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Expo Reforma in Mexico City was abuzz with excitement as nail artists from around the globe gathered for Nailympia Mexico on July 6 and 7. Organized by the passionate Dafne Fernandez of the Stanzy Academy, the event showcased the best in nail artistry and provided top-notch education into the world of nail competitions to its on-lookers. Fernandez’s emotional opening speech set the tone for the two-day event, emphasizing her dedication to advancing the nail industry in Mexico.
The competition was fierce, with 173 competitors participating in 13 different nail categories. Among the highlights were the four turn-in nail art categories: Extreme Poster, Stiletto & Beyond, Mixed Media, and Flat Art. Each category displayed the artists’ incredible talent and creativity. The fantasy theme, Sacred Heart, inspired extraordinary costumes and nail designs that must have taken hundreds of hours to perfect.
Nailympia Mexico attracted participants from 15 countries, underscoring its international appeal. Alex Fox from the UK, the Nailympia Competition Director, was on hand to support the event, alongside a distinguished panel of judges. The judging panel included eight curtain judges, 15 floor judges, and was headed by Alisha Rimando from Dallas, Texas.
After two days of intense competition, the winners were announced, and the atmosphere was electric. Vanessa Calvo of Mexico clinched the Winner of Winners title in Division 1, while Paola Betanzos, also from Mexico, took home the title in Division 2. Olena Oezman of Germany triumphed in Division 3. The Supreme Grand Champion, awarded to the competitor with the most points over the two days, was Nicholas Paggi of Argentina.
Nailympia Mexico 2024 was a resounding success, celebrating the artistry and dedication of nail professionals worldwide. The event not only highlighted the incredible skill within the nail industry but also fostered a sense of community and shared passion among participants.
With more than 170 competitors from 15 countries, see the amazing nail art and find out who took home gold at Nailympia Mexico 2024.
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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.
Discover the driving force behind Dafne's decision to organize and host Nailympia Mexico for the third time in July 2024. Hear her heartfelt commitment to her craft, her country, and her people as she articulates her desire to provide the same opportunities she has experienced to aspiring nail artists in Mexico.
Join Dafne Fernandez and Alex Fox as they delve into the passion and purpose behind Nailympia Mexico, a groundbreaking event that promises to elevate the nail industry in Mexico to new heights. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to witness firsthand the power of determination and the transformative impact of pursuing one's dreams. Watch now and be inspired to chase your own aspirations!
In the vibrant world of nail artistry, Aigul Fritzke stands as a beacon of creativity and innovation. From her humble beginnings as an artist exploring various media to her current status as an industry expert, Aigul’s journey through the nail industry is a testament to her unwavering passion and dedication.
First venturing into the realm of nail art in 2005, Aigul was captivated and drawn in by the nail canvas as a new outlet for her artistic expression. With a background in sketching, painting, and photography, she eagerly embraced the opportunity to explore the intricate artistry of nail grooming. Enrolling in nail school in 2006, Fritzke embarked on a journey of skill development and self-discovery.
Initially operating from a small part-time studio, Aigul’s commitment to mastering her craft led her to transition to a full-time endeavor once her children were all in school. Renting space in a hair salon provided her with the platform to hone her skills and expand her clientele, setting the stage for her future success in the nail industry.
Throughout her journey, Aigul has found inspiration and guidance from industry mentors such as Alisha Rimando, Amy Becker, and Pisut Masanong. These mentors played a pivotal role in shaping her expertise in acrylic sculpture, gel application, and acrylic painting, respectively. With their guidance, she ventured into the realms of fantasy art and 3D sculpture, solidifying her reputation as a versatile and innovative nail artist.
A strong advocate for education and collaboration, Fritzke emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and knowledge sharing within the industry. Believing that there is always something new to learn, she encourages fellow artists to embrace opportunities for growth and exploration. “Who doesn’t want to be the best? There’s so much to learn in this business,” she enthuses. “At trainings, you meet other artists, and they all do nails differently. There’s so much to learn from each other, if we take the time and consideration to do so.
Aigul’s passion for competition has also played a significant role in her career, as she’s garnered numerous accolades on the international nail circuit and now serves as a judge herself. In 2019, she co-hosted the first Nailympia Canada, further solidifying her reputation as a leader and innovator in the industry.
As she looks to the future, she remains committed to inspiring and empowering aspiring nail professionals. “Try new techniques and don’t be scared to ask questions,” she advises, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and innovation in the pursuit of excellence.
With her unwavering dedication and boundless creativity, Aigul Fritzke continues to push the boundaries of nail artistry, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and inspiring generations of artists to come.
For those in the nail industry that are still not sure if competing brings added content to a nail business, then listen to the 2023 story of one nail professional who has taken competing to a serious level and reaped the rewards. By investing time in travel and practice, effort and money, Katarzyna Kruszynska embraced the Nailympia 2023 circuit and followed it around the world. Here’s what happened… In the competitive realm of nail styling, Katarzyna (Kate) Kruszynska has attained the prestigious title of ‘Irish National Nail Champion,’ marking her as a multiple award-winner in nail styling championships across the globe. In the past year (2023), Kate showcased her skills internationally, representing Ireland in the UK, Mexico, Germany, USA (Orlando, Texas, and Ohio), clinching a remarkable total of 40 medals and trophies. Reflecting on her recent achievements, Kate shares, “Last year, I was honored to secure the Nailympia Americas Cup, The Nailympia Premiere Cup, Nailympia Art winner of winners, and Individual Top Scorer awards. Additionally, my business success was acknowledged with the ‘Best Established Business’ award from the Local Enterprise Office in 2019.”
Originally from Poland, Katarzyna Kruszynska initially served as a police officer in the Traffic Accident Department before following her passion and relocating to Ireland. In 2010, she transitioned to a full-time career in nails, starting from a humble nail table in her kitchen, overcoming self-doubt and tears and giving it her best shot. With the unwavering support of her family and friends, Kate not only persevered but also established a successful nail bar in 2015. Kate proudly manages Beauty Vision Ltd, an accredited training center, and is the visionary behind the Kohana Professional nail brand. The name ‘Kohana’ has profound personal significance, drawing inspiration from the Japanese term meaning ‘little flower’ and the notion of ‘ohana’, meaning ‘family’ from Disney’s Lilo & Stitch. The name uniquely combines ‘K’ for Kate and ‘Ohana’ for family, encapsulating the ethos that everyone is a part of Kate’s extended family. Explaining the Polish connection, Kate shares, “In Polish, ‘Kohana’ means ‘loved one,’ perfectly aligning with my brand’s ethos, where every individual is considered loved and part of the family.”
Beyond her business acumen, Kate is a devoted wife and mother to three children, an avid animal lover with two dogs and a cat at home. She has a passion for travel, diverse culinary experiences, and a commitment to a fit and healthy lifestyle. Kate actively shares her expertise and creative work on social media, amassing over 60,000 followers in three years. Her content revolves around nails, nail art, beauty, and insights into her business. “Sharing my creativity with a global audience is an amazing feeling,” expresses Kate, who also enjoys connecting with fellow nail enthusiasts through social media. She takes pride in Kohana being a welcoming space for individuals to learn new skills in a positive atmosphere. Expressing gratitude for the enriching journey her business has provided, Kate acknowledges, “Not everyone can say they love their job, but I’m one of the lucky few who can!” @beautyvision_ireland
