Meet the owner
Ellen Flood
Award-winning nail technician, respected educator, competition judge, business owner, and creator of Gellen.
Ellen is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Business and Economics program and has spent more than 30 years helping nail professionals build their skills, confidence, and careers.
Hollywood Nails
Ellen’s renowned reputation and exceptional work have gained her celebrity clientele. She has worked with Cate Blanchett, Queen Latifah, Anna Kendrick, Sarah Paulson, Rose Byrne, Hayley Atwell, Odeya Rush, Deepika Padukone, Melanie Lynskey, Baby Ariel, Chandler Kinney, and more.
The TONi story
Education built on real industry experience.
The Ontario Nail Institute offers flexible education for beginners and experienced technicians. Ellen’s teaching draws on decades of salon work, product development, competition judging, international education, and business ownership.
TONi was featured in Nails magazine’s 2006 “Schools That Rock” article as one of only two Canadian schools recognized among ten respected North American training facilities.
Educator for nail professionals, including UV gel training in Japan
Judge, jury president, and director for respected nail competitions
Speaker for schools, job fairs, career programs, and health boards
Created by Ellen
The Gellen brand
Ellen developed her own professional gel line and salon essentials for working technicians, schools, and TONi students. The line grew to include Gellen UV polish and Gellen hard gel—professional products supported by practical education and personal service.
Shop Gellen Nails →
Selected accomplishments
Recognition and leadership
- Judge for the Canada Nail Cup at Toronto ESi
- Judge for the Contessa Awards in Nail Art, Nail Enhancement, and Salon Interior Design
- Jury President at the Montreal Exceptionail Olympiades
- Presenter to Southern Ontario Regional Health Boards on nail-salon equipment and sanitation
- Finalist in the Canadian Hairdresser Mirror Awards and Contessa Awards
- ABA Award winner