Top artists exposed!
GlossaryLive is proud to celebrate Sarah Petersen (@legacynailart) as the August 2024 Nail Artist of the Month. Co-owner of Salon Legacy in Rollo, Missouri, alongside her sister and hairdresser Ashley Whittingham, Sarah has transformed her passion for art and nail care into a thriving business. With a career spanning 17 years, she is recognized for her talent, ambition, and motivation, attributes that have garnered her success as a nail artist, salon owner, and educator.
Sarah’s journey into the nail industry began with a deep-seated love for creativity and artistry. Over the years, she has skillfully balanced her professional commitments with her role as a wife and mother of three. Her journey is a testament to her exceptional ability to juggle family life with her professional responsibilities. Not content with merely running a successful salon, Sarah completed her educator training in 2014, which propelled her into the international arena.
As an international educator, Sarah had the opportunity to travel and collaborate with some of the world’s top nail artists. “I’m thrilled to be an educator as I find teaching very rewarding, and it’s been a career-long passion of mine,” Sarah shares. Her work has been featured on the cover of NAILS Magazine’s February 2012 issue and showcased in several other issues. Additionally, she has been a featured artist on GlossaryLive’s Salon Stopover and Tag That Trend shows.
Sarah’s enthusiasm for her work is contagious, creating a loving and motivating environment at Salon Legacy. She emphasizes personal well-being, continued education, and team building, which has fostered a loyal and talented team. Long-standing team members Michelle Whitaker and Mindy King, who are more like family to Sarah, have built their careers at Salon Legacy. The newest addition, recent beauty school graduate Calli Naugle, is nearly fully booked after only seven months, a testament to the supportive environment Sarah provides.
In her quest to continually improve her salon’s services, Sarah recently incorporated HEMA-free nail products into the menu. “I’m starting to have more clients concerned about the chemicals they put on and in their bodies. I have chosen to use Light Elegance products. They are professional, and I haven’t had any issues with anything I’ve used from them, including the acrylic and soak-off gel polish line. Now that I’ve done lots of research on the matter, it almost seems crazy that I didn’t do it before,” she explains.
Sarah Petersen’s dedication to her craft, her team, and her clients makes her a deserving recipient of GlossaryLive’s Nail Artist of the Month. Her ability to inspire and lead by example continues to elevate her in the nail industry.
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.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
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 1995, Alisha Rimando embarked on a journey that would forever change the landscape of the nail industry. Starting as a nail technician in a salon, Rimando quickly discovered her passion for teaching and educating others in the art of nail enhancements. This love for sharing knowledge propelled her into the role of a global educator, competitor, and hand model for renowned World Champion, Tom Holcomb.
Under the tutelage of Holcomb, Rimando honed her skills and techniques, eventually achieving her own World Championship title in 2005 for pink & white sculptured nails. This victory marked a significant milestone in her career and solidified her reputation as a master in the field of nail styling.
In 2008, Rimando took another leap forward by contributing to the 6th edition of Milady Nail Technology. Since then, she has authored or contributed to over 10 textbooks and supplements for Cengage Learning, including Standard Cosmetology. Rimando’s dedication to education and innovation has earned her numerous accolades and honors throughout her illustrious career.
Based in New York City, Rimando’s proximity to the fashion capital enabled her to become a session artist for magazines and designers during New York Fashion Week. Her work even caught the attention of celebrities, leading to a feature in Jennifer Hudson’s ‘Spotlight’ music video. Additionally, Rimando served as the training director for Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas, where she trained over 360 nail techs across 31 locations in the USA.
The passing of her mentor and best friend, Tom Holcomb, in 2011, spurred Rimando to recommit herself to the professional market and resume teaching the methods of nail enhancements he had imparted to her. Over her 28+ year career, Rimando’s 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, Rimando brings her wealth of experience and passion for the industry to GlossaryLive.com, a platform dedicated to honoring her mentor and celebrating the contributions of nail artists worldwide. Through GlossaryLive.com, Rimando continues to inspire and empower the next generation of nail stylists, fostering a community of creativity, collaboration, and excellence.
Alisha Rimando’s journey through the nail industry is a testament to her unwavering dedication, relentless pursuit of excellence, and entrepreneurial spirit. From humble beginnings to global recognition, Rimando’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring nail stylists everywhere. As she relentlessly expands the horizons of creativity and innovation, Rimando cements her legacy as a trailblazer in the realm of nail artistry.
In the world of sports, intimidation tactics are as old as time itself. From ancient Babylonian warriors to modern-day athletes, the psychological game is just as crucial as the physical one. Enter Caleb Williams, the football phenom who’s not only dominating on the field but also making waves with his unexpected style statement: nail art.
Drawing inspiration from the ancient warriors who used ground minerals to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies, Williams has found his own unique way to demoralize opponents. In an interview with USC legend Matt Leinart on CBS, Williams revealed that his mom’s career as a nail technician has been a lifelong influence. “It’s just kind of always been around me. Nobody else does it. I just kinda like to do new things,” he shared.
For Williams, nail art isn’t just a fashion statement—it’s a mindset. “You gotta keep your hands fresh,” he emphasized. “This is where all the gold comes from.” With each game, Williams adorns his nails with a new message, sending a clear signal to his adversaries: he’s here to dominate, both on and off the field.
And the results speak for themselves. Williams’s unconventional approach to self-expression hasn’t gone unnoticed. With his stellar performance, he’s not only in the running for a second Heisman Trophy but also a potential first-round pick for the Bears—an impressive feat for any athlete.
At GlossaryLive, we celebrate trendsetters like Caleb Williams who aren’t afraid to push the boundaries and redefine what it means to be a sports icon. His boldness, both in his game and his style, serves as a reminder that greatness knows no limits—and sometimes, it’s the unexpected touches that leave the greatest impact.
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.
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.
