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Industry, nails and everything in-between
Industry, nails and everything in-between
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.
GlossaryLive.com is thrilled to honor Max Estrada, the founder and CEO of Exclusive Nail Couture and the International Master Director of Global Education, as our Artist of the Month. With well over two decades of expertise, Max’s journey in the nail industry is a testament to his dedication, innovation, and passion for nail artistry and education.
Max Estrada was born into the beauty industry, developing an early fascination with nail products. By the age of five, he was already immersed in trade publications and attending his first trade show. Growing up in his family’s salon in Arizona, Max’s professional career began with a foundation in practical, hands-on experience.
At just 16, Max entered his first professional nail competition, showcasing his impressive acrylic application skills. His confidence and precision earned him a top 10 placement in his division, igniting a drive to continually enhance his craft. This determination has seen Max placing in every competition he enters, always striving to refine nail shapes and develop technologies that simplify the lives of nail artists.
In 2014, Max achieved his ultimate dream by founding Exclusive Nail Couture Professional. His innovative product line has gained national and global recognition, complementing his mission to elevate the nail care industry. Through his company, Max provides cutting-edge tools and products designed to meet the evolving needs of nail professionals.
Max’s contributions to the industry extend beyond product innovation. As a global educator, he shares his extensive knowledge and passion through classes worldwide, inspiring countless nail artists to reach their full potential. His belief that “the best competition to win is the one with yourself” underscores his commitment to personal and professional growth.
Max Estrada’s influence as a trendsetter is evident in his approach to the future of nail artistry. “The nail industry is not about where it has been but where it’s going,” Max states, embodying the forward-thinking vision that drives his success.
Today, Max continues to express his love for the nail industry through each meticulously crafted nail. GlossaryLive is proud to celebrate Max Estrada’s remarkable achievements and his unwavering dedication to the art and education of nails. His journey is truly an inspiration to all aspiring nail artists
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.
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.