Judges From Around the World that Support Nailympia Competitions
1 Nailympia Judge
Katy Pottle
Spain
Online training
Area of judging expertise: Although I’m still early in my experience as a judge — this being my second time — I’m excited to dive into the role. My true love & passion lie in nail art & i've won in this field, so I’m particularly looking forward to judging categories such Mixed Media, Flat Art, Fantasy Nails, Salon Nail Art, Runway Nails & Extreme Poster Nail Styling.
Years as a judge: 1
Number of Nailympia events judged: 1
Nailympia events judged: Online
Are you an educator?: Yes
Industry accolades: The most thrilling moment of my career was winning the World Star Nail Artist competition last year, it was the first competition I had entered. It was amazing pushing & challenging my skills & how much I grew as an artist. Also, being a columnist for Scratch magazine allows me to share my insights & inspire fellow nail techs, which is a huge privilege. I’m also incredibly proud to have been a judge for the Scratch Stars Awards this year & now joining the online judging panel for Nailympia. Experiences that have made me appreciate the incredible talent within our industry even more that I did before.
Favourite nail brands: When it comes to nail brands, Magpie Beauty is my favourite. Its range of glitters is just WOW! I also love supporting small businesses & these are some of my favs; Katie Barnes, Nail stamping Queen, Kassie Payne, Nailed it by Chelsey & Nailed it by Lucie.
Industry figures you admire: I’m deeply inspired by all the nail techs who are out there running their own businesses, striving to perfect their craft while balancing the challenges of life. These incredible individuals are the backbone of our industry. They continually seek to learn, grow & provide the best for their clients, often while juggling family, personal commitments & the demands of running a business.
Career biography: Katy Pottle, known as 'Katy P', has over two decades of experience in the nail industry. From mobile services to owning her own home salon, her journey reflects unwavering dedication & passion for nail artistry. With a love for glitter & intricate designs, Katy is on a mission to help nail techs worldwide shine through her online workshops & one-to-one masterclasses.
In July 2023, after an intense competition, Katy triumphed over nail artists globally to be crowned the first World's Star Nail Artist. She currently shares her wealth of experience as a columnist for Scratch Magazine. This year, she graced the Scratch Awards as a guest judge & is now joining the online judging panel for Nailympia. Katy seeks to inspire & mentor fellow professionals, sprinkling her signature love & sparkles across the industry.
Personal biography: Originally from the UK, I now call sunny Spain home, where I live with my husband & have discovered the perfect balance between work & life. When I’m not at my creation station, immersed in designing new workshops or perfecting nail art techniques, I love to explore the stunning Spanish landscapes, from the serene beaches to the vibrant cities. Travelling & finding new places is a love of mine & I’m always planning my next adventure.
Why you believe in nail competitions?: Nail competitions like Nailympia are a fantastic opportunity for growth & creativity. They push you to step out of your comfort zone, innovate & refine your skills. Competitions give you the chance to showcase your best work, learn from others & gain invaluable feedback. It’s not just about winning; it’s about the journey, the learning & the connections you make along the way.
Advice to competitors: My advice to competitors is simple: be prepared, stay focused & embrace the experience. Plan your designs thoroughly, practice until you feel confident & make sure you’ve got everything ready ahead of time. But more than that, use this opportunity to learn & grow. Don’t be afraid to push your creative boundaries & take risks. So, enjoy the process, give it your all &let your creativity shine!
Nail work
