GlossaryLive Life on the Free Edge Dafne Fernandez
03 May
Life on the Free Edge, Season 11

Dafne Fernandez

Dafne Fernandez

Experience the passion and dedication of Dafne Fernandez, a seasoned competitor, global trainer, and the visionary founder of Stanzy Beauty, as she shares her inspiring journey with Alex Fox. In this captivating interview, Dafne reveals her heartfelt motivation for bringing Nailympia, a prestigious global nail competition celebrating its 20th anniversary, to Mexico.

Discover the driving force behind Dafne's decision to organize and host Nailympia Mexico for the third time in July 2024. Hear her heartfelt commitment to her craft, her country, and her people as she articulates her desire to provide the same opportunities she has experienced to aspiring nail artists in Mexico.

Join Dafne Fernandez and Alex Fox as they delve into the passion and purpose behind Nailympia Mexico, a groundbreaking event that promises to elevate the nail industry in Mexico to new heights. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to witness firsthand the power of determination and the transformative impact of pursuing one's dreams. Watch now and be inspired to chase your own aspirations!

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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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14 Mar
Pro Tips, Season 11

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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01 Mar
Artist of the month, GlossaryLive Blog

Aigul Fritzke | Artist of the Month

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Aigul Fritzke

Inside the creative world of resident nail artist, Aigul Fritzke & her path to design excellence

Article by Alex Fox | Published in 2024

In the vibrant world of nail artistry, Aigul Fritzke stands as a beacon of creativity and innovation. From her humble beginnings as an artist exploring various media to her current status as an industry expert, Aigul’s journey through the nail industry is a testament to her unwavering passion and dedication.

First venturing into the realm of nail art in 2005, Aigul was captivated and drawn in by the nail canvas as a new outlet for her artistic expression. With a background in sketching, painting, and photography, she eagerly embraced the opportunity to explore the intricate artistry of nail grooming. Enrolling in nail school in 2006, Fritzke embarked on a journey of skill development and self-discovery.

Initially operating from a small part-time studio, Aigul’s commitment to mastering her craft led her to transition to a full-time endeavor once her children were all in school. Renting space in a hair salon provided her with the platform to hone her skills and expand her clientele, setting the stage for her future success in the nail industry.

Throughout her journey, Aigul has found inspiration and guidance from industry mentors such as Alisha Rimando, Amy Becker, and Pisut Masanong. These mentors played a pivotal role in shaping her expertise in acrylic sculpture, gel application, and acrylic painting, respectively. With their guidance, she ventured into the realms of fantasy art and 3D sculpture, solidifying her reputation as a versatile and innovative nail artist.

A strong advocate for education and collaboration, Fritzke emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and knowledge sharing within the industry. Believing that there is always something new to learn, she encourages fellow artists to embrace opportunities for growth and exploration. “Who doesn’t want to be the best? There’s so much to learn in this business,” she enthuses. “At trainings, you meet other artists, and they all do nails differently. There’s so much to learn from each other, if we take the time and consideration to do so.

Aigul’s passion for competition has also played a significant role in her career, as she’s garnered numerous accolades on the international nail circuit and now serves as a judge herself. In 2019, she co-hosted the first Nailympia Canada, further solidifying her reputation as a leader and innovator in the industry.

As she looks to the future, she remains committed to inspiring and empowering aspiring nail professionals. “Try new techniques and don’t be scared to ask questions,” she advises, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and innovation in the pursuit of excellence.

With her unwavering dedication and boundless creativity, Aigul Fritzke continues to push the boundaries of nail artistry, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and inspiring generations of artists to come.

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GlossaryLive Pro Tips Need Nail Friends?
02 Feb
Pro Tips, Season 10

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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 Life on the Free Edge Alex Fox
02 Feb
Life on the Free Edge, Season 10

Alex Fox

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Alex Fox

Alex Fox, a journalist since 1993, began her career in photographic journalism. In 1998 she transitioned to the beauty world, working on the first UK trade nail magazine, Nails Plus. In 2003, Alex co-founded Scratch magazine, the UK's only trade title for nail professionals. During her role as editor, she introduced the first consumer nail title, Gloss, and expanded into the Middle East market with Scratch Middle East in 2014. In August 2021, Alex retired as the editor-in-chief at Scratch to focus on other nail industry projects including the launch of Glossarylive.com, alongside Nailympia Competitions as its global competition director. Alex's contributions to the industry include co-founding the Scratch Stars Awards in 2012 and has collaborated with industry professionals to create Nail Safari, a unique annual five-day education event. Currently sitting on the volunteer board of the UK's Federation of Nail Professionals (FNP), Alex remains dedicated to raising standards and celebrating global nail artists through her editorial role on GlossaryLive.com.

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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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Nails Café

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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GlossaryLive Master Class Angela Wilden Q&A
05 Jan
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Angela Wilden

This Master Class covers the stages necessary when creating and completing an extreme nail design. Award-winning nail artist and international master educator, Angela Wilden of Luxembourg, reveals her pathway from the design and application of the nail design to the filing, shaping and refining right up to, and including, the decoration of the nails in readiness for a photoshoot or fashion show.

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Alex Fox and Angela Wilden discuss the application ideas and techniqes that Angela has found useful in her journey to becoming an award-winnng extreme nail designing artist and expert in this nail art genre.

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GlossaryLive Blog, Newsworthy

Nailympia London

NEWSWORTHY

Nailympia London: Latest News

In an unforeseen development, Nailympia London introduces a new competition six weeks after the event has taken place

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

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