'Working at fashion week was glamorous but hectic'

Coventry nail technician Elisa Tladi worked with models at London Fashion Week earlier this year and hopes to return next month

A nail technician said working at London Fashion Week was a glamorous but hectic experience.

Elisa Tladi, 27, owns EMT Nails in Coventry and was fortunate enough to take her skillset to capital's catwalks earlier this year after she connected with a fellow nail technician online.

She worked as part of a team painting models' nails before they stepped out on the catwalk, however Ms Tladi said being behind the bright lights made her realise she wanted to focus on her own nail salon.

"It gave me a reality check as from the outside it looks so glamorous, but it's so hectic. It was still fun and I'll do more, but I treasure having a one-to-one service."

The 27-year-old, who worked "against the clock" during the fashion week, said she realised she wanted to prioritise the relationship she had with her clients.

"It feels like therapy for some people, you get to off load and it feels like a safe space," Ms Tladi said.

She added that working at the event for the first time had been "nerve-racking", but it had been a necessary step to take in her career.

"Nobody is looking out for you, you have to kind of push your way in and there's loads of big personalities, so you have to take charge with the models," she added.

Elisa Tladi's work was seen on models at London Fashion Week as they took to the catwalk

Ms Tladi decided to learn how to her own do nails after she moved to university in Kent and found it was more expensive to get her nails done.

She went on to train professionally as a nail technician and said what was once a financial necessity had become her livelihood.

Ms Tladi said she hopes to return to London Fashion Week next month.