Love & Sparkles with Katy P nail artist

The World’s Star Nail Artist 2023 shares tips, techniques & insights into her soaring career

ABOUT KATY

Katy Pottle, or ‘Katy P’, has over two decades of experience in the nail industry. From working on a mobile basis to owning a salon, her journey is a testament to her dedication and passion for the world of nails. She loves glitter and is on a mission to help nail techs worldwide shine, one intricate design at a time, with her online workshops and one-to-one masterclasses. In July 2023, following an intense competition process, Katy beat nail artists across the globe to be crowned the first World’s Star Nail Artist. She seeks to inspire and mentor fellow pros, and sprinkle her signature ‘love and sparkles’ across the industry.

My creation for my February nail art challenge.

March’s challenge was titled ‘Spring Fling’ and I created this design, featuring a butterfly and flowers.

The world of nail art is a captivating place that can be glorious and creative.

However, the benefits extend far beyond the aesthetics for your clients, as practicing nail art can nurture your mental wellbeing and foster a supportive community.

Engaging in creative activities like nail art can have a profound impact on your mental health. Studies have shown that immersing yourself in artistic endeavours can reduce stress, anxiety and even symptoms of depression.

When you’re focused on creating something beautiful with your hands, your mind enters a state of flow: a meditative state where worries melt away and you become fully present in that moment. It’s like therapy for your soul: a chance to escape the chaos of everyday life and reconnect with your inner peace.

I use nail art to help with overthinking and anxiety, as I can lose myself in a creation and it stops the whirring thoughts in my mind. At the beginning of the year, I made a commitment to continue challenging my skills as a nail artist. So, I enlisted the help of artificial intelligence to generate 12 monthly nail art challenges based around the season or theme of each month. The results were both fabulous and wacky, but creating something from a brief you haven’t set yourself is half the fun. I invited my nail tech friends and followers to join in, and over 40 are taking part. The aim of my monthly social media challenges is to forge connections among fellow nail art enthusiasts, so we can cheer each other on, celebrate the growth of our skills and confidence, and commend the incredible talent within this industry.

” Practicing nail art can nurture your mental wellbeing and foster a supportive community. "

The WhatsApp group for the nail artists involved buzzes with positivity and encouragement, and offers a safe space in which we can share our triumphs, seek advice ” and connect with one another. It’s like having a virtual cheer squad, every step of the way.

Each challenge presents an opportunity to learn something new, whether it’s mastering a tricky nail art technique or discovering a unique style. And the best part? Skill level doesn’t matter! It’s about your own personal growth; there is no competition.

Remember, it’s not just about the nails: it’s about the journey. So, if you want to join in this month’s challenge, head over to my Instagram page for the details.

Love and sparkles,

Katy P x

www.katypnailartist.com
Facebook: /katypnailartist

Instagram: @katyp_nailartist

@k80sbeautyspot

Katie Banks of K80’s Beauty Spot in Aberporth, West Wales, created this beautiful floral design using Magpie Beauty products. She loves offering nail services from her home salon and comments: “I really enjoyed creating these nails for Katy’s March challenge, as the task pushed me to try something new and was so much fun. I can’t wait to take part in the next one.”

@crystalcoco_beauty

After been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, Zoe Coe’s outlook on life changed. She decided to build a full-time nail business, working from her home in Beverley,

Yorkshire. She shares: “I love art, I love creating things and I love my job! I enjoyed working on this nail design as I could use a variety of textures, brush techniques and products.” Zoe, who has been cancer-free for five years, used Magpie Beauty products to perfect this nail style.

@victorianailsandtraining

Hailing from Cyprus, Victoria Taylor turned her nail hobby into a career after years working as a police officer. She has loved every minute of building her Sheffield-based business, Victoria Nails & Training. “The monthly challenges have reignited my creativity and made me make time for nail art,” she notes. “The techs in the group share their work, and connecting with them has been inspiring. I can’t wait for next month’s challenge.” Victoria created this butterfly design using NeoNail products.

@beautifulbyju

Julie Cornes of Beautiful You by Ju in Crew, Cheshire, says: “I love Katy’s monthly challenges and what she has created: a community of nail techs that help and support one another.

The challenges push us out of our comfort zones, encourage us to try new techniques and use new mediums.” Julie has been working on 3D creations, and this spring garden design was created using Magpie Beauty products.

@nailsbysharongabrielle

“I love nail art because I enjoy giving my clients the chance to express themselves,” shares Sharon Goodway of Nails by Sharon Gabrielle, Hemel

Hempstead. “Anything can be achieved on nails, and I love watching the smiles on my clients’ faces when they see their finished designs.” Sharon created these cute Easter nails using Bio Sculpture Gel shades.

@susieg_nailartist

Susie Gillen from Telford, West Midlands, works from a home nail room, from where she created these spring bunny nails using Magpie Beauty products. Susie comments: “Nail art really helps both the client and technician to express their personalities and skills. Taking part in Katy P’s March challenge was amazing, and I loved pushing my skills to create this cute nail design.”

@martindalenails

Mollie Martindale works from her summerhouse salon, Martindale Nails in Kendal. “I’ve always loved art, and there was never a time as a child when I didn’t have a colouring book to hand,” she smiles. “I enjoyed art at school, but loved being able to let loose outside of school with my creativity, which helped me to relax. I was so excited to join Katy’s monthly nail art challenges, as sometimes client nail choices can be repetitive, and to be encouraged to create artistic finishes is exciting.”

@rebeccagoldingbeauty

Rebecca Golding runs a home-based beauty business in Poole, Dorset. She has always been creative and went on to study art after completing a Beauty Therapy course at college. Rebecca used Magpie Beauty products to create her spring garden design and says: “I had to take part in the March challenge, as it’s a great time of year to begin spring-inspired nail art and I enjoy painting floral designs.”