Tag Archives: Nailympia London
First Step Of Entering A Nail Competition
First Step Of Entering A Nail Competition
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Nailympia London
Nailympia London: Latest News
Article by Alex Fox | Published in 2023
In an unprecedented move, the team at Nailympia took a series of requests to appeal scores from the latest Nailympia London, to a whole new level. “After noting that the Invent a Nail Shape competition was proving challenging for judges and creating confusion for competitors, it was necessary to relook at this competition and revitalise it,” reveals Alex Fox, global director of Nailympia Competitions. “It was clear that very few entries right across the globe have been actual shape and structure nail inventions since introducing this competition, however we have seen stunning nails crafted for this category, therefore it’s been hard to judge and has afforded concerns that if competitors were not fitting the brief, then should these entries be disqualified?
“I’m not one to disqualify unless it’s deemed absolutely necessary, therefore we needed to find a solution that works now and moving into the future.”
Opting for a solution-oriented approach, the team, inspired by head judge Marian Newman’s insight, decided to listen to industry feedback. Marian Newman observed that competitors were pushing for an industry shift, seeking a competition that allowed complete creative autonomy over shape and design after establishing the stiletto structure. The competitors wanted to create a stiletto nail and from there let their creative juices go wild and bring a new-fashioned nail to life. From this premise it was decided to take all the entries that had been submitted, scored and awarded for Invent A Nail Shape, at Nailympia London 2023, and move them into a new competition. The criteria was reformed, the initial 4 judges from the original competition were invited to re-score the entries and a fifth judge was added, giving the competition 13 different criteria. Now, six weeks after the event, Nailympia London 2023 presents To Stiletto & Beyond, which affords three winners across three divisions who will receive a certificate by email and a medal in the post. Additionally, score sheets for this new category will be sent to all participants, providing a comprehensive and fair evaluation of their creative endeavours. To Stiletto & Beyond will replace Invent A Nail Shape at Nailympia London.
AND THE WINNERS ARE:
To Stiletto & Beyond
Division 1
1st – Nozi Brandel - Israel
2nd – Mei Kwan Leung - Australia
3rd – Tatiana Solovyeva – Russian Federation
Division 2
1st – Mariana Costirco - UK
2nd – Natalia Cibizova - Italy
3rd – Lyubov Tudakova – Russian Federation
Division 3
1st – Mino Vo - UK
2nd – Tatyana Texter – Germany
3rd – Charisse Cassie - UK
Hazel Dixon | Artist of the Month
Hazel Dixon
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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