In the Scratch hot seat, World Champion Nailist Joanna Bandurska

Alex Fox quizzes the 3^rd Nailympia Global Champion 2019 on her rise to industry notability.

Meet the Champion

Name: Joanna Bandurska
Location: Katowice, Poland
Business name: Centrum Szkoleniowe Joanna Bandurska (Training Centre by Joanna Bandurska)
Age: 29 years
Years in nails: 11 years
Favourite nail design: Pink & whites in gel and L&P acrylic & gel painting

Q: What year did you join the nail industry?
A: I’ve been styling nails since 2008. I was 18 years old at the time and knew right away that I wanted to do it as a career. I’ve been training since 2013 and have myself, now trained several thousand stylists from around the world.

Q: Who have you trained with and with which products?
A: I’ve learned from many. I’ve had the best education sessions with Madelene Wolf, David Fowler, Eva Darabos, Anna Pagel, Joanna Nawrocka, Vincenzo Russello, Adina Trojan and Marianna Sandor. They’ve all given me such a lot of technical and artistic knowledge that I’ve now developed my own style. I’ve worked with many different soak off systems, gels, acrylic, acrylic gel products, but my heart beats the most for Indigo Nails products. This brand meets my expectations and creates products that I care about.

Q: Why did you start competing?
A: It’s an obvious direction. For me, personal development is the most important thing in life. I love to set new goals and challenges for myself. I wanted to test my abilities and skills as they were judged. This constant assessment showed me what I needed to improve in my work. Every professional stylist should see their mistakes and strive to improve. I believe it motivates and develops skills and creativity.

Q: Where was your first competition and when?
A: My first championship was in Poland in November 2014. I won second place in the Nail Business French category. It was then that I realised I had to compete in more championships.

Q: Why did you choose to enter a Nailympia competition and when was your first?
A: Nailympia Competitions has always been associated with prestige. Stylists from all over the world take part in them; so that’s why I decided to started competing in London. It was a huge challenge for me, but I was I keen to see how the best stylists work.

Q: What year did you first come to Nailympia London?
A: My dream was to start in London, so I entered in 2015 and won a medal. This gave me an appetite for more!

Q: Why did you want to win the Nailympia Global Cup?
A: Because it’s simply the most important title in the world! I have in my collection 159 medals and cups from various worldwide championships; the only one I was missing was the most important one – the title of World Champion with the Nailympia Global Cup. I like to set the bar very high and decided to fight for this title. The Nailympia championship is very important to me. I’ve been participating in them (I’ve travelled to London, Sydney, Tallinn, Houston and Orlando locations) for four years and have accumulated 87 Nailympia medals! That’s over half of my collection! I love this championship for its different categories, judge selection and great atmosphere.

Q: You went to three locations in 2019 and four in 2018 – you were very serious in your desire to win…what motivated you at this level?
A: My subconscious told me I could do more, that I had to prove to myself that I could be better. I was competing with myself. Every championship was a science for me. I made mistakes, I analysed them and trained harder to correct them. I’m so proud of my progress. I worked hard day and night, focusing on how I could do better. There’s always something that can be improved, you just have to keep trying.

Q: How has competing changed your nail career – what positives have you experienced?
A: Taking part in the championships has taught me a lot of peace and patience – this is the key to my success. I’ve met many wonderful people who’ve supported me with many kind words. My success has brought many students to me and I’ve developed my skills, not only in nail styling, but also in knowledge that I now get to pass on to others. It gives me great pleasure and satisfaction. I’m now invited to academies around the world to present my training. It’s great and I’m very grateful.

Q: What advice would you give to anyone wanting to compete at Nailympia?
A: You definitely need to be very well prepared. Choose education or your mentor from people who know these championships and have won medals in them. The level is very high. However, the most important thing is that you get pleasure from participating. The championship is won by people who are passionate about nail styling. Learn to be patient and remain calm in stressful situations. Have fun and try to go beyond your limits!

Q: What will you do now, continue to compete, mentor or judge?
A: I’ll continue to educate and prepare stylists for nail championships, so they become the future champions. I’ll do this by creating new and innovative training programmes.
I’ve already acted as a judge and found it’s very hard work, but I believe I’m ready for this next step. I already have invitations for various competitions and since I know Nailympia inside out, I dream of being a judge in London.

Q: Tell me how you feel now you’re the world champion for nails?
A: Oh Alex, it’s amazing; it’s hard to describe! I feel fulfilled, I’ve achieved my highest goal, which I worked so hard for. It’s a great feeling to look at your own development, your personal progress and feel joy from it. I had a feeling 2019 would be my year – and it was. I love nails and enjoy my career.
I wish everyone this strong sense of self. Fight for your happiness and pursue your chosen goals, regardless of the defeats you encounter along the way.

Q: Tell me all about your academy, salon and future plans?
A: My academy and salon are in Katowice, Poland where currently three educators work with me. I deliver high standards and expect the same from my colleagues. My future plans will encompass trips around the world, developing education and creating exciting products for nail stylists. I want to introduce a fresh approach to this industry and show how much fun can be had. New training programmes, YouTube tutorials, and webinars are just some ideas I’m looking at, but I still have to keep some little secrets to myself.