UPGRADE TO PREMIUM TO WATCH THIS VIDEO
video and so much more educational content.
Serious nail styling. Go extreme or go home!
Serious nail styling. Go extreme or go home!
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.
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.
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.
Nail art is an ever-evolving canvas for personal expression, and three trends are currently stealing the spotlight: stiletto nails, classic French tips, and edgy metallics. With expert guidance from world champion nail artist Alisha Rimando, you can transform these trends into stunning looks for your adventurous clients or create an over-the-top image for a poster competition.
Once reserved for haute couture, stiletto nails have become a mainstream favorite for fashion-forward individuals. These long, pointed nails exude confidence and drama, making them perfect for anyone looking to make a statement. The journey of stiletto nails from the early 2000s to today’s must-have shape reflects their growing popularity.
The French manicure is a testament to timeless beauty, blending simplicity with sophistication. For those who love to push boundaries, adding metallics offer an edgy and modern twist. From shimmering silvers to bold golds and even holographic hues, metallics can transform French nails into eye-catching works of art.
Whether you’re preparing for a photo shoot, competition, or simply want to inspire your clients, combining these trends provide a wealth of creative possibilities. Alisha Rimando’s expertise and detailed tutorial ensures you can master each technique, creating stunning nails that captivate and impress. Explore the full step-by-step directions to master this metallic French stiletto nail look on GlossaryLive.com, and take your nail art to the next level.
3D jelly nails have taken the nail art world by storm, making a striking appearance on various social media platforms, particularly on Instagram. This innovative gel nail technique merges the beauty of 3D designs with the translucent allure of tinted jelly, resulting in a mesmerizing and vibrant look that screams spring and summer vibes.
What sets 3D jelly nails apart is their versatility and endless creative possibilities. For nail art enthusiasts, the canvas is limitless with the ability to sculpt intricate designs like flowers, hearts, fruits, or even abstract patterns using clear gels. The ease and speed of application is what also makes this a winning look for busy salon professionals.
To elevate your nail art game, experiment with different techniques to achieve stunning effects. Create mesmerizing swirls, outline hand-painted artworks, or mimic water droplets using thick viscosity gels. These simple techniques over your color or nail art design can add depth and texture. The magic truly unfolds when you apply a sheer gel polish or tinted top coat under or over your 3D creations, bringing them to life with a splash of color and dimension.
While a myriad of jelly-inspired gel polish are available in the market, customizing your own jelly coat is a breeze. By mixing a drop of your favorite color into building gel, blooming gel, or gel top coat, you can customize the hue to match your envisioned design. Play with alcohol ink, gel polish, or gel paint to tint your jelly coat, allowing you to achieve a personalized and unique look that suits your style.
With 3D jelly nails, express your creativity, showcase your personality, and stay on-trend with the latest nail art craze. Whether you prefer whimsical floral motifs or bold geometric shapes, 3D jelly nails offer a playground for imagination where the sky’s the limit.
Gel effects can really bring a nail design to life. Try this juicy gel effect for a popping design.
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.