Life on the Free Edge
Industry, nails and everything in-between
Life on the Free Edge
Industry, nails and everything in-between
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Ismael Camero
- Posted by Sean McWard
Ismael Camero
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First Step Of Entering A Nail Competition
- Posted by Sean McWard
First Step Of Entering A Nail Competition
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Wait to Nip!
- Posted by Sean McWard
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Wait to Nip!
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Beauterra – The Ultimate Beauty Companion
- Posted by Sebastian Campos Rosas
Beauterra - The Ultimate Beauty Companion
Article by Alex Fox | Published in 2024
Are you a beauty professional looking to streamline your booking process and expand your client base? Or perhaps you’re a client seeking a hassle-free way to book appointments with top-notch beauty experts? Look no further than Beauterra – the revolutionary new app designed to simplify communication and booking between beauty artists/aestheticians and clients.
Launched on September 4, 2023, Beauterra is a free-to-use platform that caters to a wide range of beauty services, including nail, hair, barbering, brows, lashes, make-up, massage, and aesthetics. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer in the industry, Beauterra offers a seamless experience for both parties.
For beauty professionals, listing services and appointment times is a breeze. Simply download the app, register with your expertise, provide your business address, or specify mobile services and covered areas. Once registered, you can easily manage your availability through the integrated calendar, importable from your smartphone’s calendar app. Additionally, you can showcase your work through photos, allowing clients to explore your styles and offerings before booking.
“The listings and bookings calendar reduces the need for multiple apps and simplifies the experience for both artists and clients,” says Natalie Lomakina, the visionary behind Beauterra. Natalie’s personal struggle to find a reliable nail artist inspired her to create a platform that connects clients with independent beauty professionals seamlessly.
Development for Beauterra began in May 2023, with Natalie, joined by co-founder Andreea Simona Ignat, an award-winning nail artist, and Valery Ponomarenko, a seasoned mobile app developer. Together, they envisioned a platform that caters to the diverse needs of both beauty professionals and clients.
Beauterra not only simplifies the booking process but also prioritizes user experience. Clients can easily browse through a list of beauty professionals, check their availability, and make bookings with just a few taps. The app also includes a client rating system, allowing users to leave feedback for fellow professionals.
“With Beauterra, we aim to create a beauty universe where every enthusiast – pro or client – can fulfil their beauty and wellbeing goals via a single app,” cites Natalie.
But Beauterra doesn’t stop there. The team behind the app is constantly innovating, with plans to introduce new features such as auto-booking, salon bookings, subscription services, and the ability to buy and sell courses all coming soon to the platform. Beauterra is not just an app; it’s a comprehensive solution that revolutionizes the beauty industry.
So whether you’re a beauty professional looking to expand your clientele or a client seeking top-tier beauty services, download Beauterra today and experience the future of beauty booking. Say goodbye to tedious booking processes and hello to a world of beauty at your fingertips.
Perfect Fine Lines
- Posted by Sean McWard
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Perfect Fine Lines
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Finding A Nail Mentor
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Expanding Horizons The Journey from Online to Storefront
- Posted by Sebastian Campos Rosas
Expanding Horizons The Journey from Online to Storefront
Article by Alex Fox | Published in 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of retail, adaptation is not just a strategy, but a necessity. For one niche distributor of premium nail products, Gina Silvestro of Gel Essentialz, this journey has been both exciting and transformative. What started as a modest online store nestled within the confines of a salon has now blossomed into a bustling distribution center, offering a unique shopping experience for both online and in-person customers.
“Previously, the distribution business operated as an online store, with the office and stockroom situated in the lower level of the salon,” relays Gina. “Initially specializing in Akzentz, the business now offers Erica’s, Profiles, Luminary, HD Pro, Light Elegance, Ugly Duckling, Staleks, Nippon Nippers, Kokoist & Nail Thoughts brands, therefore, as it’s burgeoned we needed more space, which prompted a search for new premises.”
The quest for a new location led Gina to a serendipitous discovery. “The building adjacent to my residence was up for lease. Formerly a real estate office, its layout and potential were ripe for transformation into a vibrant storefront. And so, we breathed new life into the space and fashioned it into a new nail distribution store.
“Situated just two miles from the salon, the new storefront seamlessly complements the established business. With a dedicated shipping room, offices, and ample retail space, it offers a welcoming environment for customers to peruse products. Moreover, the proximity to the salon facilitates synergistic opportunities, fostering cohesion within our operations.
“Speaking of the salon,” Gina continues. “It remains an integral part of our enterprise, housing six full-time nail techs and one hair stylist with the lower level serving as warehouse storage. Additionally, the salon serves a dual purpose as a classroom, where we conduct hands-on classes on Sundays and Mondays.”
Speaking of her commitment to customer care, Gina emphasizes, “At the heart of the business lies a steadfast commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Specializing exclusively in 100% gel nail products, the team takes pride in offering unparalleled expertise and guidance. With a team of dedicated professionals trained to assist customers in selecting products tailored to their needs, as well as providing comprehensive product knowledge and troubleshooting support, we strive to exceed expectations.”
Taking up nails in 1990, Gina was working full-time as a nail tech at the age of just 17. Hungry for knowledge and skills, Gina’s career has seen her collaborate with renowned artists, grace the nails of A-list celebrities, work as an global educator, international judge and feature in numerous industry magazines. Adding a newly fashioned distribution business alongside her salon and academy Gina, alongside daughters Miranda and Madison, provides high quality gel nail products with continuing support and education. “My goal is to continue building this business offering the highest quality gel nail products and supporting education to nail pros in my area. As I’ve learned over the years, when you are truly passionate about your career the possibilities are endless,” Gina asserts.
Kimi Chang
- Posted by Sean McWard
Kimi Chang
Due to limited space for subtitles, here's a better idea of the mission that Kimi Chang is putting in motion to establish strong business relations with China and other countries worldwide across the nail industry.
``The nail industry in China is not as competent as it could be. There is no consistent standard. Every company has their own standard, but no standard as a country, as a whole. The nail techs who use the products don’t understand the products well enough, they don’t know how the products work, when they choose products, they choose from price only. There is little to no professionalism.
``There is no company who is willing to take up the responsibility. So I wish for my company to step in and help to raise the standards. I want to do this job, I want to standardise the nail industry in China so it progresses well.
``I know it’s not easy to do and there will be lots of work behind it, but I hope my company will connect Western nail techs with Chinese nails techs and together they can work towards progress.
``So we can do this systematically, and agree consistently. So we can work from the top to the bottom and from the bottom to the top, right across the industry.
``At Nailymnpia Germany 2023 I got to experience the competition floor firsthand. I saw the concentration on the competition floor and the artistic mentality of each competitor. Then, after they got their recognition from the judges and being placed, I felt their excitement, happiness and honour. These feelings are what I want to bring to China for the Chinese nail techs. Because there is nothing similar in China, there is no ‘sense of value of identity’. Nail techs work very hard for their craft and they are never recognised for their hard work. They are considered as innovators and artists, but their hard work is always undervalued.
``When I saw all the emotions on the competition arena, I wanted to bring those emotions to China. I want to give them a place to show off what they can do and get the judges, the world's best nail artists around the globe, to approve and recognise their work. Most people don’t know how much work goes into making a set of nails. It can take 4-5 hours for a set of perfect nails. So I want to create a platform for them, for everyone to be involved.
``The whole world can benefit from one standard competition - from Nailympia. Every country around the globe can be involved and show off their specific skills and craft.
There is no one who is the best, every country has their nail industry to showcase to the world. Beauty is different from country to country - in every culture. The Chinese want to show the rest of the world what beautiful nails Chinese nail artists can create.
Thank you very much for your ‘appearance’ in our lives Alex Fox and the persistence and drive you have for Nailympia.``
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Emerald Agate | Green Is the New Black
- Posted by Sebastian Campos Rosas
Emerald Agate
Article by GlossaryLive | Published in 2024
With St. Patrick’s Day on the horizon, your clients are likely on the hunt for some fun and festive nail ideas. Incorporating one of the hottest nail trends of the moment, such as a cool, crystal agate-inspired nail design, is always a solid option. This green marble nail art look designed by nail artist Alexandra Lepadatu, will have them feeling extra lucky (and stylish) at their upcoming St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Whether you pair this elegant nail design with white, black, or nude nails, its subtle beauty will surely elevate their style. Plus, you can totally change up the shade of green to suit your clients’ needs this spring. Below, keep reading for a step-by-step of how to achieve this dreamy green agate manicure.
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FINAL LOOK
Aigul Fritzke | Artist of the Month
- Posted by Sebastian Campos Rosas
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Aigul Fritzke
Article by Alex Fox | Published in 2024
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.
Related videos, articles & glossary terms on GlossaryLive
XXtreme Nail Art
If you love hand painted art, or always wanted to learn, this eagle eye design is a perfect tutorial to watch. This unique, life-like design looks complicated, but with detailed steps this materpiece is easy to follow and create.
XXtreme Nail Art
Did you ever want to try fantasy art? Learn techniques for creating creatures and characters for your fantasy designs from International Fantasy Champion, Aigul Fritzke.
ICECOLD’s ACRYLICS
- Posted by Sebastian Campos Rosas
ICECOLD's ACRYLICS
Article by Alex Fox | Published in 2024
Discover a groundbreaking exploration of nail artistry with ICECOLD’s ACRYLICS exhibition and accompanying book, presented by VCG. This innovative showcase, set to captivate audiences in New York City, unveils the intricate sculptural artistry that defines nail art as a unique medium. Through a fusion of sculptural installations, editorial narratives, and sonic storytelling, ICECOLD invites viewers on an immersive journey into the complex world of nails.
ACRYLICS offers a surreal interpretation of the traditional manicure experience, with crimson ‘nail polish’-adorned hands emerging from gallery walls, weaving together narratives from a diverse array of nail artists. Each artist shares their creative voice and perspective through unique nail expressions, creating a nostalgic yet innovative salon experience for exhibition attendees.
ICECOLD’s creative vision permeates every aspect of the ACRYLICS installation, crafting a comprehensive 360-degree experience for viewers. From meticulously designed exhibits to the intimate storytelling within the accompanying coffee table book, ACRYLICS offers a captivating exploration of nail art’s rich history and cultural significance. Delving into its global origins and evolution, the exhibition highlights the creative contributions of Asian immigrants and Black Americans, shaping the vibrant landscape of nail artistry today.
Within the pages of the ACRYLICS book, readers are invited into the world of featured nail artists, offering insights into their creative processes and personal journeys. With thirty-five percent of book sales directly supporting the artists and production team, this publication serves as a testament to ICECOLD’s commitment to uplifting and empowering fellow creatives.
As a maestro of creativity, ICECOLD transcends conventional boundaries with her diverse skill set across various media. Through ACRYLICS, she aims to inspire audiences to explore and manifest their own creative ideas, fostering a new wave of artistic expression.
Experience the transformative power of ACRYLICS from February 10th to March 10th, 2024, at the A.I.R. Gallery in Brooklyn, New York.
Acrylics runs from 10 Feb– 10 March 2024
A.I.R. Gallery
155 Plymouth Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201
+001 (212) 255-6651
E: info@airgallery.org
Need Nail Friends?
- Posted by Sean McWard