Hard Work means Perfect Nails for Dee

Anyone who thinks a woman with perfect nails doesn’t know hard work will certainly think again if they are lucky enough to meet Dovile Dee Marc.

The 34-year-old entrepreneur and businesswoman, originally from Lithuania, came to Northern Ireland 15 years ago and is now firmly settled in Bangor where she operates the Perfect Nails Salon in Bangor’s Elysium and is UK and Irish Distributor for Perfect Nails products. She also trains others for the industry and supplies Perfect Nail products to leading salons in Northern Ireland.

Although Dovile had beauty therapist and nail training when she came to Northern Ireland, her experience and training were not recognised. So she set about fast-tracking herself through a series of NVQ and industry qualifications at SERC and Belfast Met. She says, “I knew I had the skills and knowledge, so it was a case of getting on with it so I had the right qualifications that would allow me to move on rather than let something I didn’t have hold me back. The fact is, in this industry, there is always something new to learn. I spent a lot of years training to achieve the skill set that I have today. I am passionate about training and honing your skills as well has having the right products which is why Perfect Nails is the choice for many salons and courses where students are learning consistently by using quality products.

She added, “When I was 17 years old my sister-in-law trained me as a nail technician, and I’ve had passion for it ever since. I knew instinctively that the beauty sector was the one for me. My brother, who is still based in Lithuania, set up The Perfect Nail product distribution business in Europe in 2005, so I took over the Irish and UK distribution, as well as opening the Perfect Nails Salon in Bangor’s Elysium. I learned everything from my brother about setting up my business from the grass roots up. It’s important to have a strong business acumen, as well as being a master of your trade.

Talking about being her own boss she said, “My business is my life and takes up most of my time. Some weeks I work 60-70 hours, which is challenging and tiring but it’s very rewarding. I would not change it for the world. My hope for the future is to gain market share for the Perfect Nails brand in the beauty salon business, expanding the products and services and establishing this brand in Northern Ireland for gel and acrylic nails. I’m part of an industry which is worth £14 billion a year in the UK according to the British Beauty Council. The nails market is massive, and it is my aspiration for Perfect Nails to become a house-hold name and be recognized as the best nail products on the market.

“When I arrive at work, I go through my ‘to do’ list. Before I start my appointments, I take care of the products side of my business, which is essentially taking orders and organizing their distribution. My client appointments start at 9am and I usually have 20 clients per day. Some of my clients have been with me for over seven years so I’ve built a great relationship with them.

We asked Dovile what advice she would give to anyone looking to follow a similar career path. She said, “Like any career, you need to put your heart and soul into it and long hours. Training is imperative and gaining experience. Secure a loyal client base before opening your own company.

She concluded, “You must figure out what you want to do and focus on it. Have focus and discipline. Don’t give up at the first hurdle either. Rome was not built in a day. It is hard work and there are sleepless nights but there is no short cut to success other than to work hard.”

Dovile’s Perfect Nails kits are available through Facebook and Instagram, where you can also book appointments at her salon at The Elysium in Bangor.

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