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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Related videos, articles & glossary terms on GlossaryLive

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Visualizing the Perfect Nail

Many nail technicians find it hard to get consitancy and speed in their salon work or competition nails over time because they are working without visualizing the final outcome. Once you have the final look in your mind of what you want to acheive, the outcome on the hand becomes easier so every movement and motion is purposful.

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A nail professional for over 22 years, Emese specializes in sculptured pink & white acrylic nails, which she’s competed in since 1999. Trained by some of the best competitors the nail world has seen, including Tom Holcomb, Alisha Rimando, Tom Bachik & Trang Nguyen, Emese has accumulated over 120 trophies to her name. Moving to the USA in 2016, Emese opened a nail salon on Sunset Strip in LA & founded the nail product brand, EDKO Nail Systems, with nail expert Frederic Edange. Having had covers on three editions of the USA’s Nailpro magazine, Emese judges for Nailympia & wears the titles Champion in Monaco, Nailpro Cup USA 2018, four times European Champion in Munich & 10 times Hungarian Champion Tom Holcomb Cup winner.

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Upgrade your account to access this Premium
video and so much more educational content.

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Learn tricks on how to apply your nail form & getting the deepest C-curve, while adjusting your length based on exact measurements of the nail bed. Learn brush angles & expert tips on how to keep your smile line crisp & your product bubble-free, in this world-class competition training with champion nail professional, Emese Koppányi.

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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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Have questions, ask Emese!! Subscribers will have the opportunity to attend a LIVE forum to

Q&A with Emese Koppányi

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Emese Koppányi

A nail professional for over 22 years, Emese specializes in sculptured pink & white acrylic nails, which she’s competed in since 1999. Trained by some of the best competitors the nail world has seen, including Tom Holcomb, Alisha Rimando, Tom Bachik & Trang Nguyen, Emese has accumulated over 120 trophies to her name. Moving to the USA in 2016, Emese opened a nail salon on Sunset Strip in LA & founded the nail product brand, EDKO Nail Systems, with nail expert Frederic Edange. Having had covers on three editions of the USA’s Nailpro magazine, Emese judges for Nailympia & wears the titles Champion in Monaco, Nailpro Cup USA 2018, four times European Champion in Munich & 10 times Hungarian Champion Tom Holcomb Cup winner.

UPGRADE TO PREMIUM TO WATCH THIS VIDEO

Upgrade your account to access this Premium
video and so much more educational content.

Q&A with Emese Koppányi

In a live streamed event on the official GL Facebook page, Alex Fox posed questions on the topic of creating the perfect pink & white nails (using sculpting or tip & overlay techniques) to Emese.
This Ask Emese Q&A live event invited subscribers to the GlossaryLive Zoom forum to ask questions on the topic of nail competitions & beyond. Watch the Q&A here.

Q&A Monday 10 October 6pm GMT ( PST 10am / EDT 2pm / CST 12noon )

“It doesn't matter how long I've been competing, I always practice.”

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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A nail professional for over 22 years, Emese specializes in sculptured pink & white acrylic nails, which she’s competed in since 1999. Trained by some of the best competitors the nail world has seen, including Tom Holcomb, Alisha Rimando, Tom Bachik & Trang Nguyen, Emese has accumulated over 120 trophies to her name. Moving to the USA in 2016, Emese opened a nail salon on Sunset Strip in LA & founded the nail product brand, EDKO Nail Systems, with nail expert Frederic Edange. Having had covers on three editions of the USA’s Nailpro magazine, Emese judges for Nailympia & wears the titles Champion in Monaco, Nailpro Cup USA 2018, four times European Champion in Munich & 10 times Hungarian Champion Tom Holcomb Cup winner.

UPGRADE TO PREMIUM TO WATCH THIS VIDEO

Upgrade your account to access this Premium
video and so much more educational content.

Making The Red Nails, Filing & Finishing

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“Don't forget the hairline & sidelines when polishing the red nails.”

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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What it is: Often made of paper/mylar coated with adhesive backs, or pre-shaped plastic of aluminum; placed under the free edge and used to extend the nail enhancements beyond the fingertip for additional length.

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Alex Fox

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NAILYMPIA COMPETITIONS [neyl-em-pee-uh]

What it is: An international non-biased professional nail competition. It offers a wide range of technical and artistic categories across all skill levels. It has been running in the UK since 2005. Was started in Las Vegas, USA in Y2 by three brand owners: EzFlow, IBD & Too Much Fun.

When & where it’s hosted: Currently hosted in various countries annually (circa 2022: London, Germany, Mexico, USA) , as well as online versions. To learn more visit www.nailympia.com

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