Butterfly Beauty
Melanie Lewendon , a multi-award-winning nail artist, educator and beauty therapist in the UK, brings her butterly design to life in this nail art demonstration.
XXtreme Nail Art
Serious nail styling. Go extreme or go home!
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26
Sep
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!”
Related videos, articles & glossary terms on GlossaryLive
15
Sep
Art Deco Rose
tag that trend
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.
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HOW TO STEPS AND WORKBOOKS
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How To and so much more educational content.
How To and so much more educational content.
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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15
Sep
Pinstriped
tag that trend
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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HOW TO STEPS AND WORKBOOKS
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How To and so much more educational content.
How To and so much more educational content.
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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15
Sep
Hidden Zebra
tag that trend
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.
PRODUCTS USED
- 180-grit File and Buffer
- Magnetic Gel Polish Color
- Black Gel Polish
- Black Nail Polish
- Stamping Plate
- Silicone Stamping Tool
- Top Coat
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workbook and so much more educational content.
workbook and so much more educational content.
STEPS
After prepping the nail & applying product, shape the nail with 180-grit file & buffer, then prepare the surface for color.
Choose a magnetic gel polish color & apply it over the black gel polish.
Using a magnetic stick, move the gel polish to create different lines, leaving parts of the nails empty, so the black polish is visible looking across the surface of the nail. Cure for 60-seconds in an LED lamp.
Using a stamping plate of your choice, apply black stamping gel or nail polish & stamp the design across the nail: cure for 60-seconds or let nail polish air-dry
When the nail is dry, apply top coat. Use a shiny or matte finish and enjoy the hidden lines as they reveal themselves as they catch the light. Depending on the angle you view the nail, the lines will appear and disappear as the nails move.
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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15
Sep
Neon Confetti
Neon Confetti
Take a bright neon palette of colors and some confetti circles to create vibrant, exciting art styles loud, proud nail art.
UP NEXT ON FREE STYLE NAIL ART
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15
Sep
Jenny’s Secret Crystal Gel
Jenny's Secret Crystal Gel
You've seen all the bling on Cardi B and all over Instagram, but where did this fabulous, over the top, crystal obsession come from? The Queen of Bling, Jenny Bui from @nails on 7th, has made crystal styling a chic and skilled artform for nails and GlossaryLive founder, Alisha Rimando, tests Jenny's Secret Gel in this episode of Hot Products.
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15
Sep
Naf! Salon
Naf! Salon
NAF! Salon, a renowned and award-winning beauty destination located in Glasgow city centre, has enjoyed a full transformation into the House of NAF! This rebrand marks a new chapter for the salon, encompassing new innovative event spaces and an experiential offering. Led by Tammy Koslowski, an acclaimed nail artist and beauty industry powerhouse, House of NAF! is set to redefine beauty, wellness and lifestyle experiences in Glasgow.
Nestled within a magnificent four-storey Victorian townhouse on Elmbank Street, House of NAF! will retain the legendary NAF! Salon. Celebrating its eight-year anniversary in 2023, the salon will continue to offer unparalleled nail services with a team of talented professionals.
In addition to the salon, House of NAF! will expand the offering of NAF! School, an educational initiative focused on empowering young individuals in the area. NAF! School provides a unique opportunity for aspiring nail technicians, offering a qualification program called 'Nail Your Future'. This initiative aims to equip young people with valuable skills and set them on a path to success in the beauty industry. GlossaryLive takes a tour of this new nail salon experience.
Want to see your salon featured in an episode of Salon Stopover? We are looking for fabulous salons & unique services to showcase from around the globe. Contact us for details.
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15
Sep
Courtney Cantwell
COMING SOON
This video has not been released.
Courtney Cantwell
With over 120,000 followers on Instagram alone, Courtney Cantwell is a true social star. Her nails are infamously stilleto while her nail designs are intricate and one-of-a-kind. With over 25 years in the nail industry, this California based nail artist has established her style, perfected her craft and now shares her secrets to creating a ``confident post`` for GlossaryLive viewers. Watch and learn what inspired this veteran tech to step out of her comfort zone and switch her focus to social media and teaching her unique techniques to nail artists around the globe.
UP NEXT ON SOCIAL STARS
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14
Sep
Alisha Rimando
ALISHA RIMANDO
In 1995 Alisha Rimando started her journey in the nail industry working in a salon and soon became an educator. She immediately fell in love with teaching and found herself traveling the world as an educator, competitor and hand model for World Champion, Tom Holcomb. Working alongside him, she studied his techniques and after 10 years she achieved her World Championship title in 2005 in the art of pink and white sculptured nails.
In 2008 Alisha moved to New York and took another leap in her career by contributing to the 6th edition of Milady Nail Technology. Since 2008 Alisha has authored and/or contributed to more than 10 textbooks and supplements for Cengage Learning including Standard Cosmetology and continues this honor year after year.
Being so close to NYC Alisha became a session artist for magazines, designers at NY Fashion Week and was even featured in Jennifer Hudson’s Spotlight video. She also spent 3 years as Training Director at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas where she earned her reflexology license and trained over 360 nail technicians in 31 locations across the USA in the art of natural nail care.
When her mentor and best friend, Tom Holcomb passed in 2011 she was compelled to rejoin the professional market and resume teaching the methods of nail enhancements he had taught her. Over her vast 25+ year career her work has been featured in hundreds of trade publications worldwide and she has conducted training seminars for nail students, professionals, and top educators in more than 25 countries.
Now she brings her experience and passion for the industry to GlossaryLive, a passion project to honor her mentor and celebrate the nail artists of the world.
In 2008 Alisha moved to New York and took another leap in her career by contributing to the 6th edition of Milady Nail Technology. Since 2008 Alisha has authored and/or contributed to more than 10 textbooks and supplements for Cengage Learning including Standard Cosmetology and continues this honor year after year.
Being so close to NYC Alisha became a session artist for magazines, designers at NY Fashion Week and was even featured in Jennifer Hudson’s Spotlight video. She also spent 3 years as Training Director at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas where she earned her reflexology license and trained over 360 nail technicians in 31 locations across the USA in the art of natural nail care.
When her mentor and best friend, Tom Holcomb passed in 2011 she was compelled to rejoin the professional market and resume teaching the methods of nail enhancements he had taught her. Over her vast 25+ year career her work has been featured in hundreds of trade publications worldwide and she has conducted training seminars for nail students, professionals, and top educators in more than 25 countries.
Now she brings her experience and passion for the industry to GlossaryLive, a passion project to honor her mentor and celebrate the nail artists of the world.
RELATED VIDEOS
MORE TO EXPLORE
14
Sep
Q&A with Michelle Soto
master class
Michelle Soto
Michele Soto takes you step by step through creating three unique butterfly looks. From simplistic painted techniques to challenging sulptured shapes, this masterclass will inspire creativity at all skill levels.
Q&A with Michelle Soto
Alex Fox asks Michelle Soto your questions on elevating your art for better salon styles and taking it to the next level for competitions or editorial work.
Do you have questions for the artist? GlossaryLive will present a LIVE interview with this artist. Email your questions to be featured during the Q&A session.
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MORE TO EXPLORE
14
Sep
Extreme Butterfly
master class
Michelle Soto
Michele Soto takes you step by step through creating three unique butterfly looks. From simplistic painted techniques to challenging sulptured shapes, this masterclass will inspire creativity at all skill levels.
COMING SOON
This video has not been released.
Extreme Butterflies
Extreme nail looks are becoming more popular in the competiiton arena as well as the salon. This beautiful butterfly inspired extreme shape created by Michelle Soto is unique and can be re-created by following this masterclass step by step. The techniques explained in this tutorial will give you the knowledge needed to invent your next extreme nail shape.
Do you have questions for the artist? GlossaryLive will present a LIVE interview with this artist. Email your questions to be featured during the Q&A session.
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MORE TO EXPLORE
14
Sep
3D Butterfly
master class
Michelle Soto
Michele Soto takes you step by step through creating three unique butterfly looks. From simplistic painted techniques to challenging sulptured shapes, this masterclass will inspire creativity at all skill levels.
COMING SOON
This video has not been released.
3D Butterflies
Nail art is fun, but 3D nail art can bring a whole new level of fun and originality to your nail art looks. Practice along with Michelle Soto as she explains how to create tiny acrylic beads and place them perfectly to create this butterfly inspired 3D nail art.
Do you have questions for the artist? GlossaryLive will present a LIVE interview with this artist. Email your questions to be featured during the Q&A session.
