SELF-PACED ONLINE COURSE
Before You Begin
Foundations of Professional Gel Nails
Build your understanding of nail anatomy, safety, client care and business basics—with clear, theory-based education for beginner and self-taught nail techs.
• 11 modules with video lessons and written guides
• Downloadable checklists, templates and scripts included
• Learn at your own pace with lifetime access
$147 CAD · One-time purchase · Lifetime access
Theory-based education; not a substitute for hands-on training or professional certification.
Courses are non-refundable except where required by law. Read the Terms & Conditions before enrolling.
Is this course for you?
Build your foundations, wherever you’re starting.
• You’re new to gel nails and want a clear introduction to the theory behind professional services.
• You’re self-taught and want to better understand nail anatomy, safety and client care.
• You’ve completed training but still have questions about the foundations.
• You want guidance on pricing, setting policies and communicating with clients.
No prior salon experience needed—just an interest in gel nails and a willingness to learn.
What's Inside the Course
11 self-paced modules covering the theory, client care and business foundations behind professional gel nail services.
01 — Welcome & Getting Started
Overview of the course, how to move through it, and setting expectations so you feel grounded before you dive in.
02 — Nail Anatomy & Disorders
The structure of the natural nail, common conditions, and when not to work on a client.
03 — Sanitation & Infection Control
How to clean, disinfect, and set up your space to protect yourself and your clients.
04 — Crafting Salon Policies
Cancellations, late arrivals, refunds, and boundaries — with prompts and examples you can make your own.
05 — Preventing Repetitive Stress Injuries
Ergonomics, posture, warning signs, and simple habits to help your body last in this career.
06 — Client Communication & Consultations
Talking to clients, asking the right questions, handling tricky situations, and keeping things clear and kind.
07 — Pricing Your Nail Services
How to think about pricing, work through mindset blocks, and feel confident charging for your time.
08 — Business Basics: Licenses, Insurance & Setup
The paperwork side — business structure, insurance, systems, and your online presence.
09 — Nail Products 101: Tools, Gels & Essentials
What you actually need, what it does, and how to choose wisely without wasting money.
10 — Your Nail Space: Setting Up for Success
Layout, comfort, cleanliness, and creating a calm environment — whether it's a salon or a corner at home.
11 — Final Wrap-Up & Next Steps
Reflect on how far you've come and get direction on what to focus on next.
Why learn with Totally Polished?
Real salon experience
Learn from a working nail tech who understands the everyday questions, client conversations and business decisions that come with working behind the nail desk.
Understand the why
Build your understanding of the reasoning behind nail care and business practices, so you can make more informed decisions as you continue your training.
No gatekeeping. No judgment.
Clear explanations designed for beginners, without assuming you should already know the terminology or have everything figured out.
What’s included when you enroll
Written lessons, practical resources and support to help you build your foundations.
11 written modules
Work through explanations of nail theory, client care and business basics in a structured, beginner-friendly order.
Supplementary YouTube tutorials
Selected tutorials from other creators are embedded throughout the course to support your learning alongside the written material.
Downloadable resources & student library
Access checklists, templates, scripts, trackers and pricing tools to use as you develop your nail business.
Self-paced learning with lifetime access
Study on your own schedule, with no completion deadline. Return to the course whenever you need a refresh.
Email support
Have a question about the course material? Email me for clarification and guidance.
YOUR EDUCATOR
Meet Amelie
I’m the founder of Totally Polished and a working nail tech in Kelowna, BC. Since starting my business in 2019, I’ve learned how much goes into a nail career beyond creating a beautiful set—from understanding products to communicating with clients and setting clear policies.
I created Before You Begin to help beginner and self-taught techs build that foundation. The course brings together written explanations and practical resources covering the theory and business basics I wish I’d understood more clearly when starting out.
My approach is straightforward: explain the why, make room for questions and help you connect what you’re learning to everyday salon situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes! Before You Begin is designed for beginners and self-taught nail techs who want a clearer understanding of nail theory, client care and business basics. No prior salon experience is needed.
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The course is primarily written, with 11 modules you can read through at your own pace. Selected YouTube tutorials from other creators are embedded throughout to supplement the written material. It does not include video lessons filmed by me.
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No. Before You Begin focuses on foundational theory and business knowledge. It is designed to support your learning alongside practical training, rather than replace hands-on instruction or professional certification.
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No nail kit is needed to study the written course material. You can learn about products, tools and the foundations of professional gel nail services before deciding what to purchase for practical training.
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Your one-time purchase includes lifetime access for you, with no completion deadline. Work through the modules on your own schedule and return whenever you need a refresher.
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You’ll have access to the student resource library, including downloadable checklists, templates, scripts, trackers and pricing tools to support your learning and help you develop your nail business.
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Email me at admin@totallypolished.ca with questions about the course material. I can help clarify explanations and point you towards relevant lessons or resources. Individual mentoring sessions are booked separately.
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The course costs $147 CAD as a one-time purchase, including lifetime course access and the student resource library. There is no recurring subscription.
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Course purchases are non-refundable, except where required by law. Please review the curriculum, course format and Terms & Conditions before purchasing. If you’re unsure whether the course suits your needs, email admin@totallypolished.ca before enrolling.
Ready to build your foundation?
Build your understanding of nail theory, client care and business basics with 11 written modules, supplementary tutorials and practical resources you can revisit as you grow.
$147 CAD · One-time purchase · Lifetime access
Course purchases are non-refundable, except where required by law. Please review the Terms & Conditions before enrolling.