GOLD RUSH

Salon owner & seasoned nail competitor, Yuliia Kovalchuk, shares the importance of nail contests & how they push the boundaries of nail artistry on a global scale

AS TOLD TO ALEX FOX

Ukraine native, Yuliia Kovalchuk, has cemented her place as a rising star in the world of nail styling. Almost two years ago, she moved to New York and opened Kova Nail Art Studio in Brooklyn. Within the last 12 months she scooped the coveted gold medal in the To Stiletto & Beyond competition (Division 2) at Nailympia London , and two bronze and one silver medal at Nailympia San Antonio . She is also one of 40 shortlisted contestants in season one of the North America’s Star Nail Artist contest, powered by Scratch .

The pro’s love affair with nail artistry began in her childhood. “I entered this profession out of love,” she recalls. “Since I was a child, I’ve been passionate about nail design, painting and creating unique looks. Even though materials were scarce, I worked with whatever I had, which was mostly nail polish.” Yuliia’s creativity and determination blossomed during her teenage years, and at 18 she subscribed to a professional nail magazine, eagerly devouring its content and recreating the featured designs. “Every day, I wore a new nail style,” she says. “It amazed my classmates and teachers.”

“The nail industry is an entire universe that never stands still – there are always new materials, techniques and trends to explore.”

When a nail academy opened in her city, Yuliia saw an opportunity to take her passion to the next level. “I undertook all the courses offered and began searching for training opportunities in other cities. I was hungry for knowledge,” she shares. It was during this time that she realised nail art was more than a hobby – it was her calling: “I could see a future in it, and a way to express my creativity while continuously developing my skills.” Her career unfolded quickly, and after completing initial training, Yuliia practiced on herself and friends. Within two months, she had a client base built entirely on word-of-mouth recommendations. “I didn’t even realise when my hobby turned into something bigger,” she smiles. “At first, I didn’t plan to make money from it; I had a job and nail art was just a passion. However, demand for my services increased, and I chose a career in nail artistry, which I have never regretted.”

CHALLENGES & NEXT STEPS

Despite her success, Yuliia faced challenges along the way, including professional burnout. “Over time, my client base grew, and even raising my prices didn’t reduce demand,” she explains. “My work became routine and I stopped enjoying it. A high income couldn’t change that.” This realisation pushed her to evolve. She began participating in nail art competitions, attending advanced training courses and seeking new sources of inspiration. “Championships helped me fall in love with my profession again,” she says. “It wasn’t just about competing – it was about unlocking my potential and taking my skills to the next level.” One of the most transformative chapters in Yuliia’s career was becoming an instructor at a training centre, as teaching allowed her to share her knowledge and inspire others. “Helping other nail techs grow and develop became a new source of fulfilment,” she reveals.

With nail art more than a profession for Yuliia, her passion for the craft has always been evident, although not without its trials. From feelings of self-doubt to overcoming professional burnout, Yuliia’s story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of growth. “At the beginning of my creative journey, I felt that I lacked the knowledge to fully express myself,” she shares. “I thought my work wasn’t good enough, so I kept learning. However, even constant training didn’t bring me a sense of satisfaction.” Competitions offered more than just an opportunity to showcase skills; they provided Yuliia with spaces to connect with like-minded professionals. “During championships, I met individuals who shared my values and passion for nail art,” she recalls. “It was incredibly important to maintain healthy competition, share experiences and receive constructive feedback. I realised my problems weren’t unique.”

Reflecting on this turning point, Yuliia highlights the importance of pursuing growth, even during challenging times. “If I had withdrawn and not continued to develop my skills through championships, my journey in nail art may have ended,” she admits. Educating also played a transformative role in her career. By sharing her expertise with students and colleagues, Yuliia discovered a different perspective on her profession. “Teaching allowed me to see the job of a nail tech from a new angle,” she says. “It helped ignite inspiration, and rediscover the meaning and passion behind what I do.

“The nail industry is an entire universe that never stands still – there are always new materials, techniques and trends to explore,” Yuliia continues. “This offers endless opportunities for growth and creativity, which helps me avoid stagnation, find new roles for myself and stay excited about my profession.”

COMPETITION PROWESS

Yuliia’s victory at Nailympia London 2024 in the To Stiletto & Beyond category marked a pinnacle in her career. As she recalls, the competition was more than an event: it was an artistic journey that allowed her to push her creative boundaries in an extraordinary way. “Winning a gold medal at Nailympia London is a milestone that fills me with pride and excitement,” Yuliia says. Her award-winning design, created to the ‘Botanical Garden’ theme, drew inspiration from the vibrant beauty of tropical plants and animals. “I aimed to create a composition that conveyed the essence of nature: its brightness, energy, fragility and harmony,” she explains.

The centrepiece of Yuliia’s extreme nail design was a striking tropical flower, surrounded by butterflies and exotic animals. “Each element carried meaning,” she shares. “Butterflies symbolised fragility and transformation, the snake represented nature’s power, and the vibrant colours and uneven lines reflected its imperfect yet captivating harmony.”

This extreme nail was crafted using UV gel, acrygel and airbrush acrylic paints and took three weeks to complete. “The work was more than a creative task,” Yuliia states. “It was a philosophical expression of my understanding of nature and life, and showed that hard work, patience and self-belief can turn any idea into a masterpiece. I spent a long time finding the perfect placement for the snake to become part of the overall story. This project reminded me that true beauty is born from imperfection, and that every challenge is a step towards harmony.”

“Winning a gold medal at Nailympia London is a milestone that fills me with pride and excitement.”

Yuliia’s entries into season one of the North America’s Star Nail Artist contest.

SHINING BRIGHT

“My goal is to show that nail art deserves recognition as a fully-fledged part of fashion and creativity,” Yuliia reveals. “Championships are the perfect platform to achieve this.” Yuliia is currently participating in the North America’s Star Nail Artist (NASNA) contest, launched in June 2024 by Scratch to recognise and reward nail creatives in Mexico, the USA and Canada. She made the shortlist of 40 nail artists and has submitted her creation for the contest’s third challenge, which can be viewed on page 74.

“My NASNA journey has been incredible so far, as the competition is offering me new opportunities and a deeper understanding of local trends and cultural nuances,” Yuliia shares. “It is a bridge for me to connect with American culture, collaborate with trending brands and engage with top-tier professionals.

“The contest challenges and inspires me. It encourages me to think creatively, step out of my comfort zone and push artistic boundaries. I eagerly anticipate each challenge and my clients share this excitement, often asking, ‘What’s the next assignment?’ Many of them follow other participants, further fuelling their enthusiasm.

“NASNA is more than a competition; it’s a celebration of nail artistry as a true form of creative expression,” Yuliia continues. “It introduces more people to the art of nail styling, inspiring clients and professionals alike. For me, the contest is not just a professional challenge, but a platform to demonstrate that growth and success in an unfamiliar environment is achievable. Competitions can be a powerful tool for self-realisation and achieving one’s goals, and I’m determined to lead by example.”

ADVICE FOR ASPIRING COMPETITORS

To nail techs considering their first championship, Yuliia offers heartfelt encouragement: “I understand the fear, as I felt the same way when I started. However, I once heard the saying: ‘go where it feels scary because that’s where growth happens’ and this has become my mantra.

“Competitions are creative gatherings of like-minded people, where the atmosphere is full of inspiration and support. You’ll see amazing work, discover new techniques and connect with professionals who share your passion.” Her advice is clear: “Don’t fear mistakes or focus solely on the outcome. Participating is a victory in itself. Every detail you perfect and new experience you gain will be invaluable steps on your path to growth. Most importantly, take the first step, because where it feels scary, is where your true development begins.”

“Every detail you perfect and new experience you gain will be invaluable steps on your path to growth.”

MERGING CREATIVITY WITH TECHNICAL MASTERY

With a firm belief that success in nail art is not determined by talent alone, but by a formula of 20% talent and 80% hard work, Yuliia asserts: “Throughout my career, I’ve met many talented individuals who don’t work on their professional development. Hard work and continuous practice lead to results.” For Yuliia, creativity and technical skill are two sides of the same coin. “Creativity allows you to generate unique ideas. However, without technical skills and discipline, creativity remains just an idea,” she says. “Bringing ideas to life requires patience, discipline and technical expertise. The more techniques you master, the freer you become to express your creative concepts. For me, competitions are the perfect space for this balance: they challenge my skills, encourage experimentation and highlight areas for growth in both creativity and technique.

“Competitions offer novices the opportunity to test their skills and gain experience that everyday work doesn’t allow for. For nail masters, the live arena and online contests help prevent stagnation and allow vision and advanced techniques to be showcased.” Yuliia continues: “A nail tech’s status can be enhanced in the eyes of clients if they enter a competition, and let’s not forget – they’re fun! Once you’ve tried competing, it’s hard to stop. You’ll be better, more confident and more inspired.”

MOTIVATION & LESSONS LEARNED

Yuliia’s motivation comes from her deep love for the nail sector and thirst for knowledge. She shares: “The nail industry is constantly evolving and I’m always looking for new courses and tools to improve techniques. It’s important to never stop learning and practicing. If your clients don’t often request complex designs, find models to keep your skills sharp. Every experiment is an opportunity to learn something new. And don’t be afraid of mistakes – they are an essential part of growth.”

Yuliia finds inspiration for her nail creations in nature, art and fashion. Tropical plants, animals, textures and colours often serve as starting points for designs, and she admires the work of artists, architects and fashion designers. For example, the works of Gaudí and the intricate patterns of Eastern calligraphy have guided her in the creation of shapes and textures.

The nail pro has a unique method for setting the right mood while working, revealing: “Sometimes, I play fashion show videos, as the way fabrics shimmer under the lights to music helps me focus. Occasionally, I’ll play a film from the Harry Potter series, as its atmosphere also helps me concentrate. Each project requires a different approach to help me immerse in it.”

Like any artist, Yuliia occasionally faces creative blocks, especially when preparing for major competitions. Her solution? A change of pace. “A creative block is a signal that it’s time to pause and change your environment. During such moments, I take a day off, even if there’s a deadline looming. One or two days of rest gives me renewed energy and helps me return to work with fresh ideas,” she says.

“A nail tech’s status can be enhanced in the eyes of clients if they enter a competition, and let’s not forget – they’re fun!”

FUTURE PLANS

Looking ahead, Yuliia is excited about the future of nail art as a blend of technology, artistry and sustainability. “Eco-friendly materials and tools are emerging that make the work of nail techs simpler and more efficient,” she observes. However, her greatest hope is that nail art continues to be recognised as a true art form. “It’s crucial to preserve opportunities for professionals to express themselves creatively, showcase their work in competitions and inspire others. What excites me most is seeing how far we can push the boundaries of nail art: merging tradition with innovation, and practicality with beauty. Competitions will play a key role in this, nurturing talent and creativity. My hope is that the industry remains open to fresh ideas, bold experiments and limitless creativity.”