Manipro Love From Japan

NEWSWORTHY

Manipro Love From Japan

Kupa dazzles in Tokyo and Nagoya as Japanese nail techs share their love for the brand's new innovations.

1. Ms. Keiko Miyajima, Mr. Masahiro Matsuura & Hiro Matsugi at NailX, Japan.

Article by Alisha Rimando | Published in 2023

Kupa Inc. owner, Richard Hurter solidified his brand in the Japanese market on his most recent trip to Tokyo, Japan with COO Jonathan Ozeretny. The two received raving reviews as they launched the Manipro Glo Duet Lamp at Beauty World Japan. “The Japanese technicians loved the lamp and its dual function,” raves Jonathan. “They were amazed that a small compact lamp could produce such bright light and change to a curing lamp with a wave of the hand.”

Kupa has always enjoyed a stellar reputation for making superior electric files, but its latest innovation was a welcome surprise to the market. Its exclusive distributor TAT has been sharing the Kupa love across the country, introducing its quality e-file machines with first-class education and training. Hiro Matsugi, international sales rep for Kupa Inc Japan, recently introduced the Manipro Passport HANA e-file to husband-and-wife duo Masahiro Matsuura and Keiko Miyajima, owners of Nail X, award-winning nail schools and salons. Upon using, Mr. Matsuura commented on its size, highlighting, “It’s small and perfectly sized for a women’s hands.” He also comments, “The handle is easy hold, it’s lightweight and very well balanced.” Surprised by the feel, he also notes, “After trying out the machine, I saw there was very little vibration and it moved so smoothly across the nail.”

With over 35 years of nail industry experience, the Nail X duo has opened three JNA-accredited nail schools and upholds a policy to only introduce brands they believe in to their students and clients. The latest brand to join their portfolio is now Kupa. As Kupa journeys across Asia, Hiro Matsugi is excited to introduce its impeccable salon products and e-file education into this highly skilled market. Learn more about his amazing journey in an exclusive interview on Life on the Free Edge at GlossaryLive.com.

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Michelle Soto | Artist of the Month

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Michelle Soto

This October, we celebrate Michelle Soto, international educator, judge and nail artist extraordinaire from Florida, USA.

Article by Alex Fox | Published in 2023

Stepping into the world of nails at the tender age of 12, Michelle Soto was spoiled for a year as her aunty used her to hand model for practice purposes. Later, after moving to Puerto Rico, Michelle made a point of manicuring her nails, mimicking what she’d picked up from her aunt. “My nails became a talking point and people asked me to do theirs, but I always said, ‘No, I only do them for myself’,” Michelle reflects. “However, after some consideration, I accepted my father’s proposal of going to nail school. Getting certified before I would groom anyone’s nails was really important to me. At that time in my life, being certified yet still not thinking it would end up becoming my career, was my mindset.”

On deciding to train in nails, Michelle enrolled at the Pierrette Academy in Puerto Rico, which later changed its name to Ema’s Beauty Academy. “I was offered to work at a well-known salon from the owner of the academy herself,” smiles Michelle. “I agreed and worked in it for a year, then I made the bold move to open my own salon; I was just 16 at the time.” Michelle continued to run nail salons for a number of years before changing her path to work more recently full-time with V Beauty Pure LLC in the USA. “I’ve tried many products throughout the years and one of my favorites is V beauty Pure,” she asserts.

With the onset of the global pandemic changing Michelle’s career course, she highlights, “Not being able to work for some time pushed me in a different direction; I had so much time to think about what I was doing and if it was the right pathway for me. I then changed my life completely. I‘ve always wanted to dedicate myself to teaching full-time while helping others achieve their goals, but I was always too busy to commit. The pandemic gave me the opportunity to make the jump.”Living by the principle to always give any endeavor her best shot, no matter what the circumstances, Michelle instils, “One must always be reliable, consistent and never forget to be humble in this life. In these challenging times, take this opportunity to focus in on yourself and your craft. Get prepared with all the knowledge and tools that will help you grow for when you are able to start working again and most importantly, keep posting content on social media platforms, don’t give up!”

1. Behind the Scenes - GlossaryLive Masterclass | 2. Michelle Soto jugding at Nailympia Orlando 2023

Praising social media as an excellent source of inspiration for nail stylists, Michelle notes, “The artist in me sees nail art everywhere I go! Although, much of my inspiration tends to come at night, so I keep a sketch book on my night table, however, maybe just one percent of my ideas make it into the book itself.” On reflection, she also adds, “As an artist, being able to express myself through my nail work alongside the happiness that it brings to my clients, is a blessing. The ability to express the client’s emotions in the nail style is also extremely rewarding and now I take great pleasure in teaching all this while sharing my knowledge and experience with others to support their career journey.”

Citing her recipe for attaining great nail skills is to never stop practicing or getting educated, Michelle acknowledges that, “Consistency and knowledge are key!”

With education at the top of her menu, Michelle utilised her time wisely during the pandemic and originated a wide selection of courses. “ I’ve developed online trainings that offer a variety of techniques to help salons called Salon Success. These courses offer topics such as nail anatomy – artificial and natural, product & control management, general biosecurity and health alongside E-File, bit theory and practice applied to nail extensions and manicures, nail tip and form application as well as commercial shapes (square, coffin, classic salon almond and stiletto), dip powder, acrygel, UV hard gel and nail art with gels, to name a few.”

Appreciating that ‘Rome was not built in a day’, Michelle stays grounded and focused while optimistic about the future. “My advice to beginners is to keep an open mind, have lots of patience, make sure you practice and don’t give up! Always be reliable, consistent and never forget to be humble!” Moving onwards and upwards, Michelle is excited for a future with her goal being to coach students, “To hit the salon floor fully experienced and knowledgeable. Capable and ready to service!”

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GlossaryLive Tag That Trend Art Deco Rose Angel Loo

Art Deco Rose

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Angee Loo

Design a nail in an art deco style using this simplified step by step. Creating an almost stained glass effect, following these 11 simple steps, makes a complicated end design really easy to achieve.

GlossaryLive Tag That Trend Art Deco Rose Angel Loo

PRODUCTS USED

    • Cuccio Metal Nail File
    • Cuccio Nail buffer
    • Cuccio Pro5 LED lamp
    • Cuccio Universal Base
    • Cuccio Brush-on Builder Gel
    • Cuccio SOH Gel (CPSK2451, CPSK2311, CPSK2151, CPSK2161)
    • Cuccio No Clean Top Coat
    • Cuccio Master Artist Brush & Tools Kits
    • Cuccio Antibacterial Cleansing Spray
    • Glitter Flakes
    • Painting Gel in Black and White
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STEPS

Prepare the nail tip in the shape of your choice, then apply base coat.

Apply SOH Gel-CPSK2451 & cure.

Apply a thin layer of Builder Gel & sprinkle on glitter flakes, then cure. After the cure, cover the whole uneven surface with Builder Gel & make sure the surface is smooth before you cure.

Clean away the sticky inhibition surface layer with a lint-free wipe & cleanser, then buff the whole surface until it goes matte.

Clean up the nail surface with Cuccio Cleansing Spray, then draw a frame with black painting gel & cure.

Draw short lines outside of the frame & cure.

Draw the outline of a rose & its leaves, then cure.

Fill in the rose & leaves with SOH Gels in CPSK2311, CPSK2151 & CPSK2161, then cure.

Repeat the outline drawing of the rose & leaves, then cure.

Add some lines using white painting gel to give the design highlights, then cure.

Apply a layer of Builder Gel to cover up the uneven surface & to give the nail a glass effect. Cure it & apply No Cleanse Top Coat, then cure.

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GlossaryLive Tag That Trend Pinstriped Alisha Rimando

Pinstriped

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Alisha Rimando

The light handling of a striper brush can create a very stylish nail design. Choose your palette of colors, using a very light pink as the base, then a few quick slicks of the striper brush brings this design to life quickly. Add an accent with the addition of some carefully placed crystals to complete the design.

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STEPS

GlossaryLive Tag That Trend Pinstriped Step 1

After proper nail prep, apply a thin coat of Bonding Gel, cure for 5-seconds in LED light, Cure for 30-seconds in LED Light or 2-minutes in UV. Apply a thin coat of Oh Crepe, making sure to cap the free edge. Cure for 30-seconds, then repeat.

GlossaryLive Tag That Trend Pinstriped Step 2

Apply two drops of Serving Up Sass & Wok & Roll On Baby on the Artistic glass palette.

GlossaryLive Tag That Trend Pinstriped Step 3

Using Artistic Striper Brush, apply Serving Up Sass & create four straight lines to the right of the Wok & Roll Baby lines.

GlossaryLive Tag That Trend Pinstriped Step 4

Cure for 30-seconds in LED Light or 2-minutes in UV.

GlossaryLive Tag That Trend Pinstriped Step 5

Repeat steps to perfect your lines & repeat twice on top of the lines. Cure for 30-seconds.

GlossaryLive Tag That Trend Pinstriped Step 6

Use Nail Surface Cleanser & a lint-free wipe to cleanse the inhibition layer of the nail.

GlossaryLive Tag That Trend Pinstriped Step 7

Apply a drop of Bonding Gel to the Artistic glass palette.

GlossaryLive Tag That Trend Pinstriped Step 8

Using Sani Tongs, apply large stones/diamonds to the base of the nail while using Bonding Gel as the adhesive. Cure for 30-seconds.

GlossaryLive Tag That Trend Pinstriped Step 9

Apply Revive Cuticle Oil & massage into the nail & surrounding skin to finish.

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GlossaryLive Tag That Trend Hidden Zebra Zrinka Vuksan

Hidden Zebra

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Zrinka Vuksan

Create mystery and a little drama on the nails using this easy, yet effective technique. Start by layering gel polish with a magnetic gel polish, then manipulate the polish with a magnet. Next use a tool stamping to add a design feature across it in dark polish. This design is in fact hidden and only appears as the nails move and the light catches them. It’s a great look for parties and other sophisticated celebrations.

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Want to see your nail art featured on Tag That Trend? Our team is excited to see your work and get you published. Contact us for details.

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GlossaryLive Pro Tips Why The Pinch? Alisha Rimando

Why the Pinch?

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Why the Pinch?

Sculptured nails and even nail tip with overlays need an extra step while curing to create the perfect c-curve and a more elongated look. Let Alisha Rimando explain the reasons behind ``pinching`` the nail and what exactly it does to the nail.

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GlossaryLive Pro Tips Want to do a Nail Comp? Alex Fox

Want to do a Nail Comp?

Want to do a Nail Comp?

Are you interested in nail competitions? Let long time Nailympia organizer, Alex Fox, set your mind at ease as she explains the resons why many nail technicians compete and some other benefits that can enrich your nail journey.

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GlossaryLive Freestyle Nail Art Juicy Melon Anastasiia Morozova

Juicy Melon

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Juicy Melon

Multi-champion nail artist from Ukraine, Anastasiia Morozova, shares her refreshing and bright melon design that features a gel effect giving the illusion of the melon's juice sliding off the nail.

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GlossaryLive Freestyle Nail Art Neon Confetti Zsuzsanna Fecsik

Neon Confetti

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Take a bright neon palette of colors and some confetti circles to create vibrant, exciting art styles loud, proud nail art.

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GlossaryLive XXtreme Nail Art Andreea Simona Ignat

Gothic Almond

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Gothic Almond

Starting out as a nail tech in 2012, in her home country of Romania, Andreea moved to London in 2013 and realized her job was in fact her passion.

“I discovered nail competitions in 2014 and have since won multiple national and international titles. My biggest achievement was winning the Top UK Tech Division 3 trophy at Nailympia London 2022, but it won’t stop there. I hope one day to win a Global Cup and get to judge nail competitions around the world.

“During my 10 years in the nail industry, I’ve trained with multiple nail educators, as I believe personal development is extremely important to my career path. I’ve always wanted to run my own salon and academy, and I’m happy to announce this dream came true in September 2022, when I opened Andreea Nails Salon & Academy in central London. I believe you can do anything you set your mind on, but one thing is for certain, ‘dreams do come true if you work hard for them’.”

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