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Industry, nails and everything in-between
Industry, nails and everything in-between
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.
As the sun begins to shine and flowers bloom, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of freshly done nails-especially when they’re adorned with a burst of vibrant colors, ushering in the joyful spirit of spring.
Introducing: ‘color pop’ nails. This trend is the epitome of transitional style, seamlessly guiding you from the depths of winter to the freshness of spring. Say goodbye to subdued hues and hello to an explosion of fun and personality. While sheer nail looks have dominated the scene in recent years, ‘color pop’ nails take it up a notch with their playful twist.
Pastels take center stage in this trend, but with a contemporary twist. Think modern shapes and unexpected color combinations with crystals that add an element of excitement to your fingertips. From soft pinks to baby blues, pastels undergo a chic transformation as they mingle with bold and contrasting shades.
According to industry experts, pops of color in nail trends often follow the seasons and reflect our changing moods. With spring in the air, there’s no better time to embrace the uplifting power of vibrant hues. Pastels remain perennial favorites, capturing the essence of the season’s renewal and rebirth.
Adding color to your nails also proffers a huge boost to your overall well being. The simple act of painting your nails in cheerful shades can be a form of self-care, providing a moment of relaxation and creativity in your day. Plus, seeing bright colors on your fingertips throughout the day serves as a constant reminder of the beauty and joy of the season.
Nail art is known for the power it wields for self-expression and individuality, empowering individuals to showcase their personality and creativity. Whether one opts for subtle pastels or bold and vibrant shades this spring, choose to reflect your unique style and mood.
Incorporating spring color nails into a self-care routine can help alleviate stress, reduce anxiety,and improve overall mental health. So, choose spring-inspired hues and let your nails become a source of joy and wellbeing. After all, a little splash of color can go a long way in brightening your day and nourishing your soul.
Whether you opt for a daring mix of colors or a subtle accent nail, ‘color pop’ nails are sure to inject a dose of energy and positivity into your look. So, why not let your nails be the canvas for your springtime adventures? Say goodbye to the winter blues and hello to a world of vibrant possibilities with this season’s hottest nail trend.
Are you a beauty professional looking to streamline your booking process and expand your client base? Or perhaps you’re a client seeking a hassle-free way to book appointments with top-notch beauty experts? Look no further than Beauterra – the revolutionary new app designed to simplify communication and booking between beauty artists/aestheticians and clients.
Launched on September 4, 2023, Beauterra is a free-to-use platform that caters to a wide range of beauty services, including nail, hair, barbering, brows, lashes, make-up, massage, and aesthetics. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer in the industry, Beauterra offers a seamless experience for both parties.
For beauty professionals, listing services and appointment times is a breeze. Simply download the app, register with your expertise, provide your business address, or specify mobile services and covered areas. Once registered, you can easily manage your availability through the integrated calendar, importable from your smartphone’s calendar app. Additionally, you can showcase your work through photos, allowing clients to explore your styles and offerings before booking.
“The listings and bookings calendar reduces the need for multiple apps and simplifies the experience for both artists and clients,” says Natalie Lomakina, the visionary behind Beauterra. Natalie’s personal struggle to find a reliable nail artist inspired her to create a platform that connects clients with independent beauty professionals seamlessly.
Development for Beauterra began in May 2023, with Natalie, joined by co-founder Andreea Simona Ignat, an award-winning nail artist, and Valery Ponomarenko, a seasoned mobile app developer. Together, they envisioned a platform that caters to the diverse needs of both beauty professionals and clients.
Beauterra not only simplifies the booking process but also prioritizes user experience. Clients can easily browse through a list of beauty professionals, check their availability, and make bookings with just a few taps. The app also includes a client rating system, allowing users to leave feedback for fellow professionals.
“With Beauterra, we aim to create a beauty universe where every enthusiast – pro or client – can fulfil their beauty and wellbeing goals via a single app,” cites Natalie.
But Beauterra doesn’t stop there. The team behind the app is constantly innovating, with plans to introduce new features such as auto-booking, salon bookings, subscription services, and the ability to buy and sell courses all coming soon to the platform. Beauterra is not just an app; it’s a comprehensive solution that revolutionizes the beauty industry.
So whether you’re a beauty professional looking to expand your clientele or a client seeking top-tier beauty services, download Beauterra today and experience the future of beauty booking. Say goodbye to tedious booking processes and hello to a world of beauty at your fingertips.
In the ever-evolving landscape of retail, adaptation is not just a strategy, but a necessity. For one niche distributor of premium nail products, Gina Silvestro of Gel Essentialz, this journey has been both exciting and transformative. What started as a modest online store nestled within the confines of a salon has now blossomed into a bustling distribution center, offering a unique shopping experience for both online and in-person customers.
“Previously, the distribution business operated as an online store, with the office and stockroom situated in the lower level of the salon,” relays Gina. “Initially specializing in Akzentz, the business now offers Erica’s, Profiles, Luminary, HD Pro, Light Elegance, Ugly Duckling, Staleks, Nippon Nippers, Kokoist & Nail Thoughts brands, therefore, as it’s burgeoned we needed more space, which prompted a search for new premises.”
The quest for a new location led Gina to a serendipitous discovery. “The building adjacent to my residence was up for lease. Formerly a real estate office, its layout and potential were ripe for transformation into a vibrant storefront. And so, we breathed new life into the space and fashioned it into a new nail distribution store.
“Situated just two miles from the salon, the new storefront seamlessly complements the established business. With a dedicated shipping room, offices, and ample retail space, it offers a welcoming environment for customers to peruse products. Moreover, the proximity to the salon facilitates synergistic opportunities, fostering cohesion within our operations.
“Speaking of the salon,” Gina continues. “It remains an integral part of our enterprise, housing six full-time nail techs and one hair stylist with the lower level serving as warehouse storage. Additionally, the salon serves a dual purpose as a classroom, where we conduct hands-on classes on Sundays and Mondays.”
Speaking of her commitment to customer care, Gina emphasizes, “At the heart of the business lies a steadfast commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Specializing exclusively in 100% gel nail products, the team takes pride in offering unparalleled expertise and guidance. With a team of dedicated professionals trained to assist customers in selecting products tailored to their needs, as well as providing comprehensive product knowledge and troubleshooting support, we strive to exceed expectations.”
Taking up nails in 1990, Gina was working full-time as a nail tech at the age of just 17. Hungry for knowledge and skills, Gina’s career has seen her collaborate with renowned artists, grace the nails of A-list celebrities, work as an global educator, international judge and feature in numerous industry magazines. Adding a newly fashioned distribution business alongside her salon and academy Gina, alongside daughters Miranda and Madison, provides high quality gel nail products with continuing support and education. “My goal is to continue building this business offering the highest quality gel nail products and supporting education to nail pros in my area. As I’ve learned over the years, when you are truly passionate about your career the possibilities are endless,” Gina asserts.
In 1995, Alisha Rimando began her journey in the nail industry, quickly transitioning to become an educator. Inspired by World Champion Tom Holcomb, she traveled the world as an educator, competitor, and hand model, eventually earning her own World Championship title in 2005. Moving to New York in 2008, she contributed to the 6th edition of Milady Nail Technology and authored numerous textbooks. Alisha also worked as a session artist for magazines and designers at NY Fashion Week. She spent three years as Training Director at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas before returning to teaching following Holcomb’s passing in 2011. With over 25 years of experience, she now shares her expertise through GlossaryLive, a project honoring her mentor and celebrating nail artists worldwid
Apply Bonding Gel, then cure in the LED Cure BOX for 5-seconds.
Apply Iris You Were Mine then, cure in the LED Cure Box for 30-seconds. Repeat for second coat.
Apply Glossing Gel then cure in the LED CURE BOX for 30-seconds. Cleanse with Nail Surface Cleanser & a lint-free wipe.
Apply a small bead of Artistic Rock Hard L&P in Artistic White using a # 10 Oval L&P Brush to the nail surface & shape into a flower petal. Repeat for two additional petals.
Apply You Grow Girl! using the Artistic Striping Brush on each petal, working your way from the inside of the flower out. Then cure in the LED CURE BOX for 30-seconds.
Apply a drop of Bonding Gel to the center of the flower & use Artistic sani tongs to apply pearls & crystals to create the center piece. Then cure in the LED CURE BOX for 5-seconds.
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Saweetie dazzles in Paris with her latest nail art, featuring nude-pink polish and gemstones, perfectly paired with Chanel accessories. Her fusion of hip-hop glamour and high-fashion elegance once again turns heads in the City of Lights. Known for her bold nail designs, Saweetie’s latest creation showcases her unique style, blending sophistication with edginess. With her arrival in Paris, she continues to set trends and make a statement in the world of fashion. Saweetie’s style fusion seamlessly merges hip-hop allure with haute couture sophistication.
The rapper, renowned for her extravagant and attention-grabbing nail designs, harmonized refinement with boldness, making a definitive style statement. Accessorizing with a cream-hued Chanel handbag, Saweetie successfully blends luxury fashion with her unique personal style. Her adeptness at pairing high-end fashion pieces with daring nail art, positions Saweetie as a trendsetter in both music and fashion circles.Saweetie’s nails transcend mere aesthetics; they epitomize her identity as we see throughout her career, she’s explored various nail lengths, shapes, styles and designs yet has consistently favored strikingly long, stiletto-shaped nails.
As Saweetie continues to explore and express her distinctive style through her nails and fashion choices, her influence transcends the realm of music, solidifying her status as a fashion icon.
The artful journey of award-winning nail artist Giselle Caballero, a nail professional in passionate pursuit of creativity on 10 tiny canvases In the dynamic world of nail artistry, Giselle Caballero stands out as a trailblazer whose journey began in 2009 upon her arrival in Canada. Her story is one of self-discovery, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of creativity. From an initial interest in graphic design to becoming a celebrated nail artist and educator, Giselle’s evolution in the industry reflects her commitment to excellence and continuous growth.
Giselle’s creative spirit has always been evident, as she enjoyed painting, drawing, and working with her hands from a young age. Pursuing a career in graphic design, she found herself yearning for a more hands-on form of artistic expression. The transition to nails provided the perfect outlet for her creativity, allowing her to craft miniature art pieces on tiny canvases. As Giselle explored the world of nail grooming, it quickly transformed from a means to supplement income during a job search to a fully-fledged passion and career.
The establishment of her business, EGO Beauty marked a turning point in Giselle’s career. Focused on providing top-notch quality, unique designs, and personalized styles, she built her reputation on pillars of excellence – prioritizing service quality, cleanliness, correct technique, and high standards. Giselle’s dedication to creating a welcoming environment for clients and students alike has been integral to shaping EGO Beauty’s identity.
For Giselle, nails are not just a job; they are a passion that extends to educating others. As an educator, she’s developed techniques and tailored curricula to share her knowledge and skills with fellow enthusiasts in the nail industry. Giselle finds joy in fostering a supportive learning environment, encouraging her students’ development, and continually upgrading her own skills to share the latest techniques with them. If Giselle could change anything about the industry, it would be to advocate for more accessible education. Bridging the gap between novice and experienced professionals by ensuring quality training and continuous learning opportunities, she feels would elevate the overall standards of the nail industry.
From starting at home to opening her private studio and academy, Giselle’s journey is marked by milestones. Winning the championship in NAILS Next Top Nail Artist Season 7 was a pinnacle moment that opened doors for collaborations and projects beyond her initial scope and have given her untold opportunities since, proving that putting yourself out there can pay dividends to one’s career. A day in the life of Giselle revolves around a simple mantra: eat, sleep, nails, repeat. Her days start with breakfast before immersing herself in various nail-related tasks at her studio. From managing social media to working on class materials and planning new designs, Giselle’s commitment to her craft is evident. Living and breathing nails, she finds genuine enjoyment in her daily rituals behind the nail desk. Kindness and empathy are the guiding principles of Giselle’s life. Recognizing the diverse journeys of individuals and offering support in the form of encouragement or love are crucial to building a strong and supportive community.
Giselle offers this advice to aspiring nail professionals, “Stay passionate, keep learning, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and build a supportive network within the nail community. Continuous education is key, and letting creativity shine is essential for a fulfilling career.” Giselle attributes her success to the combination of passion, perseverance, and hard work. Staying focused, pressing on through challenges, and continually improving are the driving forces behind her achievements.
Looking ahead to 2024, Giselle aims to expand her team, enhance her educational programs, and contribute to the industry’s growth. She aspires to push creative boundaries, explore collaborations with influential brands, and foster a community of skilled and inspired nail professionals while continuously evolving her own skills and techniques. Actively embracing change by keeping up with trends, evolving techniques, and incorporating new technologies, Giselle has found that adapting to shifts in client preferences and industry advancements ensures that her skills align with the ever-changing nail industry. And speaking of the current nail trends in Canada, Giselle reveals, “The most popular nail trends right now are cat eyes (velvet nails), airbrush (aura nails), and minimalist styles, which are all currently dominating the Canadian nail industry,” she smiles.
Watch LIVE interview with Alex Fox
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Giselle Caballero openly speaks to Alex Fox about how nails became her passion and why she opened Ego Beauty Academy & Studio in 2015.
Maximizing your time during a nail appointment while creating exciting designs can be challenging if you’re not prepared.
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.
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.
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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Driven by a powerful love of the nail industry, the UK’s Hazel Dixon has trained with a vast amount of international nail experts over the years & taken this knowledge to create an inspirational education program.
UK champion & multi-award-winning nail artist Hazel Dixon, demonstrates the delicate & skilled stages of sculpting a dragon-shaped nail. Hazel shares her secrets to styling the nail using an airbrush gun to paint a flush ombré & completes the design by sculpting 3D roses & leaves for a full-blown mixed media nail art sculpture.
Catch a wave & create this chrome effect nail style in 6 short steps crafted by UK nail champion, Hazel Dixon.
Have you heard of one step gel? We had a chance to try HD One by international nail star, Hazel Dixon, to show you just how easy & speedy the one step gel can be! Want one color with no base or top coat? Then check out this show to find out more…
Under Tammy’s leadership, NAF! has become a premier destination for clients seeking top-quality beauty services, products and education. The brand has hosted events for, and collaborated with, clients including Swarovski, Topshop, H&M, Debenhams, VIEVE & Tequila Rose and NAF! Stuff products grace the shelves of over 2,000+ salons worldwide.
This year, NAF! Salon has returned to its roots and re-launched as a beauty community space offering chair rentals for all aspects of beauty. Clients will be able to access a diverse range of services from independent artists and beauty professionals who can come together and thrive in a collaborative environment.