GlossaryLive Life on the Free Edge Kimi Change

Kimi Chang

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Kimi Chang

Kimi Chang is the CEO of Shanghai Chiyan Abrasives Co and the host of the first Nailympia China to be held in August 2024 in Hangzhou. Not a typical abrasives company – the team at Chiyan is all about bringing a modern twist to everything it produces. From production and research to development, sales, and service, Chiyan is proud to work from one of the coolest native factories around, specializing in crafting top-quality products like sanding bands, carbide bits, ceramic bits, diamond bits, sanding caps, and more! Talking to Alex Fox in Shanghai, Kimi Chang explains the company’s direction, vision and dedication to quality and expanding its relationships around the global nail industry.
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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Power to the Professional

NEWSWORTHY

Power to the Professional

From Kitchen Tears to Global Cheers – Ireland’s Kate Kruszynska's Journey to Nail Styling Stardom

Article by Alex Fox | Published in 2024

For those in the nail industry that are still not sure if competing brings added content to a nail business, then listen to the 2023 story of one nail professional who has taken competing to a serious level and reaped the rewards. By investing time in travel and practice, effort and money, Katarzyna Kruszynska embraced the Nailympia 2023 circuit and followed it around the world. Here’s what happened… In the competitive realm of nail styling, Katarzyna (Kate) Kruszynska has attained the prestigious title of ‘Irish National Nail Champion,’ marking her as a multiple award-winner in nail styling championships across the globe. In the past year (2023), Kate showcased her skills internationally, representing Ireland in the UK, Mexico, Germany, USA (Orlando, Texas, and Ohio), clinching a remarkable total of 40 medals and trophies. Reflecting on her recent achievements, Kate shares, “Last year, I was honored to secure the Nailympia Americas Cup, The Nailympia Premiere Cup, Nailympia Art winner of winners, and Individual Top Scorer awards. Additionally, my business success was acknowledged with the ‘Best Established Business’ award from the Local Enterprise Office in 2019.”

Originally from Poland, Katarzyna Kruszynska initially served as a police officer in the Traffic Accident Department before following her passion and relocating to Ireland. In 2010, she transitioned to a full-time career in nails, starting from a humble nail table in her kitchen, overcoming self-doubt and tears and giving it her best shot. With the unwavering support of her family and friends, Kate not only persevered but also established a successful nail bar in 2015. Kate proudly manages Beauty Vision Ltd, an accredited training center, and is the visionary behind the Kohana Professional nail brand. The name ‘Kohana’ has profound personal significance, drawing inspiration from the Japanese term meaning ‘little flower’ and the notion of ‘ohana’, meaning ‘family’ from Disney’s Lilo & Stitch. The name uniquely combines ‘K’ for Kate and ‘Ohana’ for family, encapsulating the ethos that everyone is a part of Kate’s extended family. Explaining the Polish connection, Kate shares, “In Polish, ‘Kohana’ means ‘loved one,’ perfectly aligning with my brand’s ethos, where every individual is considered loved and part of the family.”

Beyond her business acumen, Kate is a devoted wife and mother to three children, an avid animal lover with two dogs and a cat at home. She has a passion for travel, diverse culinary experiences, and a commitment to a fit and healthy lifestyle. Kate actively shares her expertise and creative work on social media, amassing over 60,000 followers in three years. Her content revolves around nails, nail art, beauty, and insights into her business. “Sharing my creativity with a global audience is an amazing feeling,” expresses Kate, who also enjoys connecting with fellow nail enthusiasts through social media. She takes pride in Kohana being a welcoming space for individuals to learn new skills in a positive atmosphere. Expressing gratitude for the enriching journey her business has provided, Kate acknowledges, “Not everyone can say they love their job, but I’m one of the lucky few who can!” @beautyvision_ireland

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GlossaryLive Life on the Free Edge Eve Tran

Eve Tran

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Eve Tran

World-renowned nail designer, international educator, judge, world nail champion, 1st German champion and product developer, Eve Tran has been honing her nail skills for over 18 years.
Settling in Germany in 2001, Eve was introduced to the nail profession by chance through a relative, then decided to pursue a career path in nails. Connecting with nail experts in order to gain the training she required proved difficult, but she remained resilient, kept focused and her name became well-known after she had won many professional industry competitions. Now running a successful nail academy in Leipzig, Germany with her husband, David Richter, Eve reveals her latest project to Glossarylive.com.

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Alex Fox

NAILYMPIA COMPETITIONS

Alex Fox

NAILYMPIA COMPETITIONS [neyl-em-pee-uh]

What it is: An international non-biased professional nail competition. It offers a wide range of technical and artistic categories across all skill levels. It has been running in the UK since 2005. Was started in Las Vegas, USA in Y2 by three brand owners: EzFlow, IBD & Too Much Fun.

When & where it’s hosted: Currently hosted in various countries annually (circa 2022: London, Germany, Mexico, USA) , as well as online versions. To learn more visit www.nailympia.com

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David Fowler

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DAVID FOWLER

Meet David Fowler, global educator, product developer, industry disrupter & judge for hundreds of nail competitions worldwide. Learn what conspired in his life to take his career from police officer in the USA to nail industry bad boy in Germany.

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