Posts by Alex Fox
Competitor Spotlight…Francesca Paliotto Wins the 3rd Nailympia European Cup 2024
In 2024, Francesca Paliotto claimed the prestigious title of the 3rd Nailympia European Cup winner, receiving her award on the esteemed Nailympia London stage. This competition, renowned for its rigorous evaluation and judging criteria, determines its European champion based on scores from four key categories: Stiletto, Joy of Nails, Salon Nails and Reality Nails.
The Nailympia European Cup rotates across major beauty industry events, with active locations currently at Nailympia Germany hosted by Beauty Düsseldorf and the UK’s Nailympia London hosted at Pro Beauty Autumn 2025). The cup is presented at the London event, solidifying the competition’s status as a pinnacle of excellence in the nail industry.
Hailing from Ferrara, a city in northern Italy, Francesca’s journey into the world of nails began at just 12 years old, driven by pure passion. Six years ago, she took a significant step by opening her own nail studio, marking the start of her professional career. Her dedication to the craft led her to train with various educators, but she credits her mentor, Italy’s award-winning Deborah Cocco, as a fundamental influence in her journey through nail competitions.
“I love everything about nails, from the simplest salon manicures to the most technical and complex works,” Francesca shares. Her success in competitions is rooted in her relentless training, keen attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement. She believes that every small mistake presents an opportunity to refine her skills further.
Francesca finds immense motivation in competing against the best nail artists worldwide. “Meeting and comparing myself with top competitors is invaluable – you always learn something new,” she says. Her advice to aspiring competitors is clear, “Train hard and always believe in your abilities.”
Winning the Nailympia European Cup is a milestone that Francesca holds dear, as it symbolises the rewards of her hard work and sacrifices. This achievement has significantly contributed to her personal and professional growth, reinforcing her belief in perseverance and dedication.
Francesca has a particular preference for UV hard gel and acrygel systems, as they were the first techniques she mastered and feels most comfortable working with. Looking ahead, she plans to expand her academy’s training courses and participate in more competitions, though she prefers to embrace opportunities as they come rather than plan too rigidly.
Francesca remains optimistic about the future of the nail industry, believing that it will continue to evolve with innovative techniques. One thing is certain – she will keep competing, as the experience not only enhances her skills but also brings an unmatched sense of accomplishment and excitement.
After dedicating the past two years to competitions, Francesca acknowledges the challenges but affirms, “Even though it was hard, I did it.” With her unwavering determination and love for the craft, there is no doubt that she will continue to leave her mark on the global nail competition scene. We look forward to seeing more stunning nail work from Francesca in 2025.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558412801294
IG: francesca.paliotto
Pivot Point & Nailympia Webinar: Insights into The Competition Arena
WATCH via this link: using Passcode – LB6*#7dJ – to access the video
The recent 90-minute Nailympia webinar hosted by education platform Pivot Point, featured Buddy Sims, learning experience (LX) specialist at Pivot Point and Alex Fox, global director of Nailympia Competitions. This session provided an in-depth look at Nailympia’s past, present and future, along with expert advice for competitors looking to enter this prestigious nail competition circuit.
Nailympia: A Global Phenomenon
Originally launched as the Nail Olympics in 2000 Las Vegas, Nailympia has grown into a globally recognised competition, owned by Scratch maagzine.
After discussing it’s 20-year long history and relationship to Scratch magazine, Alex Fox highlighted the first competition of the year, Nailympia Anaheim, (23-24 February at Premiere Anaheim), discussing how it compares to other locations and how themes vary across different events. Alex also covered the 2025 competition calendar, including opportunities for international competitors to participate remotely.
Competition Categories & Judging Standards
The webinar detailed the competition structure, including:
- Various categories available at Anaheim & other locations
- Thematic differences across different Nailympia locations.
- Eligibility based on three-division tier system of competing
- Digital & online integration for remote competitors.
To ensure fair judging, Nailympia follows strict guidelines and regulations, ensuring personal biases do not impact results. Judges adhere to standardised scoring methods and all participants must comply with clear competition rules.
Competing at Nailympia: What You Need to Know
For those preparing to compete, the webinar provided valuable insights:
- Preparation & training tips.
- Materials & tools provided during the event.
- Available support for competitors.
- Common mistakes & expert advice from judges.
- Feedback process after the competition
- Where to source a coach/mentor
Website Walkthrough
The webinar concluded with a guided tour of the Nailympia website, highlighting essential sections such as:
- The free downloadable competition guidelines
- FAQ.
- Event itinerary, rules & costs.
- News, picture galleries, judges’ profiles & trophies.
With its rich history, transparent judging and commitment to fostering nail artistry, Nailympia continues to be a premier competition in the beauty industry. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned pro, this competition offers a platform to showcase talent, gain recognition and be part of a global nail community.
Navigating Nail Competitions: Skills, Strategies & Success with Pivot Point /Nailympia webinar
On Wednesday 5 February at 6 PM GMT, Pivot Point will host an exciting webinar led by Buddy Sims, Learning Experience (LX) Specialist, in collaboration with Alex Fox and Vitaly Solomonoff. This online event will dive into the Nailympia competition, its roots, its ethos and its direction for 2025. The host Buddy Sims will also join the esteemed judging panel at Nailympia Anaheim on 23 February at Premiere Anaheim.
Buddy Simms, Pivot Point – Nailympia Anaheim judge
This virtual interview promises to provide an in-depth exploration of Nailympia. Topics will include the history and unique qualities of Nailympia, an overview of the competition categories, and invaluable advice for participants. Additionally, attendees will receive insights into what judges are looking for and get a guided tour of the Nailympia website to locate essential resources.
Joining Buddy Sims are Alex Fox, Nailympia’s organiser, and Vitaly Solomonoff, a nail expert and judge, who will bring their expertise to the room to enrich the discussion. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a first-timer, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge you need to join the circuit.
Vitaly Solomonoff of Cleanestiq. Nailympia international judge
Meet Buddy Sims
Buddy Sims is a seasoned expert with over a decade of experience in the beauty industry. He began his career as a Nails Subject Matter Expert, achieving recognition as both a finalist and judge for Next Top Nail Artist. Over the years, Buddy has worked with distributors, manufacturers and cosmetology boards. He has also owned a salon and holds an educator’s license.
Currently, as the Learning Experience Specialist at Pivot Point International, Buddy channels his vast knowledge to support beauty professionals, educators and students. His passion lies in fostering growth, success and innovation within the industry by combining effective teaching methodologies with cutting-edge technology.
Join this webinar to benefit from Buddy’s wealth of experience and to prepare yourself for success in the competitive and rewarding world of Nailympia. Click here to join the webinar – Here is the Registration Link!
102N_CVR_CBK_EN
The Team Behind Nailympia China Opens a New Era in Nail Art Culture in Shanghai
The highly anticipated Nailympia China event is making waves in the global nail industry by not only hosting its first-ever international nail championship for the region and adding a fresh new location to the Nailympia family, but also spearheading the launch of China’s first Nail Art Museum. This initiative, led by the Nailympia China team, is set to revolutionise the landscape of nail artistry by celebrating its heritage, techniques and future innovations. By bringing together world-class nail artists and fostering international collaborations, the team behind Nailympia China is solidifying its position as a leader in nail artistry, awareness and education.
A Cultural Milestone for Nail Art
Kimi Zhang Tao, creator of the NAil Art Museum & host of Nailympia China, owner of Muzer
The Nail Art Museum is the brainchild of Kimi Zhang Tao, a respected leader in the nail industry. With years of expertise and a deep passion for nail artistry, Kimi has played a pivotal role in shaping the museum’s vision. Her goal is to create a space that not only honours the history and evolution of nail art but also fosters a global exchange of creativity and innovation. Through her leadership, the museum has become a hub for education, artistic expression and industry advancement. The Nail Art Museum is more than just an exhibition space – it is a testament to the rich history and ever-evolving techniques of nail artistry. By showcasing the works of world-renowned competition champions, bloggers, designers and artists, the museum provides a platform for creatives from all over the globe to share their artistry and vision.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore nail art’s deep-rooted traditions while witnessing cutting-edge innovations. Exhibits highlight the cultural significance of nail art, transforming it from a personal beauty choice into a collective experience that blends fashion, craftsmanship and wellness.
The museum also aims to educate visitors on product ingredients, the science behind hand care and the importance of maintaining healthy nails. This holistic approach fosters a deeper appreciation for the artistry and techniques that have shaped the nail industry.
MUZER: The High-End Brand Leading a New Nail Art Trend
As an extension of the museum’s mission, Muzer a premium professional nail brand – introduces a revolutionary concept known as “Slip-on Nail Art.” This innovative take on press-on nails aligns with MUZER’s mission to ‘co-create a healthy and aesthetic life for all humanity’.
With a focus on health and beauty, Muzer is collaborating with top laboratories to create nail products that are both stylish and safe. From high-quality press-on nails to a range of professional nail tools, Muzer continues to redefine the boundaries of nail fashion and self-care.
A Spectacular Touring Exhibition in Suzhou
To celebrate the launch of the museum, the first touring exhibition will be held at the Suzhou Center, featuring a stunning display of nail artistry from both Chinese and international artists. Visitors will embark on a visual journey that blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary innovations.
Chinese nail artists will showcase designs inspired by iconic cultural artworks, including interpretations of the famous painting Along the River During the Qingming Festival. Meanwhile, international artists like Mino Vo from the UK will present avant-garde creations such as the ‘Twin Headed Dragon’ nail sculpture, alongside Hazel Dixon’s enchanting The Adventure of Alice collection. These exhibits will highlight the fusion of global influences, demonstrating the artistry that transforms nails into miniature canvases of cultural expression.
Shaping the Future of Nail Culture
The establishment of the Nail Art Museum represents a significant milestone in the global beauty industry, blending history, culture and innovation in one groundbreaking institution. As it continues to grow, the museum aims to elevate the recognition of nail art as a legitimate and celebrated art form on the global stage.
Meanwhile, Muzer is set to revolutionise the market with its high-end press-on nail products, encouraging a shift towards health-conscious and stylish nail solutions. Together, the Nail Art Museum and Muzer are championing a new era in nail culture – one that embraces both beauty and wellbeing.
For those eager to witness this artistic revolution firsthand, the museum is located at:
The China Nail Art Museum will be located on 9th Floor, Building 5, Huiwang East Road, Jiading District, Shanghai.
For more information, email: nailmuseum@muzercn.com
Muzer is to host the first Nailympia China competition, 8-10 May 2025 in Shanghai. Click here to learn more.
Nailympia Anaheim – registration is open for the first Nailympia of 2025
Unleash Your Inner Artist: Nailympia Anaheim 2025 Art Themes Announced!
Step into the vibrant world of creativity and innovation at Nailympia Anaheim 2025. This is your chance to push the boundaries of nail artistry and showcase your skills on a global platform. With four thrilling turn-in categories, each designed to ignite your imagination, Nailympia promises to be a celebration of bold ideas, masterful techniques and captivating designs.
Runway Nails
Craft a story that’s as dazzling as the runway itself! Submit three nail tips presented on a moodboard that captures your inspiration journey – exploring ideas, colours, textures and creative evolution. Let your moodboard be your narrative, where each nail tells a chapter of your artistic vision. It’s all about showing the synergy between concept and execution.
Reality Nails
Bring your imagination to life with three nails showcasing the given themes. Adhered to a printed sheet provided by Nailympia, these designs must communicate your interpretation and artistic flair. This category challenges you to make a bold statement within a structured format – think of it as your masterpiece in miniature!
To Stiletto & Beyond – 1 Extreme Nail
Go big or go home. This category is all about one long, extreme nail – an unapologetic showstopper. Whether placed on an artificial nail, a sleek plinth or standing solo, this is your opportunity to create a nail that transcends the ordinary. Push your skills and creativity to the edge – literally!
Flat Art
Celebrate detail and precision with 10 nails arranged with a small gap between each one. Using five different nail sizes, this category challenges you to play with dimensions and design cohesiveness while letting your imagination run wild across the set.
Extreme Nail Styling Poster
Take your artistry beyond nails with this highly visual category. Submit your high-resolution JPEG two weeks before the event to showcase your skills in creating an eye-catching, professional-grade poster. This is your moment to merge nails, photography and graphic design into a true work of art.
✨ Why Enter?
This is your time to shine, connect with like-minded artists, and elevate nail artistry to new heights. Whether you’re competing for the thrill, the accolades or the inspiration, Nailympia Anaheim 2025 offers a stage for you to leave your mark. Don’t just watch the industry evolve and be part of the revolution!
🎨 Ready to take the leap? Secure your spot, unleash your creativity and let your artistry be seen on the world’s most exciting nail stage!
Registrations are open for Anaheim (Feb), Germany (March) & China (May)
Here’s the links…
Nailympia Anaheim – https://www.premiereanaheimshow.com/en/education/competitions.html
Nailympia Germany – https://www.signature-nail.com/en/nailympia-germany-2025/
Nailympia China – https://www.nailympia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/NAILYMPIA-CHINA-2025_Registration-form_for-web.pdf
Nailympia 2025 locations revealed
The world-renowned Nailympia competition has officially announced its locations for the 2025 season, with the first event set to take place at the Premiere Anaheim trade show in Anaheim, California. Scheduled for February, this marks an exciting start to a year packed with talent, creativity and global participation in nail artistry.
As part of the esteemed Premiere Show Group, Nailympia Anaheim will attract nail technicians, artists and industry professionals from around the globe, offering a platform to showcase unparalleled skill and innovation. Nailympia continues to hold its place as the ultimate competition for nail professionals, celebrated for its non-biased judging system and commitment to fairness.
Nailympia’s Unique Approach to Competition
Nailympia has built its reputation as a competition free from brand influence, ensuring that skill and creativity are at the forefront of its judging criteria. It caters to all skill levels and its evolved judging system remains true to its founding principles:
- Blind Judging: All competitions are judged anonymously. Judges have no knowledge of the competitor whose work they are assessing, ensuring fairness and transparency.
- Unified Divisions: Competitors from all divisions are judged together based on merit, allowing for instances where a Division 1 competitor can outscore higher divisions.
- Skill-Centric: Nailympia evaluates competitors purely on their technical skills and artistic creativity, making it an open playing field for all participants, regardless of the brands or systems they use.
Expanding the 2025 Schedule
While six confirmed locations are already in place, Nailympia is exploring the possibility of adding a second event in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, for 2025. This expansion aligns with the competition’s global mission of reaching new markets and providing opportunities for nail artists worldwide.
The Origins of Nailympia
Nailympia’s roots trace back to The Nail Olympics USA, a competition founded in 2001 in Las Vegas. Created by three organisations—IBD (run by Lee Tomlinson), Too Much Fun (Dianne D’Agnolo & James Johnson), and EZ Flow (David Daniel & Danny Haile) – its concept was revolutionary:
- Competitors could use any system or brand.
- Judging would be division-based and anonymous, ensuring fairness.
- Skill levels would determine divisions, with competitors ranked only after judging was complete.
This ethos laid the foundation for Nailympia, which was later introduced to London in 2005, with Alex Fox – then editor-in-chief of Scratch Magazine – serving as the global competition director.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As Nailympia prepares to dazzle audiences once again, it reaffirms its commitment to showcasing exceptional talent, fostering creativity and maintaining a fair and inclusive environment. Whether in Anaheim, Ho Chi Minh City, or its other global stops, Nailympia 2025 promises to be a thrilling year for competitors.
New rules & score sheets can be viewed on this website www.nailympia.de
Nail imagery for 2025 – with thanks to Elena Popova
Nails – Elena Popova @popovaelena_nfp
Photographer – Elena Gelberg @pena_litrova
Make-Up Artist – Varvara Tabutarova @varvara_tabu
Hair Stylist – Ksenia Golubeva @ksenja_golubeva
Model – Alina Philipskaya @alina__0606
NEW Rules & Scoresheets for 2025
The Nailympia team is thrilled to announce new rules and score sheets for 2025!
This comprehensive revamp addresses common competition questions, unifies Nailympia events worldwide and offers clearer guidance for all participants. The rules have been refined and score sheets have been updated to align with these improvements.
All competitors are encouraged to read the updated rules to maximise their scoring potential. Notably, the UV Gel Pink & White and Acrylic Liquid & Powder competitions have been restructured, allowing competitors to select their preferred technique – whether Tip & Overlay or Sculpture. These are now called “UV Gel (or Acrylic) Pink & White Competition Nails.” Additionally, the Salon Nails category no longer requires a feature design on the ring finger.
More judges will now be present in each booth to focus on specific scoring aspects, benefiting both judges and competitors. Time adjustments have been made to some competitions, with certain categories receiving more time and others slightly less.
Be sure to review the updated rules and score sheets at http://www.nailympia.de to stay informed on all changes.
Registration is open for Nailympia Anaheim (February 2025) and Nailympia Germany (March 2025).
Nailympia 2025
Nailympia Premiere Anaheim, CA, USA – 23-24 February
Nailympia Germany, Dusseldorf – 28-29 – 30 March
Nailympia China., Pudong, Shanghai – 8-9-10 May
Nailympia Premiere Orlando, FL, USA – 1-2 June
Nailympia Premiere San Antonio, TX, USA – 28-29 September
Nailympia Vietnam – TBA-
Nailympia London – 12- 13 October – Pro Beauty Autumn
Lecah Maloney, Competitor from Trinidad & Tobago Stars in Local Media
Nailympia Orlando gold medal champion Lecah Maloney from Trinidad & Tobago was highlighted in two of her local media when arriving back home after the event.
https://newsday.co.tt/2024/06/09/trini-nail-tech-wins-big-at-international-competition/
Introducing the Nail Beauty Championship 2025
The dates for this event in 2025 – are 12-13 April for the Beauty Congress & 15-16 April for the Nail Competition in Belgrade. Alex Fox will be attending this event as a speaker on the importance of nail competitions and standards in the nail industry & as a guest to support the nail competition.
The Nail Beauty Championship, founded in Serbia by Ivana Todorović and Ivana Janjić Djukić, is set to revolutionise the Balkan nail industry and leads with the motto – Together We Are Stronger. Building on the success of the first Nail Beauty Congress, this competition aims to elevate and transform the local nail scene.
With decades of combined experience, the founders have gathered top talent and expertise from around the world to judge and direct.The championship features a range of competitive categories, judged by industry leaders and Nailympia international judges like Zrinka Vuksan Bolancha, Sergey Lavrukhin, Russello Vincenzo, Linn Himberg-Larsen and Oana Flutur with Dijana Vasović and Jelena Kragić – serving the floor.
Arena categories include Gel Polish Manicure, Men’s Manicure (Dark Era), Pink & White, 5 Forms, Salon Almond (Gucci), and Stiletto Nails. With offline competitions comprising Extreme Nail Poster, Poster Salon Manicure, One Nail in Focus, Tip Box Mix Media and Flat Art Tip Box Design.
For more details, visit Nail Beauty Congress Championship https://nailbeautycongresschampionship.com or follow on Instagram @nbc.congress.championship.
Nail Nations Championship 2024: A Celebration of Global Nail Artistry
The Nailympia team is pleased to support the inaugural Nail Nations Championship, an international showcase of nail artistry and technique, set to take place at Paris Disneyland on 28-29 September 2024. Organised by Nail Art France Events, this prestigious event, is led by president Cécilia Gimenez and judges president Tatiana Litvinov, international Nailympia judge.
Competitors from around the globe are invited to register for this unique championship, which offers a platform to exhibit exceptional skills and creativity. With participation from every continent, this is a rare opportunity to represent your country and impress a distinguished panel of judges.
The arena technical events on offer feature pink & whites, Stiletto and Free Form Style, with 12 seats available per event.
The online nail art contests present diverse themes such as The 5 Elements of Feng Shui and Ancient Egyptian Jewellery with 15 seats available per theme. The online date for submission is 4 November, so there’s plenty of time to get your entry ready.
Inspired by the spirit of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the championship includes:
Saturday 28 September 28: Morning: Pink & White competition with the Stiletto nail art challenge in the afternoon. On Sunday 29 September Free Form Style on one nail will start the day and the afternoon will host the awards ceremony at 2:30pm.
A team of international experts, including Nailympia Germany’s Stefanie Lo Ré, will evaluate each participant. Judging follows Olympic-style scoring with gold, silver and bronze medals. Points from the medals will determine the Nation’s Championship podium, recognising the top countries in nail art and technical skills.
For event rules and registration details, visit the Nail Art France Events link below. Register soon to secure your place on this global celebration of nail artistry. The total points from all the events will also contribute to a special nation ranking.
https://nailartfrance-events.fr
