Jessica White is an award-winning nail artist and founder of Blanc Studios, a luxury salon and training academy in Leeds. A First-Class Law graduate turned entrepreneur, Jessica is celebrated for her creativity, precision, and forward-thinking approach to beauty. She has received multiple industry awards for her artistry and innovation, cementing her reputation as one of the UK’s leading nail professionals.
At Blanc Studios, she combines artistry with education, delivering accredited, hands-on courses that prioritise skill, safety, and innovation. Outside the salon, Jessica has built a powerful digital presence, attracting over 250,000 followers and 300 million views across her platforms, and collaborating with global beauty brands such as OPI.
Jessica’s unique ability to merge creativity with business acumen has positioned her as a trusted voice in the beauty industry, sharing insights on nail artistry and education.
You left a First-Class Law degree to build a beauty business—a move many still label as “downgrading” a career. What do you say to the women who are shamed for choosing creative entrepreneurship over traditional prestige?
Leaving law wasn’t about walking away from success, it was about stepping into work that excites me every day. Creative entrepreneurship is just as challenging and demanding as any traditional career, and the skills you develop are real and transferable. Choosing something that aligns with your passions doesn’t make you less ambitious; it makes your ambition intentional.
The beauty industry is often criticised for fuelling insecurity in women. As someone who’s built a luxury brand around aesthetics, where do you personally draw the line between empowerment and exploitation?
Empowerment comes from choice. Every client that sits in my chair is there because they want to invest in themselves, not because they feel they have to meet someone else’s standard. When treatments enhance confidence without imposing unrealistic ideals, that’s when beauty feels genuinely positive. The moment it creates pressure or comparison, it crosses a line.
With 300M+ views, you’ve built massive influence online. What’s one uncomfortable truth about the social media beauty world that aspiring female founders need to hear before they try to build a brand there?
The truth is, you can do everything ‘right’ and still not get the results you want. Social media is unpredictable and it takes a long time to find out what resonates with your audience. If you rely on virality to validate your business, you’ll burn out quickly. The real power comes from building a brand and a community that trusts you, even when the algorithm doesn’t.
You train thousands of new nail professionals—yet the industry is still flooded with underpaid and undervalued beauty workers. In your opinion, is the industry itself to blame, or are beauty professionals accepting too little for their worth?
Both factors play a role. Historically, beauty has been undervalued, and that expectation filters down into how services are priced. At the same time, professionals often undervalue themselves and accept low pay for fear of losing clients. Educating yourself, setting boundaries, and asking for what you’re worth is critical, as the system won’t fix itself if individual artists don’t advocate for their value.
Luxury salons often get labelled as “elitist,” yet your business thrives in that premium space. How do you respond to critics who say high-end pricing excludes women—and what does it really take to build a brand that commands value without apology?
Premium pricing is about reflecting the experience, training, and safety that goes into every single service. Building a brand that commands value isn’t about excluding people, it’s about creating a standard that matches your skill and expertise. High-end doesn’t mean unattainable; it means every client experiences consistency, safety, and attention to detail that justifies the investment.
