Nailympia COMPETITIONS NEWS

Immerse in competition highlights, interviews & points to note from the Nailympia realm, with its global director, ALEX FOX

WINNER INTERVIEW

Italy’s Deborah Cocco, winner of the second Nailympia European Cup in 2023, shares her story…

Deborah Cocco is 26 years old and the founder of DECO Academy & Nail Salon and Nailearn®. “I’ve been in the nail world since the age of 12,” she reveals. “I’ve always loved nail art and trained in various locations in Italy, while practicing at every opportunity. I started competing in 2017, at the age of 20, and have not stopped.

“Currently, my career as a competitor has afforded more than 60 trophies, including five Nailympia Winner Of Winners accolades (in London 2017, 2022 and 2023, Germany 2023 and Orlando 2023), the Nailympia European Cup 2023 and three Nailympia Team Trophies. Winning the Nailympia European Cup 2023 was no easy task, given the very high level of competitors, however I’m extremely happy that my efforts and hard work enabled me to achieve this goal.”

For information about Nailympia competitions including how to enter, visit www.nailympia.com\

/Nailympia

@nailympiacompetitions

Nailympia competitions are powered by

Join the ring of hands

Get to know the hosts of Nailympia competitions across the globe…

ALEX FOX

Nailympia London & Nailympia Orlando

Alex began her journalism career in 1993, quickly finding her calling through the written word and a love of photography. She led a team of 10 as the editorial director for Nails Plus, the first UK trade nail magazine, and in 2003 she co-founded Scratch magazine, catering to hand, nail and footcare professionals. She helped create the Scratch Stars Awards in 2012 and her entrepreneurial spirit led her to launch consumer nail title, Gloss, and Scratch Middle East while living abroad in Qatar for 10 years.

On her return to the UK, Alex assumed the role of editor-in-chief at Scratch before turning her focus to Nailympia, as its global director. Collaborating with industry professionals, Marian Newman BEM and Jennie Nippard, Alex introduced Nail Safari in 2019; a unique five-day education event held at her family zoo.

Currently, Alex serves on the volunteer board of The Federation of Nail Professionals (The FNP) for the UK and showcases global nail artists via interviews on GlossaryLive.com. Reflecting on her journey, Alex emphasises her passion for nail competitions, which she has been organising since 2003. She cherishes the energy and growth she witnesses in competitors, many of whom she now counts as friends. Building the Nailympia competition brand into a global success brings her immense joy, knowing it provides a platform for nail enthusiasts worldwide to thrive and excel.

“Nailympia is the most prestigious nail competition in the world. The level of competence and professionalism at all levels is second to none.”

STEFANIE LO RE 

Nailympia Germany

Former nail competitor, Stefanie Lo Re, met numerous industry colleagues when participating in championships worldwide. She learned a lot about nail design through discussions and observations, and found that the more she participated, the better she performed. Being judged by so many experts at an international level gave Stefanie motivation to keep training.

She founded Signature Nail International and collaborated with Alex Fox and Messe Düsseldorf to launch Nailympia Germany in 2022. She comments: “Nailympia is such a prestigious championship. The different categories and way its format adapts to each market makes the competition unique, and participants from all over the world are offered both offline and live arena championships. There really is something for everyone and Nailympia Germany brought a new challenge for me as a former competitor, judge & international trainer.

“It has always been important to me to create new opportunities for nail designers, and competitions offer excellent skill-building opportunities: enhancing speed, precision and efficiency. Competing allows you to leave your comfort zone, experience new things and expand your circle of colleagues.

“You can’t lose; you can only win, and I learned this through Nailympia. No one should be afraid to compete. I’m very happy to be the organiser of Nailympia Germany, as it helps new generations to emerge and the nail industry to grow.”

DAMON HO

Nailympia Vietnam

Damon Ho’s journey epitomises the pursuit of passion and perseverance. Over a decade ago, he moved to the USA with a dream of a better life. Initially, Damon trained as a manicurist, and nail styling quickly became his passion due to its ability to uplift and transform.

Persistence, dedication to quality and innovative techniques were key to his success, and he built his reputation on perfecting his work and uplifting those around him. Managing salons, conducting training sessions and exploring new trends fill Damon’s days, fuelling his excitement for the industry’s creativity and evolution.

Training with experts globally, Damon admires those who embody innovation and dedication. His partnership with V Beauty Pure reflects shared goals and a commitment to excellence. Becoming a V Beauty educator was a natural step for Damon, aligning with his desire to share knowledge and help others grow.

Inspiration for his nail art designs is drawn from nature, fashion, art and daily life. Embracing change, he stays ahead of trends and technologies, continually learning and adapting his skills.

His career highlights include transforming struggling salons into thriving businesses and becoming a respected industry educator.

Damon advocates for more collaboration and a shift in pricing mindsets within the industry. For aspiring nail professionals, his advice is simple: never stop learning, be open to new ideas and take pride in your work. After all, nail technicians play vital roles in their clients’ lives as artists and therapists.

DAFNE FERNÁNDEZ

Nailympia Mexico

Dafne Fernández has worked as a nail professional since 2009 and is known for her nail sculpture, structure and art skills. She is the founder & owner of Stanzy Nails & Beauty, Botica Puré, Mano Santa Nail Art and director of the Stanzy Academy in Mexico City.

Dafne became globally renowned in the sector in her role as global educator for Artistic Nail Design from 2012 to 2018. A champion tech, she has won accolades in Orlando, Vegas, Pasadena and at the first Nailympia Canada in 2019. Dafne is an international judge who has educated in Japan, the USA, China, Turkey, The Netherlands, the UK, Russia, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, New Zealand, Australia and Greece.

“I wanted to host Nailympia in my region, because I believe that competitions are necessary for nail professionals to grow their skills,” she comments. “The activity sets high standards and challenges that a competitor must work through in order to participate. As each element of competition tests the tech, abilities are realised then stretched, skills and creativity are heightened and the nail professional finds their purpose as success is enjoyed.”

KIMI CHANG

Nailympia China

Kimi Chang is an advocate of Chinese aesthetics and committed to sharing this concept with the rest of the world. Born in Suquian, Jiangsu Province, in 1984, she graduated from Suzhou University and joined the family business as general manager, in manufacturing and production. Working within the manufacture of cutting, grinding, milling, polishing and cleaning tools for the nail, foundry, mechanical engineering and aerospace industries, Kimi led the company through a comprehensive upgrade and established its focus on the production of a full range of nail art products.

In 2014, the overseas marketing team was formed and Shanghai Chiyan Abrasives Co Ltd was established. Its products are now sold in over 30 countries. In 2020, Chinese manicure brand, Muzer, was founded with the tagline: ’nurturing beauty from the inside out’. In 2023, Kimi established the world’s first dedicated nail art museum in Shanghai, China. This will work in tandem with Nailympia China in Hangzhou to promote the rapid and comprehensive development of Chinese and global nail art.

“When I saw Nailympia Germany in progress at Beauty Düsseldorf, I observed that every competitor was so focused. I could feel their unremitting pursuit and love for their art and skill, and their attention to detail,” Kimi comments. “The atmosphere made me want to contribute further to this industry and get involved. Alex’s complete immersion in the competition and the joy competitors showed during the awards also appealed to me. I saw Nailympia as a radiant beacon: its brilliance so captivating I found myself irresistibly drawn to it.

“Nailympia’s philosophy struck me as fostering mutual understanding, encouragement and recognition among nail artists. I felt that through this platform, not only were individuals showcasing their talents, but contributing to the greater cause of promoting development, aspiring to construct a more beautiful world, one nail design at a time.”