Eric Vega Avilés – Painting His Own Path in Nails
ARTIST OF THE MONTH
ARTICLE BY ALISHA RIMANDO | PUBLISHED IN 2025
GlossaryLive is thrilled to celebrate Eric Vega Avilés as our September 2025 Artist of the Month! Based in Puerto Rico, Eric’s nail journey is as dynamic as his artistry, a blend of passion, perseverance, and purpose.
Eric began his nail career in 2021, following a major life pivot during the pandemic. A former STEM educator for children, he turned to his mother, an industry veteran and owner of Status Nails Academy Pro in Caguas, for training and guidance. Though he grew up around the beauty business, it wasn’t until he saw the creative and financial opportunities of nail artistry that his spark ignited.
Since then, Eric has immersed himself in education, traveling the globe to refine his skills and feed his creativity. With over 50 nail course certificates, he’s studied with legends like Karina Frias in Spain, and learned from top brands like Brillbird, VBeautyPure, Termish, and more. His dedication to learning has also led him to the competition arena, most recently at Nailympia Orlando 2025, where he made his debut and discovered a whole new passion.
Today, Eric wears many hats. He’s a full-time manicurist, educator at Status Nails Academy Pro, and a key player in producing The Nail Expo Puerto Rico, the largest nail event in the Caribbean. He also launched his online store, TipsAndInk.com, and developed his Complete Artist Brush Kit, which he swears by for mixed media and trending nail art.
Eric’s mission is clear: to inspire and empower other Latin artists while celebrating the community and creative freedom that makes this industry so special. His mantra? “If you can dream it, it could be possible.”
We’re honored to spotlight an artist who leads with vision, heart, and a commitment to raising the bar. Congratulations, Eric, your journey is just getting started, and the world is watching.
Follow Eric @TipsAndInk and visit GlossaryLive.com to discover his step-by-step nail tutorials on Freestyle Nail Art. Watch for more inspiring artists and educators shaping the future of nails.
A Historic Win for Nail Professionals – Understanding the New Tip Tax Laws
NEWSWORTHY
ARTICLE BY ALISHA RIMANDO | PUBLISHED IN 2025
2025 marks a major leap forward for the beauty industry with the passing of the Big Beautiful Bill, thanks to years of advocacy by the PBA. Two major provisions—the FICA Tip Tax Credit expansion and the No Tax on Tips Act—bring long-overdue tax relief to salon owners, employees, and independent professionals.
Here’s what it means for you:
Booth renters or sole proprietors: You already report all income, including tips, and pay both the employer and employee portion of Social Security and Medicare taxes. While the FICA Tip Tax Credit applies only to employers, the No Tax on Tips Act could allow you to deduct up to $25,000 in tip income from your federal taxable income (through 2028).
Employees in salons: Your employer withholds payroll taxes from your wages and tips. Under the new law, you may deduct up to $25,000 in tip income from your federal taxes if you meet income requirements—potentially boosting your refund.
Salon owners with employees: You can now claim the FICA Tip Tax Credit—a dollar-for-dollar credit on the employer portion (7.65%) of Social Security and Medicare taxes paid on reported tips—reducing your tax liability and freeing up funds to reinvest.
What to do next: These changes are game-changers, but details matter. Talk to your accountant this tax season to ensure you’re maximizing benefits.
Thank you, PBA – This is proof that united industry advocacy creates real change!
Emese Koppányi: From Hungary to World Champion Nail Artist
Nails From A to Z
Emese Koppányi: From Hungary to World Champion Nail Artist
Emese Koppányi’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. From her early days as a nail tech in Hungary to becoming a world champion artist, fierce competitor, salon owner, and product developer, she has traveled the globe in pursuit of education and excellence. In this captivating episode, Emese shares her path to Hollywood, California, and the creation of her own product line. She offers invaluable advice on perfecting competition nails and reveals the mindset required to reach the top of the nail world. Whether you’re a competitor or a creative, this episode will fuel your passion for the craft.
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MORE TO EXPLORE
4th Podcast with Max Estrada – Celebrating 3 Years of Inspiration
WHAT'S INSIDE GLOSSARYLIVE
ARTICLE BY ALISHA RIMANDO | PUBLISHED IN 2025
In July, we celebrated our 3-year anniversary in a big way — by launching our very own podcast! Every two weeks, on Wednesdays, we release a brand-new episode packed with inspiring conversations featuring the artists, mentors, and icons shaping the nail industry. From career-changing tips to behind-the-scenes stories, our podcast is a must-listen for nail professionals looking to stay motivated and connected.
This week marks our 4th episode, and it’s a truly special one. Alisha Rimando sits down with nail industry icon Max Estrada for an exclusive, heartfelt conversation that takes listeners from his earliest days in his mother’s salon to building a global nail product empire. Together, they reminisce about growing up in the industry during the late ’90s, navigating its changes, and inspiring one another along the way.
Max opens up about the people who influenced his artistry, the mentors who guided his journey, and the personal strength that’s powered his career. With stories full of nostalgia, industry insight, and encouragement, this episode is a must-listen for every nail professional with big dreams.
If you’re loving the podcast so far, be sure to catch our previous episodes with Global Educator and Mentor Marilyn Garcia, celebrity nail artist Kimmie Kyees (Rihanna’s go-to manicurist), and Dafne Fernandez, host of Nailympia Mexico. Each conversation is a reminder of the talent, creativity, and resilience that make our industry so special.
We’re thrilled to celebrate our podcast journey with you — and can’t wait for you to hear what’s next.
Tune in now to our 4th episode and join us every other Wednesday for more incredible stories from the nail world.
Max Estrada: From Salon Roots to Global Nail Visionary
Nails From A to Z
Max Estrada: From Salon Roots to Global Nail Visionary
Nail industry icon Max Estrada takes listeners on an unforgettable journey from his early days in his mother’s salon to becoming the visionary behind a global nail product empire. In this candid and inspiring conversation with Alisha Rimando, the two reminisce about growing up in the industry during the late ’90s and navigating its evolution together. Max opens up about the people who inspired his artistry, the mentors who guided his path, and the personal strength that has fueled his career. Packed with nostalgia, industry insight, and motivation, this episode is a must-listen for every nail professional chasing big dreams.
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How Marilyn Garcia Trained 25K Nail Artists—and What’s Next
Nails From A to Z
How Marilyn Garcia Trained 25K Nail Artists—and What’s Next
With 24 trophies and 35 years of experience, Marilyn Garcia is one of the most celebrated Latino educators in the nail industry. Born in Puerto Rico, she has trained over 25,000 nail artists across 25 countries. In this inspiring episode, Marilyn shares her nail journey, the challenges she’s overcome, and her mission to make pro-level education accessible to all. Now, through a new 9-course certification with GlossaryLive University, techs can learn directly from Marilyn and even become CUCCIO Educators—without the travel.
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Why Dafne Fernandez Brought Nailympia to Mexico
Nails From A to Z
Why Dafne Fernandez Brought Nailympia to Mexico
Get inspired as Dafne Fernandez shares her powerful journey from global competitor to founder of Nailympia Mexico. In this heartfelt conversation with Alex Fox, Dafne reveals what drives her to uplift the Mexican nail community and create lasting opportunities for future champions.
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Is Manicuring the Stars for You?
Nails From A to Z
Is Manicuring the Stars for You?
Celebrity manicurist Kimmie Kyees reveals how she met Rihanna and Adele, built her star-studded career in luxury hotels, and why being prepared is her secret weapon in Hollywood. Tune in for glam, grit, and glossy secrets!
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Zrinka B. Vuksan – A Self-Taught Star with a Global Vision
ARTIST OF THE MONTH
ARTICLE BY ALISHA RIMANDO | PUBLISHED IN 2025
This month, GlossaryLive shines a well-deserved spotlight on Zrinka B. Vuksan, a passionate nail artist and educator whose journey from a small town in Croatia to the global stage is nothing short of inspiring.
Zrinka’s story is one of self-belief, relentless drive, and unwavering love for the craft. With no access to formal education in her early days, Zrinka taught herself the art of nails 15 years ago. Guided by an inner fire and a determination to bring quality services to Šibenik, her husband’s hometown and the place where she truly began her career, she not only mastered her skills but elevated them through continuous learning. Today, she still calls herself her own toughest critic and her daily salon work remains her most valuable classroom.
Her rise in the industry is fueled not by mimicry but by authenticity. Zrinka never sought inspiration in others, instead focusing on creating unique designs that blend her own style with her clients’ personalities. Over time, her reputation for precision and passion has earned her global recognition, judging roles at prestigious competitions like Nailympia, and countless students around the world.
In 2023 alone, Zrinka took 11 flights for work, a testament to her international influence. She proudly launched her own product line, Zer.0, featuring Pro-Safe formulations free of HEMA, TPO, and HTPO, proving her commitment to safety and high standards in nail care.
Her classes span everything from Russian manicures to extreme shapes and competition prep. Zrinka’s ultimate vision? To bring professionalism and innovation to every corner of the globe one class, one client, one product at a time.
When asked who she credits for her success, Zrinka answered simply: “I thank me.” It’s a powerful reminder that self-belief can take you everywhere.
Congratulations, Zrinka, for being more than an artist, you’re a force for education, innovation, and empowerment in the global nail community.
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Visit GlossaryLive.com to learn more about Zrinka and other incredible artists shaping the future of nails on Peel Back The Polish.
Nail Tech Event of the Smokies 2025
NEWSWORTHY
ARTICLE BY ALISHA RIMANDO | PUBLISHED IN 2025
This past weekend, the Nail Tech Event of the Smokies returned to Gatlinburg, TN, for a powerful weekend of education, product discovery, and community building. Held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center from July 11–14, the nation’s largest nails-only show welcomed hundreds of licensed professionals eager to learn, shop, and network in a relaxed, mountain-town atmosphere.
Sunday’s main event featured 69 exhibitor booths, nine free demo classes, and an electric buzz as nail techs explored new tools, textures, and techniques. Popular brands showcased their latest innovations, and a $1,500 product prize package was awarded to one lucky attendee. New additions this year, including selfie walls and a cash bar, added a fun, social vibe to the educational experience.
Workshops on Friday, Saturday, and Monday offered hands-on learning in topics like advanced shaping, intricate art, and salon success. Many workshops sold out quickly, highlighting the demand for high-level training. “Nail techs came to learn,” noted one educator. “This show attracts serious professionals who want to grow their skills.”
Attendees praised the event’s intimate feel and laser focus on nails. “It’s a true learning experience, not just a shopping trip,” said one nail tech from Ohio. Exhibitors also appreciated the engaged crowd, with many noting the quality of conversations and serious buying interest.
Beyond the booth, the Swag Swap Center encouraged attendees to trade products, share tips, and connect with new friends, reinforcing the show’s community-first spirit. From door prizes to pro-level demos, the event delivered value at every turn.
“This weekend was about more than nails, it was about elevating our craft together,” shared one speaker. With expert-led education, strong peer connection, and an energized atmosphere, the Nail Tech Event of the Smokies 2025 proved once again why it’s a must-attend for every nail pro.
Didn’t make it this year? Be sure to mark your calendar, 2026 promises to be even bigger and better.