Amy Baker – a self employed therapist who has found her calling with nails and beauty through hardship. Based in Cambridgeshire, Amy lives with her husband, Malcom, and two children: Toby (7) and Lily (5). Halo Beauty & Holistic Therapy is both salon-based and mobile, so Amy is able to provide services to client no matter their scenario. Amy is also a carer for her husband who is affected by Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Tarda. “While playing Rugby, Malcolm took an injury to his knee,” Amy explains. “When he returned home and went to see his specialist, it turned out that he actually had a degenerative disease that affects his spine and major joints. His fitness levels had actually held off the side effects of it, but he was diagnosed with Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Tarda. It is a rare, hereditary skeletal disorder that only affects males and has now left him as a wheelchair user.” Alongside working her day job, Amy took evening classes at a local college to obtain her Level 2 qualification in hairdressing. “On completing the course, I tried to gain employment, but I struggled to do so. Local salons would only employ me if I had completed training with them.” Discouraged and needing to support her family, Amy sought a new career. “I could not work in my childhood dream job hairdressing, I thought I should try my second choice of care,” Amy explains. “I started working in a supported living care home and I loved it. I worked through my health and social care training that allowed me to have the qualifications to apply for a post in a nearby NHS hospital as an auxiliary nurse. I then became a community healthcare assistant within the district nursing team.” Unfortunately, Malcom’s disability became more apparent. “He required extra care to help him do things you or I take for granted,” Amy explains. “He needed help with washing and dressing himself. He was liable to falls and was losing feeling in his hands and feet. “I tried to organise with my employers more family friendly hours that worked around my children and Malcolm’s carers, but operational needs meant I was spending less and less time with my family to accomplish my contracted hours. It was hard and affected my mental health. I was also forced to take a little time off for stress and anxiety.” Malcolm’s carer at the time, Tiffany, said she was thinking of completing a nail technician course. She suggested that maybe I should join her. We agreed that we would work mobile, refining our skills and gaining experience. “When I working in the NHS, I had spoken to patients, carers and nurses about how hard it if for them to find time to attend a salon or find a salon that is accessible. I even remembered one lady advised me that she had been refused a haircut as she was in a wheelchair. Others stated that they wanted to have the opportunity to feel beautiful but could not afford the salon prices. “This gave me an idea: to provide a service based around the client’s needs. I wanted to offer services at a competitive price to show appreciation to the overworked and low paid health care workers, but also friendly on the pocket of those vulnerable adults who rely on benefits. As both Tiff and myself held Enhanced DBS certificates, we had an edge, too. “We formed Fenland Hair and Nails. It was a great success and we soon realised that a lot of people out wanted other services also. By offering additional treatments, it also had a knock-on effect and helped build the nails side of the business more and more. “Tiff has now progressed into working in an established salon in the town centre and I now work under Halo Beauty & Holistic Therapy, and have a nail desk and treatment room at Little Ranch Leisure. “My new career is working out great because I am self-employed and am able to arrange my days around my families care needs. I never would have ever considered working for myself until now. I will be honest I would never consider anything other than this now. “My anxiety and depression have been hard to overcome but the love and support of my family and friends plus the advice of other nail techs has helps boost my confidence a little. I have always been one to feel I am not worthy of something. I don’t see myself as anything more than just a mum, wife and nail tech like anyone else. “When I left my previous role, I was granted carer’s allowance to look after Malcolm, but it was only around £60 pounds per week. However, as Malcolm got Universal Credit that is reduced to just £30 per week. That’s right – just £30 per week. We used foodbanks to get by. My nail career is new but gradually helping us to come off the need of foodbanks and handouts, and to be able to enjoy our lives.” “I understand now that trying to do absolutely everything is impossible. My advice to anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation is to accept the help, advice and support from friends, family and peers. “Don’t be afraid to admit you need help with something, or if you cannot do something that has been requested of you.”