Posts Tagged ‘nail judge’
Invite this Wolf right up to your salon door
The first Nailympia global champion back in 2017, Sweden’s Madelene Wolf, has jumped into the slipstream of her success and launched a new nail system with education, known as Wolf.
“For a long time, I dreamt of having all the best materials gathered in one place instead of having to look for products I like from different suppliers,” reveals Madelene. “I also wanted to help others work with the best products in as simple a way as possible.”
Working alongside chemists since 2019, the Wolf nail system began its development journey with a vision of producing high quality products with fine pigments. Durability on the nail was another important factor for Madelene throughout the manufacturing process. “When I started my brand, it was not only to offer high-quality products that create beautiful and personalised nails, but also to help other nail therapists become the best in the world at their craft,” enthuses Madelene. “This is why I offer professional nail products and diploma courses in nail design at my Wolf Nail Academy, resulting in world class nails. People don’t really buy the products, they buy the purpose of them and the results they get.”
With an already saturated market, Madelene affirms she was guided by needing, “The best products for sale, salons and students. When I couldn’t find the level of quality on the market I required, I decided to produce my own.”
Training in nails back in 1996, this world class nail stylist from Gothenburg, has been working with nails ever since. “After being hired at various salons, I’ve had my own salon and school since 2008,” cites Madelene. “I train future nail therapists at the Madelene Wolf Nail Academy, however, no matter how much I think I know, I will never be fully trained and, as I love learning new techniques and shapes, I also make sure I regularly take courses myself.”
Reflecting on her journey into nails, Madelene fondly recalls, “I’ve been interested in nails since childhood when I would glue pieces of tape together, then cut them out to put on my nails. I then borrowed my mum’s red nail polish and thought the finished product looked great.”
Getting hooked on the idea of nails as a career was born from Madelene’s regular nail appointment leading her into a beginners’ nail course. “I thought nails looked like so much fun, so I went on a course and found it a great way to channel my creativity. I then decided to get further education.”
Climbing to the top of an industry ladder means taking education seriously, and as such, Madelene made it her mission to train with the best. Citing Najet Hamila Strand, Tom Holcomb and David Fowler, among a long list of industry greats, Madelene highlights, “If I have to pinpoint one industry professional I currently admire, it would be Olena Oezman, for her great passion for perfection. I can’t stop looking at her nails! But I also admire those who dare to follow their dreams and never give up, those who enter competitions and continue to take courses to keep improving.”
Proving that competing in nails can have a profound and positive effect on a nail career, Madelene notes her competition career (2001-2017), has afforded industry recognition, world travel, networking and further training and now the advent of her own nail brand.
“My biggest career highlight was when I became Nailympia Winner of Winners (Div 3) in London 2014, and then Nailympia Global Champion 2017. That is hard to forget! My heart was pounding so hard, and for a second I thought I would pass out before the results were announced. Another highlight is all the nail courses I’ve had the opportunity to arrange around the world, and now I’ve finally followed my dream of starting a nail brand.”
Living by the doctrine of never giving up on her dreams and living in a state of self-belief, Madelene’s eye for perfection and precision, alongside her persistence and determination, have led to the birth of an elegant and stylish product line, which delivers, in her own words, “Durability on the nails, ease of use and smooth application, high colour pigmentation, with brushes carefully developed by my colleague, Sandra Bergstrand, who’s been extremely picky regarding their quality throughout the production process.”
The Wolf nail system currently presents UV/LED hard gel, UV/LED gel polish, L&P acrylic, nail art products, brushes and accessories. Team Wolf is now delving deep into the R&D for an acrygel product to join the Wolf nail pack.
“I want to reach the whole world with my products, work with those who are passionate about the same things as me and train even more nail therapists worldwide,” smiles Madelene. And offering her expert advice to aspiring nail professionals, she notes in closing, “You have to believe in yourself and never give up. Follow your dreams and goals!”
Nailympia Online sponsor Mirage Spa Education offers established online nail & beauty courses
Cheryl Thibault was ahead of the curve when it came to online learning. While many nail and beauty education organisations have only recently launched online learning platforms, Cheryl set up Mirage Spa Online Education in 2005 after recognising that many individuals who dreamed of becoming beauty professionals, found it impossible to attend a regular full-time, or even part-time programme due to various circumstances.
Mirage Spa Education Inc. offers seven diploma courses and boasts continuous enrolment, self-paced full or part-time study and global acceptance (subject to local regulations).
The company has successfully graduated thousands of students in Esthetics, Nail Technology and Spa Therapy who were looking to enter into a career, change direction to pursue a life passion or look for an alternative path in a very uncertain time.
Cheryl and her team pride themselves on comprehensive curriculums, one-on-one mentorship, a user-friendly and accessible platform for self-study and official certification in the form of a diploma and official transcripts.
Mirage Spa Education Inc. is a designated learning institution with the Private Training Institutions Branch of the Ministry of Education. CLICK HERE to see what renowned chemist/scientist Doug Schoon has to say about Mirage Spa Education Inc.
For more information, visit website and follow Mirage Spa Education Inc. on Facebook and Instagram
Mirage Spa Education Inc. is a proud sponsor of Nailympia Online – 2nd edition.
Meet – Gemma Lambert-Lewis – UK
Get to Know a Nailympia Expert…
NAME: Gemma Lambert-Lewis
Business name: Nail Team Ltd
Location: Doncaster, Tamworth & Preston
Nationality: British
Who Trained You: So many: Antony Buckley, Trang Nguyen, Catharine Wong, Viv Clement-Simmonds, Barbara Ujvari, Kristina Ujavri, Agnes Sebestyen, Krisztina Kalmar, Gabriella Kovacs and more.
Years in Nails: 24 years
Years Judging: 15 years
Nail Brand You Represent/Use: Nail Team, Gems Nail Systems, Perfect Nails.
Role in Industry: Product owner, international educator & judge, product distributer & nail artist
Favourite Trade Exhibition: Olympia Beauty UK
Favourite Nail Tool: Gems airbrush
Favourite Book: Sorry – 50 shades of Grey – lol
Favourite Movie: Pursuit of Happiness
Favourite Food: Salad
Favourite Vacation Destination: Canada
Your Hobbies: I don’t really get time for hobies, so I guess it’s spending time with my family
What Inspires Your Work: Everything from clothes, nature, packaging and fashion
Who You Admire In Industry: Barbara Ujvari and Krisztina Kalmar, as their art is just amazing
Top Technique You’ve Mastered: One stroke nail art
Advice to Competitors: Speak to the judges after the comp, their feedback is priceless
Hot Tip or Trick for Competitors: Structure is more important than art, so concentrate on getting that perfected, as it gains more points.
What Lockdown Has Taught You: To be ready to change with the times
A Funny Memory From Your Nail Desk: The two that really stick in my mind are, my husband, who worked in the taxi rank behind my shop, walked into a full busy salon and asked me out on a date, bless him. And my son who is now 21, making aeroplanes out of manicure brushes.
An Affirmation You Love: Practice will never make perfect, but it will improve and give you better results. I also love, ‘never try to run before you walk’.
Why Nailympia: It’s the most widely recognised, international competition, with the highest standards of judges and the most organised scoring system. Plus, I love Alex to bits and love working with her.
Any Workshops/Classes you Offer Online: I offer over 75 courses online at www.thenailteam.com
Instagram: @the.nail.team
Facebook: the nail team
TikTok: the.nail.team
Meet – Sam Biddle – UK
Get to Know a Nailympia Expert in 23 Steps…
Sam Biddle & Melanie Lewendon- The Mel & Sam Show
NAME: Sam Biddle
Business name: Be Inspired Online
Location: Dorset, South West England
Nationality: British
Sam Biddle creating tutorial for Be Inspired Online
Who Trained You: Many different people. The best educators that I learned my craft from are Antony Buckley (UK) and MaeLing Parish (USA)
Years in Nails: 21+ years
Years Judging: 10+ years
Nail Brand You Represent/Use: I’m an independent artist, as well as an ambassador for Orly international * & Mystic nails UK
Role in Industry: I’m an educator/ambassador/ online course provider & hosting platform
Favourite Trade Exhibition: Olympia Beauty UK
Favourite Nail Tool: Katie Barnes scissors
Favourite Book: Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
Favourite Movie: Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café
Favourite Food: Chips and mayonnaise
Favourite Vacation Destination: My back garden, but if I must go abroad, Italy (it’s the food)
Sam BIddle with the Be Inspired competition team she mentored for Nailympia London
Your Hobbies: Digital painting and gardening
What Inspires Your Work: People. My work is helping techs and their genius, it’s through them that I find solutions and new ways forward.
Who You Admire In Industry: Melanie Lewendon, my co-host on the Mel and Sam Show.
Top Technique You’ve Mastered: Portraits in gel paint
AT WORK!
Hot Tip or Trick for Competitors: Visualise the process, sit and meditate your way through each step of your competition, then, when you come to do it, it’s like old hat. You have done it once in your mind, doing it in person will be a breeze. From lifting the kit out of your bag to buffing the last scratch out of the nail surface.
What Lockdown Has Taught You: That anything can happen. To trust and go with the flow and that life really does give you lemons so you can make lemonade. The trick is to make the lemonade and not moan about the sour taste of the lemons.
An Affirmation You Love: I think I can, therefore I can
Why Nailympia: Because it brings nail techs together from all corners of the globe.
Instagram: @sambiddle_inspired
Twitter: @sambiddle
Facebook: @beinspiredwithsambiddle
TikTok: @sambiddle_nailart
The Sam Biddle Be Inspired comp team at Nailympia London
Meet – Rebecca Manz – Australia
Get to Know a Nailympia Expert in 25 Steps…
NAME: Beck Manz – Bex to my overseas nail family
Business name: Beckz Nailz
Location: Brisbane Australia – just had my 24th move!
Nationality: Australian
Who Trained You: After a 6-week course, my mentor was Tanya Sherlock – we lived in a small country town of about 10,000 people where I ended up being the only nail tech after Tanya retired.
Years in Nails: 21 years in salon, trainer/educator, running competitions
Years Judging: Around 10 years in some form or another as administration, on the microphone then comp manager Brisbane & Perth all while assisting Nailympia in Australia
Nail Brand You Represent/Use: Nail Harmony
Role in Industry: Home salon & assisting with administration of Nailympia London
Favourite Trade Exhibition: Olympia Beauty – nothing has come close yet
Favourite Nail Tool: Cuticle Pusher
Favourite Book: Getting Your Sh*t Together!
Favourite Movie: Anything with Leonardo Di Caprio
Favourite Food: Thai
Favourite Vacation Destination: Canada
Your Hobbies: Swimming, renovating and it feels like moving house should be in here too…
What Inspires Your Work: Helping others create to the best of their own abilities and watching the penny drop with a newly learned technique
Who You Admire In Industry: Anyone who supports others to be the best version of themselves and pushes them to go beyond their own boundaries
Top Technique You’ve Mastered: Too many to remember!
Bex Manz & Alex Fox getting ready for the Nailympia London awards
Advice to Competitors: Leave your ego at the door because everyone is vulnerable when competing. Shit Happens to everyone no matter your experience – good shit and bad shit, so be proud of your good shit and learn from your bad shit.
Hot Tip or Trick for Competitors: Read the rules thoroughly – numerous times…
What Lockdown Has Taught You: That I need to keep very busy.
A Funny Day/Memory At The Nail Desk: Never ever even when learning did I ever give a cuticle cut to anyone – except my mother.
An Affirmation You Love: Life is all about the journey…
Why Nailympia: It’s my biggest nail family where I can use everything from hand signals to Google translate or a hug to a competitor – they all speak volumes to the right people.
Instagram: beck_manz
Facebook: Rebecca Manz
Meet – Catherine Wong- Singapore
Get to Know a Nailympia Expert in 25 Steps…
NAME: Catherine Wong
Business name: NailQueen
Location: Singapore
Nationality: Malaysian, living as a permanent resident in Singapore for the last 30 years
Who Trained You: When I first started using the acrylic system in the 90’s, I trained with EZFlow products, hence I had the opportunity to learn from Danny Haile, Alisha Rimando and Antony Buckley.
I then went on to train with Tom Holcomb and Tom Bachik specifically in French sculptured nails when they launched the Entity.
Enfu Oh, founder of NFU coloured acrylic systems was my educator when I fell in love with coloured powders and 3D nail art.
Trang Nguyen mentored me for competition, helped me understand the nail business and with building a great competition and education team in South East Asia.
Anna Lajourdie, who was training for Akzentz when I first started distributing at the time, was a huge inspiration to me in perfecting my salon style French gel application. In my journey as a nail professional, I’ve attended countless classes with various educators internationally. There weren’t any online classes back then and so I invested a lot in travel or to fly them out to me!
Years in Nails: 24 years (2021 inclusive, however I stopped nail as a full-time career in 2015)
Years Judging: 11 years
Nail Brand You Use: EzFlow, Entity, Akzentz, NfuOh, ONS, EMI
Role in Industry: Freelance educator now. I was previously a distributor up until 2015
Favourite Trade Exhibitions: Beauty World Japan, SINAIL Korea, CIBE Guangzhou, Beauty Dusseldorf , just to name a few
Favourite Nail Tool: Nail Art Brushes
Favourite Book: The Art of Living by Epictetus
Some of my favourite quotes from the book:
- ‘The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best’
- ‘First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do’
- ‘There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things, which are beyond the power or our will’
Favourite Movie: The Godfather
Favourite Food: Korean BBQ
Favourite Vacation Destination: Bali
Your Hobbies: Nail art, cake decorating, flower arrangement, fine dining, travelling
What Inspires Your Work: Art & fashion
Who You Admire In Industry: Alisha Rimando, Viv Simmonds, Gina Silvestro, Lilija
Michalikova, Marina Shyvtsova, David & Stephanie Fowler
Top Technique You’ve Mastered: Design sculptured nails, mixed media & fantasy, hand painted nail art
Advice to Competitors: Read and understand the rules. When practising, use the judging criteria as a checklist to go through your work and ask yourself how you would score your own work, so you know what to look out for when attempting to make improvements. If you’re competing for the first time, then you may want to find a mentor or attend a specific class where you can get the right guidance. Nothing valuable in this world is free of charge, so don’t expect good training to come free. Your career is an investment, so invest wisely. Research and find a suitable mentor for your specific needs.
Hot Tip or Trick for Competitors: Find a great hand model! Beautiful hands and nail beds are halfway to a set of winning nails. Make sure that your model understands what is required of her (discuss the do’s and don’ts), feed her well before the competition and keep her warm and comfortable so you can work peacefully.
Always bring a table lamp (if it’s not provided at the venue ) and check the voltage so you carry a converter suitable for the country you are competing in. (100-120V for USA, 220-240V for Europe and Asia)
Arrive at the venue early and choose a table that’s not directly where the wind is blowing, otherwise you will be in the receiving end of all the filing dust when everyone starts filing
What Lockdown Has Taught You: Be the change. Don’t wait for things to change, but change yourself to adapt so you don’t get left behind.
A Funny Day/Memory At The Nail Desk: Working on a fellow nail educator’s nails while they’re sleeping is a norm before a beauty or training event. I used to fly to the USA & Mexico for beauty shows and training events. A few of us from different countries would end up sharing an apartment. We would fix each other’s nails late into the night, so the one getting the nails done would always be sleeping to the point of snoring.
Another funny incident: It’s quite typical for nail artists to hold another nail artist’s hands to admire her latest nail designs. I remember picking up Gina Silvestro’s hands to do just that in a posh steak restaurant at the Treasure Island in Las Vegas and the waiter gave us both a dirty look!
An Affirmation You Love: Carpe Diem
Why Nailympia: Nailympia is a global competition that draws a lot of good quality competitors, which are not only highly skilled but also very driven to excel. The judging team of multi-talented and highly experienced judges makes judging such a breeze and fun to work with. Personally, whenever I’m judging at Nailympia London in particular, I learn a lot even as a judge and get inspired to pick up my nail brushes to play when I get home.
Instagram: @catherinewongnailqnailart
Facebook: Catherine Wong
Nailympia Online presents line-up of 36 judges
Nailympia Online closes for registration on Saturday 27 February and will be open for another 24 hours to take in submissions. It will finally close its portal at midnight on Sunday 28 February.
This is when the 36-strong judging team will be sent links into their judging portals, which have been allocated to them, but not yet revealed. “It’s getting very exciting as we get closer to the deadline,” enthuses Alex Fox, Nailympia organiser. “We have upgraded the Nailympia website and turned it into a competition portal where competitors from all over the world can register and upload their entries. This in turn, sends the entry to its respective category, where a link will be created and sent out to the judges ( from 1st March), who will then access their criteria, the entries and score straight into the system.”
With more than 30 countries represented and over 170 competitors, this competition is hotting up as it moves through its last week.
A live awards will be held at 7pm GMT Monday 15 March hosted on the official Nailympia Facebook page with Scratch’s Alex Fox and Helena Biggs, managing editor of Scratch magazine.
