Power to the Professional

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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 Peel Back The Polish Alisha Rimando

Alisha Rimando

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ALISHA RIMANDO

In 1995 Alisha Rimando started her journey in the nail industry working in a salon and soon became an educator. She immediately fell in love with teaching and found herself traveling the world as an educator, competitor and hand model for World Champion, Tom Holcomb. Working alongside him, she studied his techniques and after 10 years she achieved her World Championship title in 2005 in the art of pink and white sculptured nails.
In 2008 Alisha moved to New York and took another leap in her career by contributing to the 6th edition of Milady Nail Technology. Since 2008 Alisha has authored and/or contributed to more than 10 textbooks and supplements for Cengage Learning including Standard Cosmetology and continues this honor year after year.
Being so close to NYC Alisha became a session artist for magazines, designers at NY Fashion Week and was even featured in Jennifer Hudson’s Spotlight video. She also spent 3 years as Training Director at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas where she earned her reflexology license and trained over 360 nail technicians in 31 locations across the USA in the art of natural nail care.
When her mentor and best friend, Tom Holcomb passed in 2011 she was compelled to rejoin the professional market and resume teaching the methods of nail enhancements he had taught her. Over her vast 25+ year career her 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 she brings her experience and passion for the industry to GlossaryLive, a passion project to honor her mentor and celebrate the nail artists of the world.

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GlossaryLIve Master Class Easy Butterflies Michelle Soto

Easy Butterflies

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Michelle Soto

An industry veteran, Michelle Soto, AKA chellys_nails, began her journey into nails at the age of 12, and by 16 in Puerto Rico, was already trained & had built up experience working in a salon. Now, over 20 years later, Chelly is one of the brains & creatives behind the Valentino Beauty Pure nail brand. Acting as one of its top educators, as an influencer & product developer, celebrity & award-winning manicurist, Chelly is a driving force behind the direction of the brand & an inspirational pull for those searching for a brand that speaks to them. Nail art is Chelly’s forte & her funky, elaborate & intricate styles are simply awe-inspiring.

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Easy Butterflies

Uniquely inspired nail art can be hard to create, but with these fun and easy nail art techniquies from Michelle Soto you may find yourself creating a rainbow of nail art looks in the weeks to come. Watch as Michelle takes you step by step through simplistic techniques that create a perfect ombre of color effects perfect for any nail art look. From two to ten colors, these techniques can be used in a variety of ways to give your nail art designs just the versitily you've been craving.

Do you have questions for the artist? GlossaryLive will present a LIVE interview with this artist. Email your questions to be featured during the Q&A session.

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Boasting nearly 300K followers, nail artist & educator, the USA’S Tino Vo, reveals how he gothooked on nails & where it all began.

Nail Artist & Educator

Nail Artist & Educator

With a following on Instagram alone of 286K, Tino Vo trained in nails 13 years ago when taking a Tammy Taylor course. Already an artist in life, he was struck by how beautiful a pink & white sculptured set of nails was & the positive response his nail designs attracted. With a mission to share his unique nail styling, Tino moved deeper into the nail world & is now a highly regarded & sought after nail designer & educator.

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Discover why April Ryan recieved recognition from Forbes magazine for her business success around a silicone hand.

Nail Artist, Brand Owner & Influencer

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Nail Artist, Brand Owner & Influencer

Born in Russia & currently living the American dream in Colorado, April Ryan is no stranger to hard work & taking chances. Passionate about nails, she spent hours creating nail art designs on herself & posting them on social media. Over time, not only did her art gain recognition, but her beautiful hands did as well. From that generated a huge idea that took her from nail tech to Forbes magazine recognized business owner. Learn how this entrepreneur & CEO of Red Iguana grew her social media following to over 300k while also growing a multi-million dollar business.

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Giselle Caballero

tag that trend

Giselle Caballero

Originally from Mexico City, Giselle Caballero married & moved to Kelowna, BC, Canada. Nails soon became her passion & she opened Ego Beauty Academy & Studio in 2015. Giselle teaches one-on-one training in the latest nail trends & offers bespoke services at the highest quality to her clients. In 2020, Caballero won NAILS Next Top Nail Artist for Season 7.

PRODUCTS USED

  • HD Pro Prep It!
  • HD Pro Flex It! in Cover Peach
  • HD Pro Matt It!
  • HD Pro Art Gel in Graphite, Mauve, Fuchsia Pink, Casper, Sterling
  • HD Compact Chrome in Silver
  • Akzentz Hybrid Pro Lamp

STEPS

Start with a base of your favorite shade of pink gel polish and cure, depending on the gel that you’re using, you may need a few coats to get full opacity.

Apply a layer of foil gel and cure.

Gently wipe off the back of your transfer foil with 99% IPA, prior to using the foil (I’m using a kaleidoscopic silver foil). Then press the foil onto the nail in a touch-and-go motion across the entire surface. Apply top coat and cure.

Create a Barbie-inspired ‘B’ design. Once you’re happy with it, sprinkle acrylic powder over it.

Saturate with gel paint and cure. Then remove excess powder.

2022 Nail Art, 3D pink nails, crystal embellishment, Trending Nail Art

To complete the design, place jewelry gel where you want your crystal embellishment. This will elevate the overall look of the design. Add your crystal and cure.

Want to see your nail art featured on Tag That Trend? Our team is excited to see your work and get you published. Contact us for details.

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Red Nails on Nail Art

Sarah Petersen

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Sarah Petersen

Co-owner of Salon Legacy in Rolla, Missouri & international principal educator for Artistic Nail Design, Sarah Petersen has turned her passion for art & nailcare into a burgeoning business during her 14-year career. A successful nail artist & salon owner, Sarah is constantly enhancing her craft & made it her mission to continue to grow & develop her skill set in order to expand in & with the nail industry. “I love the variety of work this industry has to offer & its challenges too; it’s consistently growing, & I plan on growing with it,” Sarah states.

Proud to have had her nail work featured on the cover of NAILS magazine’s February 2012 issue, this nail artist has enjoyed showcasing her work in several other NAILS issues throughout her nail career.

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HOW TO STEPS AND WORKBOOKS

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How To and so much more educational content.

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Scarlett Senter

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Scarlett Senter

Scarlett Senter of Kings Lynn, UK is a salon & academy owner with over 10 years experience. Fuelled by a dynamic drive & passion for nails, Scarlett’s mission is to guide upcoming nail technicians & help them gain confidence as well as skills. An award-winning nail artist with over 70 accolades, Scarlett holds the record for the most award-winning photographic images in the UK. She’s also the proud bearer of three Scratch Stars awards, (two for Nail Artist of the Year & one for Mixed Media Artist of the Year). Her work has graced the cover of three Scratch magazines as well as Nail Couture & Nailpro. She’s a judge for UK nail competitions & enjoys seeing competitors push themselves & achieve their goals.

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Embracing Life One Nail at a Time…

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Embracing Life One Nail at a Time…

Nail artist & influencer, Kirsty Meakin reveals how she built her global reputation before social media & how she uses SM to further grow her reach. With 1.7 million views on YouTube and over 200,000 IG followers, Kirsty gives valuable insight on dealing with trolls, how to manage the downside & shares how to make social media work for you, your business & your mental health.

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Dance Floor to Nail Desk

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Dance Floor to Nail Desk

Stockholm’s Celina Rydén, gymnast, coach, professional dancer & choreographer, takes us into her fantastic nail studio & academy where Instagram magic & online classes are filmed & stunning nails are crafted.

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.

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