Judges From Around the World that Support Nailympia Competitions
5 Nailympia Judge
Giselle Caballero
Canada
Academy| Salon| Session Stylist
Area of judging expertise: Salon nails, nail art, trends, embellishments
Years as a judge: 4
Number of Nailympia events judged: 5
Nailympia events judged: Orlando, Mexico, Online
Are you an educator?: Yes
Industry accolades: One of my proudest achievements is to have participated in one of the most intensive nail art competitions, Nails Next to Nail Artist (S.7) & emerged as the winner. This competition spanned about 6 months & featured a series of complex challenges across various categories & levels of difficulty. Top nail artists from all over the world displayed their exceptional talent & creativity.
What sets this competition apart is its well-rounded format, showcasing a mix of knowledge in nail art, structure, trends, videography, editing, social media & educational content. The event included intricate designs, innovative techniques & mastery of the latest trends in nail art. Competing alongside such talented individuals was an incredible experience & I'm honoured to have my work recognised by the esteemed panel of judges.
Winning this competition is a testament to my dedication & passion for nails.
Favourite nail brands: CND, Ugly Duckling, Light Elegance
Industry figures you admire: I'm grateful for my fellow artists who have inspired me along the way such as @helennail_yeg for her incredible attention to detail & creativity, @kirstymeakin who first sparked my interest in nails & continues to remind me of the joy in our industry. @getbuffednails who first inspired me to compete after seeing her work in NTNA. And of course @janarnoldcnd, a true leader in the industry & our community, visionary & always dedicated to growing & elevating the world of nails.
Career biography: In 2015, Giselle established Ego Beauty Academy & Studio, where she offers cutting-edge training, education & services in nailcare & trends. As a salon owner, she prides herself on delivering personalised, professional services of the highest quality.
Giselle's talent was recognised on a grand scale when she won the title of NAILS Next Top Nail Artist for Season 7, earning the competition's largest cash prize ever. Following her victory, she joined the judging panels of other internationally acclaimed nail & beauty competitions, including NAILS Next Top Nail Artist & Nailympia. She also offers specialised training & has collaborated with Beauty Changes Lives as a mentor, an organisation dedicated to elevating the beauty industry & promoting education & career opportunities.
Beyond being a master nail technician, Giselle is an independent educator, content creator, and editorial nail artist, collaborating with top brands while continuing to teach, create, and inspire.
Personal biography: Originally from Mexico City, Giselle Caballero took a leap of faith by relocating to Canada. Giselle has always been artistic & creative. From a young age, she enjoyed painting, drawing & crafting, which led her to study graphic design in Mexico. After moving to Canada, she attended college for business, gaining skills to thrive in the beauty industry. Beyond nails, she enjoys working with her hands, creating acrylic paintings, resin abstracts, ceramics & other raw material art forms. Her passion for art & creativity shines through in her studio creations & in guiding her students.
Why you believe in nail competitions?: While it’s true that only a few get to take home the titles, I’ve always believed it’s not just about the medals & trophies. It’s about the journey that leads to improvement & success, regardless of the results.
I’m incredibly passionate about this industry & the endless possibilities it offers; it never ceases to amaze me. Participating in a competition has been a groundbreaking moment, not only in my career, but also in my personal life & I believe this is possible for anyone else too. I learned to handle failure, correct my mistakes & push my creativity to new dimensions, discovering I'm capable of more than I had ever expected. I’m deeply grateful for the journey & the advice I’ve received, which has helped me continuously improve. I firmly believe there’s always room for growth & new horizons to reach.
Competitions propel anyone who’s willing to put in the work!
Advice to competitors: Here’s my 10-point list that I share with my students who are interested in competing:
• Stay Passionate: Let your love for nail art drive you & stay curious about new techniques.
• Practice Daily: Consistent practice builds confidence & skill.
• Focus on Details: Precision is essential—pay attention to every detail.
• Keep Up with Trends: Stay informed about the latest trends & products in the industry.
• Learn from Others: Observe fellow artists, attend workshops & seek mentorship.
• Embrace Feedback: Use constructive criticism to improve your work.
• Find Your Style: Develop a unique style that sets you apart.
• Prepare Well: Plan your designs & gather materials in advance.
• Stay Calm: Maintain focus & trust your preparation during competitions.
• Enjoy the Journey: Celebrate your progress & learn from every experience.
Nail work
