Alisha Rimando | Artist of the Month

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Alisha Rimando

A Nail Journey of Passion & Empowerment

Article by Alex Fox | Published in 2024

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.

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Jenny Bui | Artist of the Month

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Jenny Bui

Cardi B's Nail Artist Jenny Bui: From Refugee to Queen of Bling

Article by Alex Fox | Published in 2024

Jenny Bui’s rise from a childhood of poverty and turmoil in Cambodia to becoming the celebrated nail artist behind Cardi B’s iconic stiletto jeweled nail looks is a story of resilience, determination, and unwavering passion. Born around 1970 in Cambodia to Chinese parents, Jenny’s early years were marked by hardship and strife. At the age of five, her family’s world was shattered by the onset of the Khmer Rouge regime, plunging them into a harrowing struggle for survival. Fleeing the horrors of genocide, Jenny and her family embarked on a perilous journey, seeking refuge in Thailand and later Vietnam.

Despite facing unimaginable challenges and the tragic loss of loved ones, Jenny’s indomitable spirit propelled her forward. At the age of 14, she immigrated to Montreal, Canada, where she worked tirelessly to support her family, taking on various jobs from waiting tables to working in a dental office. It was during this time that Jenny’s journey into the world of beauty began to take shape.

After settling in the Bronx, New York, Jenny pursued her passion for cosmetology, initially intending to focus on hairstyling. However, her path took a fortuitous turn when she discovered a newfound fascination with nail artistry. Drawing inspiration from her Cambodian heritage and a desire to infuse glamour into her creations, Jenny honed her craft, developing her signature style characterized by intricate designs and Swarovski crystal embellishments.

In the early 2000s, Jenny opened her first nail salon in the Bronx, but it was in Harlem where she truly made her mark. Despite facing discrimination and adversity, Jenny persevered, earning a reputation as the go-to nail artist for bold, blinged-out designs. Her clientele soon expanded to include celebrities like Cardi B, whose partnership with Jenny propelled her into the spotlight and cemented her status as the ‘Queen of Bling’.

Driven by a passion for her craft and a desire to empower others, Jenny has become a trailblazer in the nail industry, sharing her expertise as an educator and entrepreneur. Her commitment to excellence and dedication to her clients have earned her accolades and recognition, including the prestigious Nail Artist Influencer of the Year award at the 2019 American Influencer Awards.

Despite her success, Jenny remains grounded, prioritizing her role as a mother and her commitment to her family above all else. As she reflects on her journey, Jenny’s resilience and determination shine through, serving as an inspiration to aspiring nail artists around the world.

Looking ahead, Jenny’s dreams extend beyond the confines of her salon walls. With plans to travel the world and share her expertise through teaching and collaboration, Jenny’s legacy as the Queen of Bling is destined to endure, leaving an indelible mark on the world of nail artistry.

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Making Nail Gems – Decorate the Nail

master class

Kirsty Meakin

Kirsty Meakin is one of the most renowned nail artists in the world today. With over 100 nail accolades, including Social Media Star of the Year 2021, Nail Artist of the Year 2012 and UK Nail Professional of the Year 2010, Kirsty has also been nominated for Nail Artist of the Year at the American Influencer Awards 2019.

Kirsty has been honing her nail skills for over 20 years after uncovering her creative powers at a Youth Training Scheme. The advancement of nail products has allowed Kirsty to explore her ability and passion for nail art and she is vastly recognised for her freehand and 3D nail art skills.

Kirsty’s innovative creations have been exhibited at the V & A museum art gallery in London after Kirsty was commissioned to do a nail art piece for the “power of making” exhibition. Kirsty is passionate about educating nail technicians and provides a wide range of courses for qualified technicians to push their skills further to be the best they can be. Kirsty has a busy and vibrant Youtube channel, which allows her to teach and inspire worldwide with no constraints. She has simultaneously expanded the Kirsty Meakin Brand to include a clothing line, gel polish system, and a host of professional accessories and products.

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Making Nail Gems - Decorate the Nail

Decorating your nails with the stunning gems you've created is where the real fun begins. With a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes at your disposal, the possibilities are endless. Kirsty gives examples of how she brings these gems to life on the nail considering different placement options for the gems to create intricate designs, patterns and clusters.

Experiment with mixing and matching different colors and sizes of gems to create a truly unique and eye-catching manicure. Whether going for a bold and dramatic look or something more subtle and understated, anything is possible now you have a wealth of homemade crystal at your disposal.

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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Making Nail Gems – Experiment

master class

Kirsty Meakin

Kirsty Meakin is one of the most renowned nail artists in the world today. With over 100 nail accolades, including Social Media Star of the Year 2021, Nail Artist of the Year 2012 and UK Nail Professional of the Year 2010, Kirsty has also been nominated for Nail Artist of the Year at the American Influencer Awards 2019.

Kirsty has been honing her nail skills for over 20 years after uncovering her creative powers at a Youth Training Scheme. The advancement of nail products has allowed Kirsty to explore her ability and passion for nail art and she is vastly recognised for her freehand and 3D nail art skills.

Kirsty’s innovative creations have been exhibited at the V & A museum art gallery in London after Kirsty was commissioned to do a nail art piece for the “power of making” exhibition. Kirsty is passionate about educating nail technicians and provides a wide range of courses for qualified technicians to push their skills further to be the best they can be. Kirsty has a busy and vibrant Youtube channel, which allows her to teach and inspire worldwide with no constraints. She has simultaneously expanded the Kirsty Meakin Brand to include a clothing line, gel polish system, and a host of professional accessories and products.

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video and so much more educational content.

Making Nail Gems - Experiment

Prepare to delve into the art of creating mesmerizing nail gems with a range of innovative techniques designed and devised by Kirsty Meakin. From classic glossy top coats to vibrant colors and captivating chromes, join us on a journey of creativity and experimentation in the world of nail artistry.

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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Making Nail Gems – Create, Fill & File

master class

Kirsty Meakin

Kirsty Meakin is one of the most renowned nail artists in the world today. With over 100 nail accolades, including Social Media Star of the Year 2021, Nail Artist of the Year 2012 and UK Nail Professional of the Year 2010, Kirsty has also been nominated for Nail Artist of the Year at the American Influencer Awards 2019.

Kirsty has been honing her nail skills for over 20 years after uncovering her creative powers at a Youth Training Scheme. The advancement of nail products has allowed Kirsty to explore her ability and passion for nail art and she is vastly recognised for her freehand and 3D nail art skills.

Kirsty’s innovative creations have been exhibited at the V & A museum art gallery in London after Kirsty was commissioned to do a nail art piece for the “power of making” exhibition. Kirsty is passionate about educating nail technicians and provides a wide range of courses for qualified technicians to push their skills further to be the best they can be. Kirsty has a busy and vibrant Youtube channel, which allows her to teach and inspire worldwide with no constraints. She has simultaneously expanded the Kirsty Meakin Brand to include a clothing line, gel polish system, and a host of professional accessories and products.

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video and so much more educational content.

Making Nail Gems - Create, Fill & File

Kirsy Meakin takes nail art to a new and exciting level In this guide to creating your own nail gems. Create your own stunning nail crystals at your nail desk in any size and style using this clever technique devised by Kirsty. Follow as Kirsty takes you through each step of the process, from preparing the base to molding the crystals and perfecting the final result. Get ready to unleash your creativity and elevate your nail game with these homemade gems.

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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GlossaryLive Pro Tips Alex Fox Finding A Nail Mentor

Finding A Nail Mentor

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Finding A Nail Mentor

Have you honed your nail skills, got your education on point and enjoying a full appoointment book - yet something is missing? You're hungry, your creativity needs nourishing and your screaming out for some inspiration. Well worry no longer, sign up a nail mentor, a person who can guide and direct you down the path to many new and exciting industry avenues. Don't go stale and starve your imagination, there's so many possibilities out there and a nail mentor will show you the way that best suits you.

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GlossaryLive Pro Tips Need Nail Friends?

Need Nail Friends?

Need Nail Friends?

The nail industry can be quite isolating for many who work from home, mobile, or as a stand-a-lone tech in a busy beauty or hair salon. Everyone needs motivating from time to time, everyone needs to grow in their work and be inspired by others. Networking in nails is essential for both your business growth and your mental wellbeing. Alex Fox stresses the power of meeting like-minded people and other nail artists in the powerful, energized space of the nail competition arena.

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GlossaryLive – Natural Nail File

GlossaryLive - Natural Nail File

Alisha Rimando introduces a hot new product that will support the GlossaryLive Scholarship Fund. Founder Alisha Rimando notes, “I’ve loved every minute of my career in this industry. It has taken me around the world and back again. I’m blessed to love what I do, and I’ve never seen an industry more passionate than ours. It's my goal to help people find their place in this industry and rekindle their passion through education. It was this passion that drove the creation of GlossaryLive.com and this scholarship fund. All profits received from the sale of this 180/220-grit natural nail file will go directly into the scholarship fund to assist nail technicians and future technicians live their passion in nails through education. You can also donate directly to become a Platinum, Gold or Silver sponsor. Contact the GL team for more information.

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Nails, Fashion & Beauty

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Nails Fashion & Beauty

Jan Arnold is the co-founder and style director of CND. Her father, Dr Stuart Nordstrom, was the brilliant dentist and organic chemist whose discoveries launched the company in 1979. Her family built CND on a commitment to advancing the state of the industry through groundbreaking innovation and world-class education.
Jan’s personal sense of style makes her the high-fashion face behind the brand. When asked about the secret to her success, she has attributed it to thinking ‘big’ – big ideas, big impact and big passion! She’s an inspiration to everyone around her.

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life on the free edge

life on the free edge

Nail talk. Alex Fox treks the nail industry frontiers to chat with the people behind the polish. Whether it’s design, manufacture, championships, salon services, media or events, Alex pulls out the pioneers & talks to the trailblazers.