UPGRADE TO PREMIUM TO WATCH THIS VIDEO
video and so much more educational content.
Industry, nails and everything in-between
Industry, nails and everything in-between
Emese Koppanyi’s life and career in the nail industry is a testament to passion, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. Born in Hungary, Emese has spent nearly 25 years refining her craft, specializing in sculptured pink and white acrylic nails—a niche where her expertise truly shines.
Emese’s journey into the world of nail artistry began in 1999. Trained by some of the industry’s legends, including Tom Holcomb, Alisha Rimando, Tom Bachik, and Trang Nguyen, she quickly established herself as a formidable competitor. Her dedication and skill have earned her over 120 trophies, a testament to her prowess and commitment to excellence.
As an elite educator, Emese has made significant contributions to the nail industry. She offers both group and one-on-one training sessions, imparting her extensive knowledge and skills to her students. Many of her students have gone on to win championship titles, a clear indication of the quality and impact of her teaching. Emese’s expertise has taken her across the globe, presenting classes in Europe, Asia, the USA, and Brazil. Her collaborations with various nail brands like Cesar’s Secret, Odyssey Nail System, Trinity Nails, Pearl Nails, and most recently, Urawa, have broadened her industry knowledge and influence.
In 2016, Emese moved to the USA, opening a nail salon on Sunset Strip in LA with fellow nail expert, Frederic Edange. Their partnership blossomed, and a year later, they founded EDKO Nail Systems, a brand known for its high-quality nail products and tools designed and tested by the duo. Emese’s work has been featured in magazines worldwide, and she has graced the covers of three editions of the USA’s Nailpro magazine.
Emese’s reputation as a judge at prestigious Nailympia competitions in London, Orlando, and Houston further cements her status as an authority in the nail industry. Her competitive achievements are impressive, including the 2010 World Champion title in Monaco, the Nailpro Cup USA 2018, four European Champion titles in Munich, and ten Hungarian Champion titles along with the Tom Holcomb Cup.
Today, Emese owns a private salon in Beverly Hills and serves as a brand ambassador for the Urawa e-file manufacturer in Japan. Her journey from a passionate nail artist in Hungary to a globally recognized industry leader in the USA is truly inspiring. Emese Koppanyi’s career is a shining example of what can be achieved through passion, skill, and unwavering dedication to one’s craft.
The artful journey of award-winning nail artist Giselle Caballero, a nail professional in passionate pursuit of creativity on 10 tiny canvases In the dynamic world of nail artistry, Giselle Caballero stands out as a trailblazer whose journey began in 2009 upon her arrival in Canada. Her story is one of self-discovery, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of creativity. From an initial interest in graphic design to becoming a celebrated nail artist and educator, Giselle’s evolution in the industry reflects her commitment to excellence and continuous growth.
Giselle’s creative spirit has always been evident, as she enjoyed painting, drawing, and working with her hands from a young age. Pursuing a career in graphic design, she found herself yearning for a more hands-on form of artistic expression. The transition to nails provided the perfect outlet for her creativity, allowing her to craft miniature art pieces on tiny canvases. As Giselle explored the world of nail grooming, it quickly transformed from a means to supplement income during a job search to a fully-fledged passion and career.
The establishment of her business, EGO Beauty marked a turning point in Giselle’s career. Focused on providing top-notch quality, unique designs, and personalized styles, she built her reputation on pillars of excellence – prioritizing service quality, cleanliness, correct technique, and high standards. Giselle’s dedication to creating a welcoming environment for clients and students alike has been integral to shaping EGO Beauty’s identity.
For Giselle, nails are not just a job; they are a passion that extends to educating others. As an educator, she’s developed techniques and tailored curricula to share her knowledge and skills with fellow enthusiasts in the nail industry. Giselle finds joy in fostering a supportive learning environment, encouraging her students’ development, and continually upgrading her own skills to share the latest techniques with them. If Giselle could change anything about the industry, it would be to advocate for more accessible education. Bridging the gap between novice and experienced professionals by ensuring quality training and continuous learning opportunities, she feels would elevate the overall standards of the nail industry.
From starting at home to opening her private studio and academy, Giselle’s journey is marked by milestones. Winning the championship in NAILS Next Top Nail Artist Season 7 was a pinnacle moment that opened doors for collaborations and projects beyond her initial scope and have given her untold opportunities since, proving that putting yourself out there can pay dividends to one’s career. A day in the life of Giselle revolves around a simple mantra: eat, sleep, nails, repeat. Her days start with breakfast before immersing herself in various nail-related tasks at her studio. From managing social media to working on class materials and planning new designs, Giselle’s commitment to her craft is evident. Living and breathing nails, she finds genuine enjoyment in her daily rituals behind the nail desk. Kindness and empathy are the guiding principles of Giselle’s life. Recognizing the diverse journeys of individuals and offering support in the form of encouragement or love are crucial to building a strong and supportive community.
Giselle offers this advice to aspiring nail professionals, “Stay passionate, keep learning, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and build a supportive network within the nail community. Continuous education is key, and letting creativity shine is essential for a fulfilling career.” Giselle attributes her success to the combination of passion, perseverance, and hard work. Staying focused, pressing on through challenges, and continually improving are the driving forces behind her achievements.
Looking ahead to 2024, Giselle aims to expand her team, enhance her educational programs, and contribute to the industry’s growth. She aspires to push creative boundaries, explore collaborations with influential brands, and foster a community of skilled and inspired nail professionals while continuously evolving her own skills and techniques. Actively embracing change by keeping up with trends, evolving techniques, and incorporating new technologies, Giselle has found that adapting to shifts in client preferences and industry advancements ensures that her skills align with the ever-changing nail industry. And speaking of the current nail trends in Canada, Giselle reveals, “The most popular nail trends right now are cat eyes (velvet nails), airbrush (aura nails), and minimalist styles, which are all currently dominating the Canadian nail industry,” she smiles.
Watch LIVE interview with Alex Fox
Follow Giselle & Share this article!
Giselle Caballero openly speaks to Alex Fox about how nails became her passion and why she opened Ego Beauty Academy & Studio in 2015.
Maximizing your time during a nail appointment while creating exciting designs can be challenging if you’re not prepared.
From February 5, 2024, Sweet Squared, UK-based professional nail, hair and beauty distributor, is thrilled to embrace the addition of Footlogix, Artistic Nail Design, Famous Names, Belava, and Footsie to its esteemed brand portfolio. This strategic move follows Sweet Squared securing the distribution, education and support rights for these brands from its industry colleagues at Louella Belle. “Our unwavering commitment to providing best-in-class products, services, and education to professionals like yourself drives us,” enthuses Samantha Sweet. “Through this collaboration with these exceptional brands, we see an exciting opportunity to elevate the level of service we provide to salon professionals and their clients. “We extend heartfelt gratitude to Jamie and Darren Crook, alongside the entire Louella Belle family for their dedicated efforts in nurturing these brands in the UK and Ireland over the past few years. With gratitude, we receive these brands in excellent condition, and we convey our deepest love and respect to everyone at Louella Belle.”
Jamie and Darren Crook of Louella Belle, express, “It’s been a pleasure to partner with Footlogix, Artistic, Famous Names, Belava, and Footsie over the years. We are immensely proud of growing these brands and feel that now is the perfect time for our friends at Sweet Squared to take them to the next level while we focus on other new and exciting opportunities. “We’ve known Samantha and Samuel Sweet for over 20 years and the reputation they’ve built within the nail industry is second to none. We are confident that our customers will benefit from their outstanding service, product ranges and education for which Sweet Squared is so well known. “Finally, we would like to pay tribute to our late mother and founder of Louella Belle, Lisa Crook. We know that she will be looking down, excited to watch the brands continue to grow in their new home!”
Samuel and Samantha Sweet are equally excited, as Samuel states, “We are a company founded for and dedicated to the professional. We are beyond excited to start serving our patented ‘love and respect’ to the professionals devoted to these brands.”
With new opportunities on the horizon and a growing fulfilment business, the decision to entrust the brands to Sweet Squared, industry friend and competitor for over two decades, was a natural one for Jamie and Darren Crook. The team at Sweet Squared consistently seeks ways to enhance its service to professionals, and the inclusion of additional brands from Louella Belle presents an exciting chance for salons and clients to explore new and complementary systems and treatments. This acquisition also introduces Louella Belle’s professional customers to brands that Sweet Squared has already successfully embraced, creating a mutually beneficial situation – a true win-win.
Onycholysis [on-y-chol-y-sis] is the medical term for separation of the finger or toenail (nail lifting) from the nail bed. This condition usually starts at the tip of the nail and can progress towards the eponychium. As the nail plate lifts away from the nail bed, a gap or pocket forms, which can be a potential site for infection. Once the nail has detached it will not reattach and instead, a new nail plate will grow back. This can take around six months for a fingernail. Typically onycholysis only affects one nail, and although it sees the nail plate peel away from the nail bed, it is in most cases painless, however this depends on the cause, since an injury or infection may cause pain or irritation.
There is no cure for the nail plate that has already separated from the nail bed epithelium, however treatment can keep new nail growth attached to the nail bed. The treatment of onycholysis depends on its underlying cause. In some cases, addressing the primary issue, such as treating an infection or discontinuing the use of irritating chemicals, can resolve the condition. The nail professional should advise the client to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist or podiatrist, for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Find out more here: https://nailknowledge.org/nail-knowledge-base/onycholysis
This Master Class covers the stages necessary when creating and completing an extreme nail design. Award-winning nail artist and international master educator, Angela Wilden of Luxembourg, reveals her pathway from the design and application of the nail design to the filing, shaping and refining right up to, and including, the decoration of the nails in readiness for a photoshoot or fashion show.
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.
Claws by Tiger Taylor is the world’s first biodegradable and sustainable answer to the global artificial/ plastic press-on nail industry. Born out of lockdown nail enthusiast, Tiger Taylor, realised the need for an eco-friendly and easy-to-use alternative to acrylic plastic nails. A mission-driven beauty business looking to change the way people think about nails, Claws, by Tiger Taylor, nail products aim to change the perception of ‘fake’ and acrylic nails by providing a product that is both fashion considered and sustainable.
This elevated nail kit is the world’s first recyclable, biodegradable, compostable and sustainable way to enjoy nail transformation. Both the nails and case are made from biodegradable plastic. The case is both durable and reusable, but when composted in the right conditions, it’s eventually biodegradable. The Claws nails are made from oxybiodegradable plastic, also known as OBP, which contains an antioxidant and pro-oxidant additive that acts as an accelerator in the degradation process. The material is totally biodegradable and can be safely consumed by microorganisms in the soil, thus being transformed into carbon, water and humus. So, instead of the 400 years it takes for regular plastic nail tips to dissolve, the degradation process of this product is approximately 2-3years, in the right conditions. By purchasing a set of Claws by Tiger Taylor, you are helping to change the market by using this innovative and sustainable solution to nail beauty. For nail professionals, at last there is an alternative for press-on nails, for color pops, for editorial and session shoots and the masses of nail tips used at fashion weeks.
Follow & Share!
This Master Class covers the stages necessary when creating and completing an extreme nail design. Award-winning nail artist and international master educator, Angela Wilden of Luxembourg, reveals her pathway from the design and application of the nail design to the filing, shaping and refining right up to, and including, the decoration of the nails in readiness for a photoshoot or fashion show.
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.
This Master Class covers the stages necessary when creating and completing an extreme nail design. Award-winning nail artist and international master educator, Angela Wilden of Luxembourg, reveals her pathway from the design and application of the nail design to the filing, shaping and refining right up to, and including, the decoration of the nails in readiness for a photoshoot or fashion show.
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.
This Master Class covers the stages necessary when creating and completing an extreme nail design. Award-winning nail artist and international master educator, Angela Wilden of Luxembourg, reveals her pathway from the design and application of the nail design to the filing, shaping and refining right up to, and including, the decoration of the nails in readiness for a photoshoot or fashion show.
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.
This Master Class covers the stages necessary when creating and completing an extreme nail design. Award-winning nail artist and international master educator, Angela Wilden of Luxembourg, reveals her pathway from the design and application of the nail design to the filing, shaping and refining right up to, and including, the decoration of the nails in readiness for a photoshoot or fashion show.
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.