Elisa Tladi, a 27-year-old nail technician from Coventry, recently made her debut at London Fashion Week, describing the experience as both exhilarating and overwhelming. Owning her own business, EMT Nails, Tladi stepped away from her familiar salon space to take on the high-stakes pace of the fashion world — a move that gave her new perspective on her career.
After connecting with another nail professional online, Tladi secured the opportunity to join a backstage team preparing models before they hit the runway. Her task? Perfecting manicures under intense time pressure, all while navigating the whirlwind of fast-paced fittings and last-minute show preparations.
“It looks glamorous from the outside,” she said, “but it’s non-stop and hectic behind the scenes. You’re racing against the clock the entire time.” Despite the pressure, Tladi says the experience was valuable, pushing her out of her comfort zone and sharpening her confidence. “It was nerve-racking,” she admitted. “You really have to stand your ground. Nobody’s there to guide you — you have to take initiative and manage the models yourself.”
However, while the buzz of the catwalk world left an impression, the experience also reaffirmed Tladi’s passion for the personal side of her work. “I missed the one-to-one connection,” she said. “In the salon, it’s more than just nails. For some clients, it feels like therapy — it’s a safe space where people can open up.”
Tladi’s journey into nail care began out of necessity. While studying at university in Kent, she found salon visits unaffordable and taught herself how to do nails. That decision eventually turned into a full-fledged career. Now professionally trained and running her own business, she’s built a loyal client base and a name for herself in Coventry’s beauty scene.
Reflecting on her Fashion Week debut, Tladi says she’s grateful for the opportunity and hopes to return next month — but her heart remains with her clients at home. “The fashion world was exciting, but it reminded me how important it is to build those personal relationships. That’s where I thrive
