Top artists exposed!
GlossaryLive is proud to announce Kirsty Meakin as the Artist of the Month, celebrating her remarkable contributions to the nail industry. Recognized as one of Europe’s finest nail artists, Kirsty’s influence spans across continents, with accolades such as UK Nail Professional of the Year and a dedicated online following of over 1.8 million subscribers on her YouTube channel. Through her artistry, education, and innovative spirit, Kirsty has become a cherished figure in the world of nails.
Kirsty’s journey into the nail industry began at 17 when she started her training as a beautician. Though she initially explored other creative avenues, her love for nails quickly emerged. After entering her first nail competition in 2004, she rapidly rose to prominence, winning numerous awards and earning respect for her unique style and techniques. Her passion for nail art was driven by the instant gratification she felt when transforming plain nails into miniature masterpieces, an experience she still finds exhilarating today.
Over the years, Kirsty has expanded her reach beyond the salon. She created her own YouTube channel in 2013, where she shares her expertise and creativity with nail enthusiasts around the world. Her channel’s success is a testament to her engaging teaching style and her commitment to inspiring the next generation of nail artists.
Despite her busy schedule, Kirsty continues to give back to the nail community by judging competitions worldwide and running her own academy. Her dedication to education has made her a mentor to many, helping aspiring nail artists build their skills and confidence. Yet, even with her numerous achievements, Kirsty remains refreshingly humble and authentic, qualities that have endeared her to fans and peers alike.
Kirsty’s artistry is not limited to nails alone. Her passion for photography has played a significant role in her career, allowing her to showcase her nail designs with exceptional clarity and creativity. She works closely with her friend and business partner, videographer Adam Bouabda, to produce visually stunning content that captures the intricate details of her work. This combination of nail artistry and photography has set her apart, making her social media channels uniquely engaging and visually captivating.
Behind the scenes, Kirsty is a mother of two, balancing her thriving career with her family life. Her daughters, Allycia and Cassidy, both show signs of following in their mother’s creative footsteps. Kirsty’s ability to juggle her roles as an artist, educator, entrepreneur, and mother is a testament to her strength and dedication
As GlossaryLive celebrates Kirsty Meakin as the Artist of the Month, we recognize her incredible impact on the nail industry and her unwavering commitment to creativity, innovation, and community. Kirsty’s story is a powerful reminder that with passion, hard work, and authenticity, one can leave a lasting mark on any field. Join us in honoring Kirsty Meakin and celebrating her inspiring journey in the world of nail artistry.
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.
Cosmoprof is one of six premier business-to-business beauty events held annually around the globe. These events serve as crucial platforms where manufacturers, distributors, and industry professionals converge to connect, innovate, and bring some of the most cutting-edge products to market, products that salons utilize daily.
Hosted in Las Vegas, Nevada, Cosmoprof North America is a truly international affair, attracting attendees from 47 countries. The 21st edition of this event showcased over 1200 exhibitors, with 114 dedicated to nails, alongside 50 speakers and 20 educational sessions focusing on trends, beauty retail, and supply chain management. The event’s significance is highlighted by the fact that 73% of attendees are brand owners, retailers, distributors, or manufacturers, with one in five attendees coming from international backgrounds.
This year, Alisha Rimando and Sebastian Campos of GlossaryLive had the opportunity to explore the event, discovering both newly launched products and upcoming innovations. Their experience included exclusive interviews with notable nail brands such as Artistic, Cuccio Professional, Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer, Gelish, Gotti Nails, KUPA Inc, Aprés, Medicool, Chisel Nail Art, and Urawa.
A standout moment at this year’s Cosmoprof was when Richard Hurter, owner of KUPA Inc., was honored with a gold-plated MANIPro Passport e-file in celebration of KUPA’s 40th anniversary. Featuring a gold control box and handpiece, the demand for this luxurious machine was evident from its initial announcement. Industry insiders are eager to see if KUPA will release a limited edition for those looking to join in the celebration.
Adding to the event’s excitement was the annual Vietnamese concert held in honor of the nail industry at Zouk in Resort World. Sponsored by leading manufacturers, this concert was a highlight of the Cosmoprof experience. The night was filled with networking, cocktails, dancing, and a sense of camaraderie as various brands came together for an unforgettable evening of celebration and fun.
Cosmoprof North America continues to be a beacon of innovation and collaboration in the beauty industry, providing a vital space for professionals to connect and shape the future of beauty industry.
See the show and the interviews now
Stay ahead of the curve with Nail News from Cosmoprof North America and get a sneak peak the newest nail products launching in 2024! This exclusive video features insightful interviews with top industry brands like Gelish, Cuccio Professional, and KUPA Inc.
In the early 1980s, Richard Hurter’s journey began in a seemingly unrelated field—working in a machine shop in Simi Valley, California. However, fate had other plans, leading him to work in a beauty supply store where he started stocking shelves and taking salon orders. This humble beginning marked the start of an illustrious career in the nail industry, a field where Richard would leave an indelible mark.
Richard’s deep dive into the nail sector began when he purchased the nail segment of the beauty supply store. Immersed in an emerging industry, his path took a dramatic turn after a devastating earthquake destroyed his business. This setback, however, became a pivotal moment when he was offered a job at KUPA by then-owner Robert Upshaw. Thus, Richard’s historical journey with KUPA commenced.
Founded by Robert Upshaw and Kito Ochi in 1984, KUPA pioneered the first e-file machine specifically designed for nail technicians. This innovation set a new standard in the industry. Richard’s arrival at KUPA coincided with their collaboration with Keystone Industries to manufacture acrylic liquids and powders, becoming a leading distributor of acrylic nail products to the burgeoning market.
As the growth of the e-file emerged, Richard & KUPA partnered with renowned industry educator Vicki Peters to bring formal education on the safe and effective use of e-files in salons in 2003. This partnership filled a crucial gap in the industry, establishing e-files as essential equipment in every nail salon.
Richard’s vision extended beyond distribution, dreaming of branding the products KUPA distributed. After the death of Bob Upshaw in 2012, Richard bought out the remaining partners, becoming the sole owner of KUPA Inc. This move marked the beginning of a new era of innovation and product creation under the KUPA brand. The introduction of the Manipro Passport marked Richard’s first foray into product creation and branding. Inspired by the growing pedicure market, this portable e-file was designed as an entry-level machine for new nail technicians and one that could easily go from nail table to pedicure station.
Richard’s passion for innovation drove the development of state-of-the-art e-files and salon equipment, culminating in the creation of the “eko system.” This innovative concept offered all KUPA machinery and equipment at a nail station a color changing option, creating a harmonious look and feel that matches the salon’s decor, personality, or mood.
Over the years, Richard has collaborated with numerous industry educators to ensure his innovations met the needs of nail professionals while providing extensive education. His unwavering passion for creation and improvement has kept him at the forefront of the industry. This year, as KUPA celebrates its 40 years in business, they mark the milestone by launching a new innovation—the Manipro Passport NEXT. Featuring a large LED display, a backup battery system in the docking station, and multiple color-changing options, this next-generation e-file is set to turn heads and reinforce KUPA’s legacy of innovation.
Richard Hurter’s journey from a machine shop worker to a leading figure in the nail industry exemplifies how passion and vision can transform a side job into a lifelong pursuit of excellence. As KUPA Inc. looks forward to the future, Richard’s insatiable passion for innovation continues to drive the company toward new heights, ensuring its place as a trailblazer in the nail industry for years to come.
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.
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.
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