GlossaryLive Pro Tips Alex Fox First Step Of Entering A Nail Competition
12 Apr
Pro Tips, Season 11

First Step Of Entering A Nail Competition

First Step Of Entering A Nail Competition

If you've made the significant decision to enter a nail competition, the next crucial step is to thoroughly read the rules. Rules vary for each nail competition, so it's imperative to review them carefully. This is particularly important as competition organizers often update and adjust the rules annually to reflect industry trends. Additionally, if available, it's beneficial to study the score sheets. These sheets clearly outline where points are allocated, enabling you to identify areas where the most points can be gained. This insight will aid you in devising a practice schedule and focusing your efforts effectively.

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18 Mar
GlossaryLive Blog, Newsworthy

Beauterra – The Ultimate Beauty Companion

NEWSWORTHY

Beauterra - The Ultimate Beauty Companion

Unlocking & Exploring the Beauty Universe Inside The Beauterra App

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.

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11 Mar
GlossaryLive Blog, Newsworthy

Expanding Horizons The Journey from Online to Storefront

NEWSWORTHY

Expanding Horizons The Journey from Online to Storefront

The Evolution of a Nail Entrepreneur From Salon to Global Education & Distribution

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.

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GlossaryLive Life on the Free Edge Kimi Change
08 Mar
Life on the Free Edge, Season 11

Kimi Chang

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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 Salon Stopover SSO-Nails-Café
05 Jan
Salon Stopover, Season 10

Nails Café

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Anneke van der Sar manages a distinctive nail salon, Nails Café, located in Eindhoven, in the Netherlands. At Nails Café, the focus is not only on delivering exceptional nail treatments but also on prioritizing the client's relaxation and overall well-being. Anneke boasts over 30 years of experience as a prominent figure in the international nail industry. Renowned as a leading educator, she has been sought-after globally to participate in expos, demonstrate her skills, and introduce cutting-edge techniques and innovations.
Within the Nailympia circuit, Anneke holds the esteemed position of head judge for both booth and floor categories at select locations, showcasing her discerning expertise. Many within the industry rely on her expert eye for guidance.
In addition to her educational roles, Anneke serves as a distributor for the Artistic Nail Design brand.

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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01 Dec
Artist of the month, GlossaryLive Blog

Hazel Dixon | Artist of the Month

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Hazel Dixon

An international nail champion, educator, product developer, expert, judge and artist, Hazel Dixon has her finger in every nail pie imaginable, but where did it all start?

Article by Alex Fox | Published in 2023

Known worldwide as an award-winning Fantasy Nail Art champion, Hazel was up to her neck in nappies, AKA diapers, when she was drawn into the world of nails. Seduced by the creative edge that nail styling presents, as well as the ability to stay at home with her three young children, Hazel swiftly immersed herself in everything nails. “I was drawn to the idea of doing nails when I saw an airbrushed set sporting the Nike logo. I’d never seen anything like it before,” Hazel recalls. Her interest sparked and creative taste buds tickled, Hazel looked directly into courses as, she confesses, “I felt it couldn’t be that hard, but boy was I in for a shock!”

Attracted to a schedule of working evenings and weekends around her family, Hazel quickly realized it was more a calling than a quick-fix solution. “I love nails,” she chuckles. “I can explore my creative edge while transforming nails into tiny pieces of art. The buzz I get when I’ve finished a set, and see the client’s face light up, renders me speechless, it’s such a powerful, positive feeling.” Boasting a wide repertoire of nail skills, Hazel admits her strengths lie in both structure as well as all nail art genres including extreme techniques. Entering the world of nails in 2006, she took her initial training with CND and has since taken over 73 different classes with an array of brands including Akzentz, NSI, EzFlow, Crystal Nails, Brillbird, as well as completing an NVQ 3 in nails, and untold trainings with a host of award-winning educators across the world. Hazel cites, “Great education, lots of patience, an immense amount of practice and fantastic ongoing support from educators,” as the secret to her ongoing success.

Keen to share her entrepreneurial spirit, the highly decorated trophy and medal winner, Hazel, hung up her competition brushes in 2021 and picked up the mentor mantle. With her own nail brand (HD Professional Systems) and academy to run, alongside her salon, Hazel stood down from the competition circuit in order to use her expertise to support others moving in that spectrum. Working one day a week in her salon, Purely Nailz, Hazel’s philosophy steers her into keeping on top of her salon skills while innovating and raising industry standards. She explains, “The HD Nail Artist Academy has several locations up and down the UK where the 10-strong educator team presents a full array of ABT accredited courses plus workshops from total beginners to the most advanced techniques.” Located in the patchwork of pines and heathland that make up Thetford Forest in Norfolk, Hazel’s trinity comprising salon, academy and warehouse is a hive of activity and a thriving family business. “My academy offers something for everyone. Over the past few years I’ve written over 100 classes and workshops, presenting an array of training that best suits individual needs. I offer both in-house and online training, however, it’s my belief that complete beginners should only be taught in-house due to the science that must be covered. I feel it’s so important the educator be beside the student every step of the way.”

With two types of online training on the menu, Hazel is sure she’s got all bases and learning styles catered for. “Online training is packaged as pre-recorded workshops for existing techs with core, fundamental nail knowledge already in their repertoire. I also offer live Zoom training sessions, which are not accredited, but for students that prefer having the educator ‘live’ with them whilst learning.” A boost like no other, a mentoring program offers significant advantages to those who take the plunge. Mentor, Hazel advises, “Find a fellow, passionate nail tech or mentor. Surround yourself with like-minded people that will encourage, motivate and help you through the good and bad times. Having someone you can call or message that ‘gets you’, is so important. I don’t know what I’d have done without the people who keep me motivated on a daily basis.” Hazel also encourages nail pros to, “Invest your time and money wisely. Research the academy properly before taking a course, to ensure it can provide you with the skills and outcomes you’re looking to achieve, then be specific about this, don’t try to ‘learn’ too much, too quickly. Take your time and be sure you’ve successfully learned and perfected each skill before moving onto the next. Choose one that offers ongoing support, as this is so important.” Believing in a ‘practice makes perfect’ work ethic, Hazel concludes, “I don’t get time for hobbies, but I always make time for my husband and family, as well as indulging in retail therapy and dinner dates. Quality time outside of nails is essential to success, for balance as well as to relieve and relax the mind.” Hazel’s mantra sums this up nicely.

“Be happy with what you have, while working for what you want.”

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30 Oct
Artist of the month, GlossaryLive Blog

Dafne Fernández | Artist of the Month

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Dafne Fernández

Learn more about the person behind Nailympia Mexico, who's making a global footprint for nail mastery from her nail academy in Mexico City.

Article by Alex Fox | Published in 2023

Working as a nail professional since 2009, Dafne Fernández, known for both her nail sculpture, structure and art skills, is the founder and owner of Stanzy Nails & Beauty, Botica Puré, Mano Santa Nail Art and the director of the Stanzy Academy in Mexico City. Dafne became globally renowned after taking the role of global educator for Artistic Nail Design from 2012-2018. A champion tech, Dafne has won accolades in Orlando, Vegas, Pasadena and at the first Nailympia Canada in 2019. Dafne is an international judge, who has educated in Japan, the USA, China, Turkey, The Netherlands, the UK, Russia, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, New Zealand, Australia and Greece. She’s also the host of Nailympia Mexico and the forthcoming Nailympia Brazil.

“I wanted to host Nailympia in my region because I believe that competitions are necessary in order to build and grow as a nail professional. This activity sets high standards and challenges that a competitor must work through in order to participate. As each element of competition tests the nail tech, abilities are realised and then stretched, skills and creativity are raised and the nail professional finds their purpose as success is enjoyed.”

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12 Oct
GlossaryLive Blog, Newsworthy

Nailympia San Antonio 2023

NEWSWORTHY

Nailympia San Antonio 2023

The results are in: Winners unveiled

Overall Top Scorer - Katie Nguyen (787 points) with Elizabeth maskell of CND

Article by Alex Fox | Published in 2023

Nailympia San Antonio was the third Nailympia to be hosted on US soil in 2023. Attracting top class nail artists to battle for medals and points towards the Nailympia Premiere Cup, this event preceded, by just one week, the fourth US Nailympia location, Columbus, Ohio (8-9 October). The thrill of this new cup saw superb skills displayed on the arena as adrenalin kept spirist high and concentration swept over the floor.

Head judge, Alisha Rimando, founder of GlossaryLive.com, was impressed to evaluate such strong skills from the floor, alongside fellow judges Beth Livesay, Jesse Bruner, Gari-Dawn Tingler, Kalista Sims and Koko Kashiwagi. San Antonio saw contestants from across the USA, Germany, Ireland and Ethiopia, which was represented for the first time, who all showcased their nail skills and mastery to hungry spectators. Stepping in to host the event at the Premiere San Antonio beauty expo nail artist Hemi Park relays, “This Nailympia was a blast! This brand new major beauty event, hosted in San Antonio, Texas, delivered 11 categories over two days with 13 competitors from four countries taking 46 seats.
“Seeing such a diverse group of competitors from well-seasoned veterans to novices embracing the arena with such passion and drive to achieve goals was awe-inspiring.

Headline sponsor for the event was nail brand CND, which presented the Top Scorer trophy and prizes.”

Acrylic Tip & Overlay - Division 2
3rd - Provy McClellen - USA

Acrylic Tip & Overlay - Division 3
1st - Olena Oezman - Germany
2nd - Katie Nguyen - USA
3rd - Katarzyna Kruszynka - Ireland

Liquid & Powder Sculpture - Division 2
3rd - Provy McClellen - USA

Liquid & Powder Sculpture - Division 3
1st - Olena Oezman - Germany
2nd - Katarzyna Kruszynka - Ireland
3rd - Katie Nguyen - USA

Perfect Match - Division 3
1st - Olena Oezman - Germany
2nd - Katie Nguyen - USA
3rd - Katarzyna Kruszynka - Ireland

The Joy Of Nails - Division 1
1st - Mari Le - USA

The Joy Of Nails - Division 2
1st - Provy McClellen - USA
2nd - Ana Vega - USA
3rd - Syreeta Aaron - USA

The Joy Of Nails - Division 3
1st - Katie Nguyen - USA
2nd - Olena Oezman - Germany
3rd - Katarzyna Kruszynka - Ireland

Reality Nails - Division 2
1st - Syreeta Aaron - USA
2nd - Provy McClellen - USA
3rd - Ana Vega - USA

Reality Nails - Division 3
1st - Anastasia Totty - USA
2nd - Olena Oezman - Germany
3rd - Katarzyna Kruszynka - Ireland

Invent a Nail Shape - Division 2
1st - Provy McClellen - USA
2nd - Anna Sosina - USA
3rd - Ana Vega - USA

Invent a Nail Shape - Division 3
1st - Anastasia Totty - USA
2nd - Katie Nguyen - USA
3rd - Katarzyna Kruszynka - Ireland

Runway Nails - Division 2
1st - Syreeta Aaron - USA
2nd - Ana Vega - USA
3rd - Anna Sosina - USA

Runway Nails - Division 3
1st - Katarzyna Kruszynka - Ireland
2nd - Katie Nguyen - USA
3rd - Anastasia Totty - USA

Flat Nail Art - Division 2
1st - Provy McClellen - USA
2nd - Thao Pham - USA
3rd - Tammy Mazzaferro - USA

Flat Nail Art - Division 3
1st - Anastasia Totty - USA
2nd - Katie Nguyen - USA
3rd - Katarzyna Kruszynka - Ireland

Extreme Nails Styling Poster - Division 2
1st - Ana Vega - USA

Extreme Nails Styling Poster - Division 3
1st - Anastasia Totty - USA
2nd - Katie Nguyen - USA

Stiletto Nails - Division 2
2nd - Ana Vega - USA
3rd - Provy McClellen - USA

Stiletto Nails - Division 3
1st - Olena Oezman - Germany
2nd - Katie Nguyen - USA
3rd - Katarzyna Kruszynka - Ireland

Salon Nails - Division 2
2nd - Alexandra Podgorny - USA
3rd - Provy McClellen - USA

Salon Nails - Division 3
1st - Olena Oezman - Germany
2nd - Katie Nguyen - USA
3rd - Katarzyna Kruszynka - USA

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28 Sep
Artist of the month, GlossaryLive Blog

Michelle Soto | Artist of the Month

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Michelle Soto

This October, we celebrate Michelle Soto, international educator, judge and nail artist extraordinaire from Florida, USA.

Article by Alex Fox | Published in 2023

Stepping into the world of nails at the tender age of 12, Michelle Soto was spoiled for a year as her aunty used her to hand model for practice purposes. Later, after moving to Puerto Rico, Michelle made a point of manicuring her nails, mimicking what she’d picked up from her aunt. “My nails became a talking point and people asked me to do theirs, but I always said, ‘No, I only do them for myself’,” Michelle reflects. “However, after some consideration, I accepted my father’s proposal of going to nail school. Getting certified before I would groom anyone’s nails was really important to me. At that time in my life, being certified yet still not thinking it would end up becoming my career, was my mindset.”

On deciding to train in nails, Michelle enrolled at the Pierrette Academy in Puerto Rico, which later changed its name to Ema’s Beauty Academy. “I was offered to work at a well-known salon from the owner of the academy herself,” smiles Michelle. “I agreed and worked in it for a year, then I made the bold move to open my own salon; I was just 16 at the time.” Michelle continued to run nail salons for a number of years before changing her path to work more recently full-time with V Beauty Pure LLC in the USA. “I’ve tried many products throughout the years and one of my favorites is V beauty Pure,” she asserts.

With the onset of the global pandemic changing Michelle’s career course, she highlights, “Not being able to work for some time pushed me in a different direction; I had so much time to think about what I was doing and if it was the right pathway for me. I then changed my life completely. I‘ve always wanted to dedicate myself to teaching full-time while helping others achieve their goals, but I was always too busy to commit. The pandemic gave me the opportunity to make the jump.”Living by the principle to always give any endeavor her best shot, no matter what the circumstances, Michelle instils, “One must always be reliable, consistent and never forget to be humble in this life. In these challenging times, take this opportunity to focus in on yourself and your craft. Get prepared with all the knowledge and tools that will help you grow for when you are able to start working again and most importantly, keep posting content on social media platforms, don’t give up!”

1. Behind the Scenes - GlossaryLive Masterclass | 2. Michelle Soto jugding at Nailympia Orlando 2023

Praising social media as an excellent source of inspiration for nail stylists, Michelle notes, “The artist in me sees nail art everywhere I go! Although, much of my inspiration tends to come at night, so I keep a sketch book on my night table, however, maybe just one percent of my ideas make it into the book itself.” On reflection, she also adds, “As an artist, being able to express myself through my nail work alongside the happiness that it brings to my clients, is a blessing. The ability to express the client’s emotions in the nail style is also extremely rewarding and now I take great pleasure in teaching all this while sharing my knowledge and experience with others to support their career journey.”

Citing her recipe for attaining great nail skills is to never stop practicing or getting educated, Michelle acknowledges that, “Consistency and knowledge are key!”

With education at the top of her menu, Michelle utilised her time wisely during the pandemic and originated a wide selection of courses. “ I’ve developed online trainings that offer a variety of techniques to help salons called Salon Success. These courses offer topics such as nail anatomy – artificial and natural, product & control management, general biosecurity and health alongside E-File, bit theory and practice applied to nail extensions and manicures, nail tip and form application as well as commercial shapes (square, coffin, classic salon almond and stiletto), dip powder, acrygel, UV hard gel and nail art with gels, to name a few.”

Appreciating that ‘Rome was not built in a day’, Michelle stays grounded and focused while optimistic about the future. “My advice to beginners is to keep an open mind, have lots of patience, make sure you practice and don’t give up! Always be reliable, consistent and never forget to be humble!” Moving onwards and upwards, Michelle is excited for a future with her goal being to coach students, “To hit the salon floor fully experienced and knowledgeable. Capable and ready to service!”

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