Melanie Lewendon
Educator · Nail technician
About Melanie
Melanie Lewendon – Nail Artist, Trainer & Founder of Melanie Lewendon Academy
Hi, I’m Melanie, a nail artist, therapist, and educator based in Derby. I specialise in accredited nail training courses for beginners and professionals across the UK.
I started my beauty career at 30, training at Derby College, and have now spent over 15 years building a successful salon, teaching others, and earning multiple industry awards. Today, I run the Melanie Lewendon Academy a centre for high-quality nail education in Derby and online.
I offer professional, accredited training in:
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Acrylic nails
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BIAB (builder in a bottle)
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Gel polish
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Hard gel
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E-file
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Mixed-media and advanced nail art
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Manicures & pedicures
Whether you're looking for your first nail course in Derby, or you’re an experienced tech wanting to level up your skills, I offer supportive, creative training designed to help you grow in both skill and confidence.
My courses are available in person at my Derby training centre or as flexible online nail courses with tutor support. I’m known for my friendly teaching style, real-world guidance, and my promise of ongoing support after training.
I’ve trained with leading industry figures including Katie Barnes, Paulina Zdrada, Hazel Dixon and more, and my work has been recognised through awards including:
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Scratch Stars Mixed Media Artist of the Year (Winner, 2023)
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Scratch stars educator of the year 2024
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Scratch stars online educator of the year 2025
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BABTAC Nail Technician of the Year 2019
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Finalist for Educator of the Year & Salon of the Year 2019/2020
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Salon of the year winner 2019
My specialist area is mixed-media nail art — combining chrome, marble, foils, one-stroke painting, and fine-detail design to create unique looks. I'm passionate about creativity, industry standards, and helping students build a career they’re proud of.
If you're searching for:
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Accredited nail courses near Derby
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Online nail courses with tutor support
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Short courses in BIAB, acrylic, e-file or gel polish
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A supportive trainer who cares about your success
Then you're in the right place. Whether you're here to book a nail art course, improve your speed, or gain confidence with salon work — I’d love to help you take your next step.
Qualifications
Manicure, Nail extensions, Pedicures
Assessor, Brows , Electric File (E-File) Certification, Gel polish , Lash and brow tinting , Lash lift, Nail Correction & Rebalancing Techniques, Nail extensions, Waxing
Work Experience
Melanie Lewendon – Work Experience Overview
I'm Melanie Lewendon, a multi award-winning nail and beauty educator with over a decade of hands-on experience in the industry. I started out in salon work, eventually opening my own successful salon where I built a busy client base and discovered my passion for teaching.
I worked as a qualified assessor at Derby College, where I supported and trained many apprentices, gaining valuable experience in formal education and learner development. I’ve helped countless students – both in salons and in the classroom – build real skills and long-term careers in the nail and beauty industry.
Alongside teaching, I’m also a consultant for a major UK nail brand, where I’ve contributed extensively to product testing, development, and education content. This behind-the-scenes work keeps me at the forefront of product science and industry innovation – and I bring all of that knowledge straight into my training.
Today, I run the Melanie Lewendon Academy in Heage, Derbyshire, offering 1-to-1 and small class accredited training in acrylic, hard gel, acrygel, builder in a bottle, gel polish, nail art, manicure, pedicure, waxing, tinting, and lash lifts. I also lead one of the UK’s longest-standing online nail and beauty course platforms, supporting students worldwide with flexible learning and lifetime access to training.
I’ve proudly earned Scratch Magazine’s Educator of the Year (2024) and Online Educator of the Year (2025) titles, and I continue to update my training annually to keep it current, practical, and empowering – with no gatekeeping, ever.
Awards & Achievements
Recognised By Industry Bodies, Judging Panels And Peer Organisations.
Scratch Online Educator of the Year…
Scratch Educator of the Year – Winne…
Scratch Educator of the Year – Final…
Professional Beauty Educator of the…
Birmingham Beauty UK – Design a Disc…
View Full Awards List (24+ Accolades)
| Years | Awards |
|---|---|
| 2025 |
Scratch Online Educator of the Year – Winner 2025
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| 2024 |
Scratch Educator of the Year – Winner 2024
Scratch Educator of the Year – Finalist 2024
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| 2023 |
Scratch Educator of the Year – Finalist 2023 (2nd Place)
Scratch Stars Mixed Media Artist of the Year – Winner 2023
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| 2022 |
Professional Beauty Educator of the Year – Runner Up 2022
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| 2019 |
Birmingham Beauty UK – Design a Disc Winner 2019
Manchester Professional Beauty – Boxed Art Winner 2019
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| 2018 |
Professional Beauty – Nail Salon of the Year Runner Up 2018
Scratch Stars Mixed Media Finalist – London 2018, 2019, 2020
Boxed Art – 2nd Place Runner Up Ireland 2018, 2019
Photographic – 2nd Place Runner Up London 2018
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| 2017 |
Boxed Art – 2nd Place Ireland 2017
Photographic Nail Art – 3rd Place Manchester 2017
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| 2016 |
BABTAC Nail Technician of the Year – Winner 2016
BABTAC Large Salon of the Year – Runner Up 2016
English Hair & Beauty Awards – Beauty Therapist Finalist 2016
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| 2014 |
EHABA Nail Technician of the Year – Finalist 2014, 2015, 2016
English Hair & Beauty Awards – Salon of the Year Winner 2014
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| 2011 |
WorldSkills – National Final 2nd Place 2011
WorldSkills – Heat & Finalist 2011, 2012
SEBTA – Finalist / 2nd Place Runner Up 2011
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| Other |
Verification Badges
Scratch Awards Winner
Work Gallery
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