Judges From Around the World that Support Nailympia Competitions
2 Nailympia Judge
April Ryan
United States
Academy & Distribution| Influencer| Online training| Product Research & Development
Area of judging expertise: Acrylic Tip & Overlay, Sculpture, Stiletto Nails, Nail Poster, Salon Nails, Gel Polish Manicure & The Joy of Nails
Years as a judge: 3
Number of Nailympia events judged: 2
Nailympia events judged: Orlando
Are you an educator?: Yes
Industry accolades: 1. NailPro Readers Choice Award - Best Practice Hand
2. NTNA Season 3 - Week 3 winner - Haute Couture nails
3. Granvie competition (Russia) - 1st place - Nails for vacation
4. Charm competition (Russia) - 2nd place - Stiletto x 2 (different years)
Favourite nail brands: Red Iguana, RÉDI, Aprés Nails, Light Elegance
Industry figures you admire: Analuisa Franklin, Alex Fox, Annabel Maginnis, Mikey NotPolish (CEO) & Karolina Zuk.
Career biography: April Ryan is a visionary nail artist, entrepreneur & influential content creator who's journey in the beauty industry began in 2006. With a passion for nails & an eye for creativity, she transformed her talent into a multimillion-dollar enterprise, impacting millions through innovative products & an engaging online presence. April founded nail company, Red Iguana, offering healthy, hypoallergenic, cruelty-free & vegan nail products. April invented the silicone practice hand, transforming nail training for professionals & enthusiasts.
Personal biography: April Ryan is married to her soulmate, who has supported her in every venture. They have been happily married for 10 years & share their home with a beloved Pomeranian dog named Nicky. Living & running their business in Las Vegas, April balances her professional life with hobbies she loves. In her spare time, she enjoys playing video games, reading books & baking.
Why you believe in nail competitions?: I loved taking part in nail competitions because they pushed the boundaries of my creativity & showcased my unique artistic skills. These events motivated me to innovate & improve my techniques, keeping me at the forefront of the nail industry.
Nail competitions connected me with talented artists worldwide, fostering a sense of community & shared passion. These interactions inspired me & kept me updated with the latest trends & techniques. The feedback & recognition from judges & peers were invaluable for my growth as an artist.
Competitions challenged me to perform my best under strict guidelines & time constraints, honing my skills & efficiency. Winning awards boosted my confidence & credibility, establishing me as a leader in the nail art community.
Overall, nail competitions were a source of inspiration, growth & excitement, fuelling my passion for nail artistry & driving me to strive for excellence.
Advice to competitors: To all aspiring nail competitors, overcome your fears & embrace the journey.
Here are my key points of advice:
1. Face Your Fears: Don’t let fear hold you back. Competitions are about growth, learning & pushing your limits.
2. Make New Friends: Connect with fellow competitors & build a supportive community. Sharing experiences & techniques enriches your journey.
3. Don’t Fear Losing: Every loss is a lesson. Embrace it, learn from it & use it to improve your skills.
4. Start Now: There’s never a perfect time to start. Dive in & gain valuable experience from each competition.
5. Find a Good Educator: Seek out mentors & educators who can guide & inspire you. Their expertise will be invaluable toyour growth.
Remember, every competition is a stepping stone to becoming a better artist. Embrace the challenges, celebrate your progress & continue striving for excellence. Good luck!
Nail work
