The secret and very normal jobs of the English WAGs, from nail technician to office manager
IMAGINE this: it’s Euro 2024 in Germany and this tournament’s WAG cohort is filling the stands.
They are glamorous, dressed to the nines and live a lifestyle that most of us can only dream of.
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It may be tempting to assume that for these women, who are dating and married to multi-millionaires, money is no object.
But in some cases that is not true.
In fact, a number of English WAGs are independent women with their own careers and salaries, separate from their star-studded relationships.
And while many are using their high profile to pursue careers as influencers, some have also opted for some pretty ‘normal’ jobs.
From a new nail tech to a WAG who went straight back to her office job after this year’s Euros: Fabulous takes a look at the ordinary careers of the wives and friends of the Three Lions…
Nail technology
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Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer debuted his relationship with nail technician Connie Grace, 22, at the GQ Men of the Year awards earlier this week.
The pair were first pictured on holiday in Ibiza this summer, but have now made it red carpet official.
Stockport-based beautician Connie charges between £35 and £40 for popular BIAB, gel and acrylic nails.
Business is also booming.
Last month she announced that she could not take on new clients because she was having the “busiest” months of her career.
The couple has kept their romance mostly private on Instagram, with the occasional jab from Palmer in some glamorous photos of Connie.
Graphic designer
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Erica Raimondi joined the England WAG cohort when her fiancé, Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke, made his national debut in October.
The 27-year-old shares a one-year-old daughter with the striker, also 27.
While it’s currently unclear how the couple met and when they got together, we do know that Dominic popped the question while on a lavish vacation in the Maldives in November 2022.
Biggest WAG clashes
From high-profile lawsuits to “deadly alliances”, here we look at some of the biggest conflicts between England’s WAGs…
Secret children
Lauryn Goodman had two love children with Kyle Walker…while he was married to high school sweetheart Annie Kilner.
The father of six welcomed his two children with Lauryn behind his wife’s back in 2020 and 2023.
The two women have clashed repeatedly on social media, with Lauryn even calling Annie a dog that needs to have a ‘muzzle’ put on her.
‘Doormat’ jibe
Last year, after Man City chief executive Kyle Walker drunkenly flashed two women in a bar, a feud broke out between Rebekah Vardy and Annie Kilner.
Rebekah attacked Annie in an Instagram post, where she called her a “doormat” and accused her of “playing the victim.”
Wagatha Christie
After years of allegations and arguments, Jamie Vardy’s wife attempted to sue Coleen for defamation over “untrue and unjustified allegations” that she had leaked false stories to the press.
The saga all started after Coleen turned detective to see who was spying on her private Instagram stories and selling the information, before publicly announcing: “It’s… Rebekah Vardy’s account.”
A very chic stump
Victoria Beckham and Cheryl Cole were good friends when they were both WAGs.
But when Cheryl suffered public grief in 2008 after her husband Ashley Cole was exposed for cheating, she claimed Victoria’s support was nowhere to be seen.
WAG on a mission
They used to be friends but Nicola McLean and Danielle Lloyd had a sensational falling out.
It came after Nicola accused her former girlfriend of only marrying footballer Jamie O’Hara because she wanted to become a WAG.
According to Erica’s social media profiles, she is both a graphic designer and an aspiring chef.
Her food brand is called Rai Rai’s Cookhouse and she makes everything from savory casseroles to decadent cupcakes.
Meanwhile, her graphic design company has sold cartoon portraits to the likes of Man City’s Nathan Ake and Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa.
Co-founder of e-commerce
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Anouska Santos, WAG of Man United and England defender Luke Shaw, 29, is the co-founder of a successful e-commerce company.
The 32-year-old shares three children with the professional footballer and is friends with Molly-Mae Haag, among others.
When she’s not on mom duty, Anouska runs her online accessories store, Treats.
The company launched in September 2021 and has amassed a number of celebrity clients including Rochelle Humes, Sophie Habboo and fellow WAGs such as Sasha Attwood.
Anouska even lets her children model Treats products.
Women’s pajamas cost £55, signet rings cost £65, phone cases cost around £55 and product bundles cost £105.
Interior designer
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Ellie Alderson, fiancee of Aston Villa and England’s Ollie Watkins, has a degree in interior design – and based on her Pinterest account, it’s clear why.
The 28-year-old, who got engaged to the centre-forward in July this year, is putting her professional qualifications to the test with a series of inspiration boards on the photo app.
Among them are visions for an indoor pool, utility room, glass doors and a luxurious open hall.
The mother of two also has vision boards for nurseries, playrooms and relaxation areas.
Ellie has been in a relationship with Ollie since 2018 and the couple live together in Birmingham.
On July 21, Ollie proposed to her long-time partner Ellie on Lake Como – and the two announced their wonderful news on Instagram the next day.
Senior Planner
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Arsenal star Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend is very career-driven.
Tolami Benson, 23, started a new job as a Senior Planning Executive in May this year, after various roles as an Account Executive.
Her LinkedIn profile reads: “I graduated in PR and Media and obtained a BA (Hons) degree from Birmingham City University, where I gained valuable skills in communications, research and analysis.
“In my previous role as an Account Executive, I worked with a wide range of clients across different sectors, tracking, analyzing and reporting on PR and integrated marketing campaigns.
“I also managed events, approvals and meetings, and developed and maintained strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.”
During the 2024 European Championships in Germany this year, Tolami even revealed on Instagram that she had returned to England before the other WAGs because she had to return to the office.
Makeup artist trio
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A number of English WAGs are make-up artists.
Before her relationship hit the headlines, Jack Grealish’s boyfriend Sasha Attwood worked in Solihull and organized masterclasses and demonstration events at Selfridges in Birmingham.
The mother-of-one has since pivoted her career to become a beauty influencer on TikTok and Instagram.
Within a few years, she went from a small-time makeup artist to a global personality with more than 300,000 fans and brand deals with L’Oréal, Armani Beauty and YSL Beauty.
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John Stones’ fiancée Olivia Naylor, 33, was also once a beautician and permanent make-up trainer.
She was the CEO and director of her own beauty clinic in Stockport, and was an eyebrow specialist with nine years’ experience.
Olivia and John announced their engagement in August this year.
Similarly, Ashleigh Behan, childhood sweetheart of Kalvin Phillips, 28, from Ipswich Town, is a make-up artist.
According to reports, the 28-year-old specializes in prom, bridal and evening makeup, as well as special effects.
She welcomed her first child with the midfielder last winter.
