need a base so I rented salon space for two years before taking the giant step of opening my own salon with my husband John in 2002. At "Outside In nail & body shop" we offered a wide range of treatments and had an immediate success on our hands.

But just 4 months after opening my world crashed in when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. We had invested so much into our future we couldn't let it fail so I trained John in the art of nails before I went for treatment.

I joined the Ez flow Nail Systems team in October 2003 as a Master Artist Educator under the tutelage of Antony Buckley and I soon developed my passion for teaching and it was in March 2004 when I entered my first competition in the pink and white category, not realising then just how much it would affect my career and help me develop my creative side. 

As I sat next to another competitor I  spent more time watching her develop fantasy nails on her model, and completely forgot the reason why I was there, I knew then and there that i had to give this a try. Motivated and inspired, I designed two nails ‘fire' and ‘water', and entered them into the Professional Nails competition in London the following September. The photographic entry ‘water' placed 1st, ‘fire' the fantasy entry came 2nd.  Thrilled with the results, I entered another two competitions in Manchester, again coming 1st and 2nd.

In 2005 I was invited to Judge. I began receiving press attention- The Independent on Sunday featuring on the competitions. I was also asked to provide 15 fantasy looks  for the Daily Mail.  The BBC came to interview me and ITV did a feature about my fantasy nails, filming at the  salon.

It was in the November that I achieved my first front cover on Professional Nails magazine.

My salon sold in the January 2006, and I pursued my love of teaching by starting a nail academy and attended college to undertake my teaching certificate.  Due to another illness I was forced to take some serious time off. I left Ez Flow and concentrated on recuperation. 

This gave me a fresh outlook and renewed enthusiasm. I was invited to Kansas City in July 2007 to re sit my educator's status and join AII's Global team.

My journey then took a new direction; I developed 4 classes which would help technicians to find inspiration and express their creativity, helping them develop their career and utilise new skills.

I now travel nationally and internationally; for AII, in my Global capacity, visiting places such as Latvia and Greece, demonstrating, judging and holding seminars and I have also taken my inspirational  workshops overseas holding my first in Greece.

As a member of the EzFlow Nail Systems exhibition team, I  am also invited to speak at seminars and master classes at all the shows. Helping fellow nail professionals to learn and improve themselves.

Enjoying putting pen to paper, I am writing   features for Health and Beauty Salon magazine and Scratch. I provide comments for Guild News, The Nail File and Professional Beauty Magazine. Also providing content for a brand lead newsletter which is distributed to Ez Flow customers across the UK.

Now a international competition winner, I have also been selected as one of the finalist's in the 2008 Nail Professional of the year awards. the British Beauty & SPA Awards will be held in September 2008.

My first DVD Pure Fantasy was produced in January 2008.  I am at present working on a design DVD and a ‘step by step' book.  

The internet is vital to my business; I have developed a successful blog, achieving 5000 subscribers in just six months. The site offers regular articles, step by steps and special features on other technicians, event details and competitions. www.sambiddle.blogspot.com.

Sam has recently acheived another goal on her list, a front cover on Scratch magazine, producing some amazing images with Stuart Dibbon, Sam has now brought out a book full of pictures to inspire.

Learning from my past and having to confront my own mortality four times, I can look towards to a serene and harmonious future. The importance of family and well being are paramount. I feel deeply that this belief gives me the freedom to express myself. I intend to develop my brand and this in turn will help me to realise some dreams.  I shall continue to grow and develop and will always be searching for new and innovative ways to move this industry forward. 

Contact Details:
info@sambiddle.co.uk