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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GlossaryLive XXtreme Nail Art Tracey Lee Gilded Cages

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International educator, judge, award-winning nail professional, coach, consultant and columnist, Tracey Lee, born in south Africa, now lives in Eindhoven, The Netherlands. “I’m blessed to have discovered the amazing world of nails after relocating to The Netherlands. My experience in education and training in South Africa stood me in good stead, as after completing a nail course to be able to do my own nails, I was later invited to join an education team where I became director of education & product development during my 10-year tenure. “
“In 2016 I took on the role of independent international educator and a world of opportunities opened up for me. Entering Nails magazine’s Next Top Nail Artist competition, was a life-changing event. It was not only the win that had an impact on my skills and my career, the entire journey through the competition made me a better nail professional. My motto is KEY: Keep Educating Yourself. I continue to do this and share my knowledge and experience with others through education.
“I could never have imagined at the beginning of my journey into nails that there would be so many opportunities and avenues in this dynamic industry. I’m looking forward to all the possibilities it has to offer.”

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GlossaryLive Sole to Soul 5 Ways To Find Peace Trish Rock

5 Ways To Find Peace

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Trish Rock

Presence is the catalyst for inner peace, and Trish Rock offers 5 ways to bring this calming force into your mind and body. This renewing power helps you navigate life in a more focused way, culminating with a healthier body, vibrant energy and a more centered work-life balance.

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5 Ways To Find Peace

Presence is the catalyst for inner peace, and Trish Rock offers 5 ways to bring this calming force into your mind and body. This renewing power helps you navigate life in a more focused way, culminating with a healthier body, vibrant energy and a more centered work-life balance.

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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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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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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 Erica Sanae Sole To Soul Your Personal Style

Your Personal Style

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Erica Sanae

Erica Sanae, LA-based fashion stylist and lifstyle guru, takes you on a journey into your closet to explain how inner growth and tranformation can be enhanced through your wardrobe. Learn what to edit from your current clothing collection, how to care for those forever pieces, what to look for when adding to the new you, and most importantly, how to put all of that together to feel great every day.

Your Personal Style

Now that your closet is managed, your inner goals are set, and you have purchased those missing peices, how do you dress the new you? Let Erica Sanae show you some simple steps to remember when putting together your outfits. She reviews how to accesssorize and dress up the most comfortable combinations. Looking great doesn't mean feeling uncomfortable. Try Erica's fashion advice tomorrow as you strut out of the house and into the salon.

"Creating an outfit can be as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4."

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GlossaryLive Erica Sanae Sole To Soul Retail Therapy

Retail Therapy

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Erica Sanae

Erica Sanae, LA-based fashion stylist and lifstyle guru, takes you on a journey into your closet to explain how inner growth and tranformation can be enhanced through your wardrobe. Learn what to edit from your current clothing collection, how to care for those forever pieces, what to look for when adding to the new you, and most importantly, how to put all of that together to feel great every day.

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Retail Therapy

Now that you spent the time clearing and culling the extra noise from your closet and your vision of the new you, don’t add more back in. Erica Sanae, LA-based fashion stylist teaches you how to buy to fill a need, for an event, or if it brings you closer to your goals. She explains how you can shop any time for any reason, but teaches not to buy unnecessarily. She identifies how shopping to fill an emotional void or being just plain bored can take you right back to the starting line. It's time to learn to shop for timeless, seasonless items all year round so you’re not pressured into a purchase. With her advice, you will have the luxury of time to shop for the best pieces at the best prices.

"Ensure you have the basic building blocks in your wardrobe."

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GlossaryLive Erica Sanae Sole To Soul Face The Mirror

Face The Mirror

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Erica Sanae

Erica Sanae, LA-based fashion stylist and lifstyle guru, takes you on a journey into your closet to explain how inner growth and tranformation can be enhanced through your wardrobe. Learn what to edit from your current clothing collection, how to care for those forever pieces, what to look for when adding to the new you, and most importantly, how to put all of that together to feel great every day.

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Face The Mirror

Is your wardrobe supporting the life that you want? Journey through your closet with Erica Sanae, LA-based fashion stylist and lifestyle guru, and clear out pieces that are keeping you trapped in a negative mindset. Learn what to keep, what to toss and how to live in the moment and embrace what fits who you are and the body you have now. Understand how clothes should fit, so you know what to edit and what to keep!

"When editing your closet, if it's not an immediate yes, it's a NO!"

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Who Are You?

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Erica Sanae

Erica Sanae, LA-based fashion stylist and lifstyle guru, takes you on a journey into your closet to explain how inner growth and tranformation can be enhanced through your wardrobe. Learn what to edit from your current clothing collection, how to care for those forever pieces, what to look for when adding to the new you, and most importantly, how to put all of that together to feel great every day.

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video and so much more educational content.

Who Are You?

Personal style is an outer extension of your true self, which starts from within. Clothing is a powerful tool that is a visual representation of our sense of self and identity. The clothes you wear can influence or dictate your mood, it’s a scientifically proven term called enclothed cognition, so choose wisely. Embrace the evolution to the new and improved you by considering who you have been, where you are now and where you want to be. Understand the questions to consider as you take the steps towards inner and outer transformation.

"Dress for the job you want, not the one you have."

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