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.

Nail art superstars: Meet the artists behind the challenges

In this column, I’m shining a spotlight on nail technicians who have dazzled me with their creativity and passion in my monthly online nail art challenges. Since January, I have posted a challenge theme on Instagram and Facebook at the beginning of each month and encouraged pros to create a design to fit the theme. The artists involved have been turning nails into mini masterpieces and inspiring followers with their dedication and flair. From intricate designs to vibrant colours and glitter, they’ve brought their A-game! Let’s dive into their stories, admire their stunning work and be inspired by the artists who help make our nail community so fabulous.

The monthly nail art challenges:

January – Crystal Wonderland February – Love Explosion March – Spring Fling April – Bridal Elegance May – Mermaid Madness June – Neon Dreamscape July – Firework Fiesta

ABBY PIERCY

@thefairygardenbeauty

Abby is a newly qualified nail technician based in Manchester. Passionate about nail art, she works from her home salon and joined my group in May to participate in the ‘Mermaid Madness’ challenge. She created a pretty chrome style and went on to wow members with an adorable space panda design, fitting June’s ‘Neon Dreamscape’ brief. Abby created both looks using CJP Nail Systems and Glitterbels products and comments: “Katy’s challenges allow me to improve my skills, experiment with new techniques and explore different themes. The support and encouragement within her group is fantastic!”

RIE HOLMES

@rie_nailartist

Bournemouth-based Rie is celebrating 20 years in the nail industry. She created an amazing 3D underwater-themed nail style for May’s challenge, using Magpie Beauty and HONA products. “The challenges are a great way to push my creativity and try new techniques,” Rie comments. “The group is also a great way to stay connected with the industry.”

LISA GOODWIN

@vital_nails_

Lisa Goodwin lives in Maidstone, Kent, with her husband. Following a 15-year career in commercial insurance, Lisa resigned last year to care for her elderly mum. It was with her support that she retrained as a nail technician, and credits the industry as offering her a creative outlet during tough times. “Katy’s nail community has made me so happy,” Lisa shares. “My confidence has grown tenfold, and the support, tips and conversations within the group are so positive. It’s a safe place for me and my imposter syndrome.” Lisa has joined the last two challenges, and created her first nails with 3D elements for July’s ‘Firework Fiesta’ brief.

CLAIRE GOLDIE

@clairesnailsntanning

Claire lives just outside Glasgow with her husband and two daughters. She has worked in the nail industry for 11 years and created fabulous designs during her time in the challenge group. My favourite nails are the ones she created for June’s challenge: a neon pop art style using Magpie Beauty products. “I love nail art, and when Katy launched the monthly challenges, I was so excited,” Claire shares. “The members of the group are so friendly and supportive, and I love seeing the different approaches to each brief.”

LISA JOHNSTON

@lisajohnston_nailartist

Lisa Johnston from the Isle of Wight has a background in graphic design, and made her mark in the nail world by launching a press-on nail business. She opened a home salon last year and is passionate about creating unique nail designs, commenting: “I really enjoy taking part in Katy’s monthly challenges and working to different briefs. Katy and the other members of the group offer plenty of encouragement.”

SAM LOMAS

@pinkerella_nails

At the end of October 2023, Sam Lomas commenced training as a nail tech and has since completed 14 courses, mostly with Magpie Beauty. Sam is converting a container into a nail salon in Dawlish, Devon, and is passionate about learning new skills. “I completed Katy’s glitter masterclass and really enjoyed it, so joined the monthly challenge group,” Sam shares. “It’s great to see the variety of designs created each month and how each member interprets the briefs.”

KatyPx katypnailartist.thinkific.com

/katypnailartist

@katyp_nailartist

HAYLEY NORMAN

@hayleynormannailtechinician

“Taking part in Katy’s challenges pushes me out of my comfort zone and encourages me to try new designs and nail art techniques,” says Hayley Norman, from Ulverston, Cumbria. The nail pro suffered a mini stroke in 2013, which led to her training as a nail tech. She set up her home salon two years ago. “The tasks have boosted my confidence and I am grateful for the support from members of the group,” Hayley continues. She has completed every challenge, and each design is crafted with elegance. The pro enjoys using Magpie Beauty and Nail Stamping Queen products.

JULIE CORNES

@beautifulyoubyju

Crewe’s Julie Cornes has been a member of my group since I launched it, and every month she creates fantastic designs using Magpie Beauty products. She is currently practicing 3D designs and comments: “The challenges have pushed me out of my comfort zone 3 and allowed me to try a variety of techniques using a number of mediums. It is wonderful to be part of a community of supportive nail artists.”

LYDIA GOODWIN

@nailsby_lydiarose

Lydia has always been fascinated by nails and achieved her first nail qualification in 2016. She works from her home in Doncaster and uses Aluxe Nail Systems. “Nail art is my therapy,” she shares. “I started working on my character nail art skills in 2019 and love creating detailed work on tiny nail canvasses. Following maternity leave, Katy’s challenges have helped me get my artistic mojo back.”

CHARLOTTE MORGAN

@cutie_tips_nails

Charlotte Morgan, aka Charlie, has had a love for nails for many years. She worked in a private nursery before pursuing a career in nails in 2022. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, a form of spinal arthritis, last year, which put her dreams of opening a salon on hold. Charlie has been involved in the last few challenges, and it is a pleasure to see her vibrant designs, created using Naio Nails products. She says: “I enjoy the challenges set by Katy as they allow my creativity to flow, and I embrace the support of the other members of the group.”