THE TOP 3 contestants

They’ve conceptualised, crafted & conquered every challenge in the first North America’s Star Nail Artist contest & one will be awarded the trophy & title. Let’s get to know the sensational stylists in the top three: season one

On the day this magazine lands in your email inbox, our top three North America’s Star Nail Artist (NASNA) contestants will be readying themselves for the Scratch Social in Orlando, an exciting nail industry event at which the champion of this first season’s battle will be announced.

It’s been a long and challenging road for Michelle Soto, Jessica Vero and Anastasia Totty, who have showcased their craftmanship and creativity in monthly tasks since October 2024. Complex but thrilling briefs, set by sponsors: CND™, Light Elegance, Gelish, The GelBottle Inc, LECHAT and Glitterbels, have tested their skills with new products and design techniques, and encouraged them to create engaging video content. Forty nail pros began this competition journey, with eliminations taking place each month. Points have been accumulated from six challenges and a bonus task, and totalled to determine the position of the finalists in the contest.

After each challenge, the tekking trio has avoided elimination and continued to shine, each demonstrating exceptional product control, attention to the contest requirements and creative video editing techniques. Representing the USA and Canada with pride, they will be rewarded for their efforts on June 1 at the Scratch Social at Premiere Orlando, taking home goodies and a spectacular story of success to share with their nail clients. Yet, just one will be crowned season one champion. Let’s learn their stories…

THE TOP PRIZE

• $2,500.

• Winner’s trophy & certificate.

• Scratch front cover & winner’s interview.

• 12-month Scratch column series.

• Free entry to all categories at a Nailympia event in either London, San Antonio, Anaheim or Orlando.

• $500 The GelBottle Inc (TGB) credit voucher & one-day online training with a TGB UK educator.

• $200 Glitterbels voucher, cuticle tool kit and pink apron.

• 40% discount code at Gelish.com.

• CND SHELLAC™ Vivid collection & CND™ items. plus more to be announced!

MICHELLE SOTO

Orlando, Florida, USA /michelle.soto.73594

@chellys_nails

Michelle’s journey into the nail world began long before she realised nail styling is her life’s career and passion. At just five years old, she revelled in sticking pistachio shells onto her tiny fingers: her first step into creating nail enhancements. By age 12, she was a hand model for her aunt, a nail enthusiast, and became enchanted by her love for nails and beauty.

At 13, Michelle’s life shifted dramatically when her family moved from New Jersey to Puerto Rico. She felt disconnected from the things that brought her joy – especially nails, so she bought a nail kit and started recreating her aunt’s work. Michelle admits that she didn’t know what she was doing, but loved it – and her skills were noticed.

Her father offered to pay for her to attend nail school, and Michelle jumped at the chance. At the age of 14, she helped out at a prestigious nail salon and absorbed all she could, including how to manage a salon, offer unforgettable customer service and perfect her craft.

Two years later, Michelle opened her own nail salon. She was just a teenager, but had built a strong reputation for being talented, professional and deeply committed to her clients. She saw nails as a way to make extra money, never imagining it could offer her a viable career, but over time, the craft turned into a lifelong passion. Nails have given her purpose, creativity and the means to raise her children as she has desired, and she credits nail styling as a beautiful way to serve others.

“Nail styling is my therapy. I lose track of time, my mind quietens down and my creativity flows freely. Whether I’m sculpting enhancements, painting tiny details or experimenting with new designs, it’s a healing art.”

Challenge 4 entry: Now & Zen sponsored by Gelish.

Challenge 5 entry: Change & Transformation sponsored by LECHAT Nailcare Products.

Let’s love…

“Gel products! Whether hard gel, soft gel, builder gel or an acrygel system, gel products are versatile and underutilised. Once pros understand gel viscosities and how to work with them, the possibilities are endless.”

My NASNA experience

“With every challenge, I have found myself not just inspired by the art created by the contestants, but by their growth and individuality. I have loved witnessing how each task is interpreted, and seeing personalities come to life through creativity. This journey hasn’t just been about nails – but storytelling, passion and evolution, and I feel honoured and inspired to have made the top three.”

Challenge 1 entry: Stylishly Spooky sponsored by CND™.

Challenge 2 entry: Blinkform: The Great Form Escape sponsored by Light Elegance.

My average week

“I’m a wife, proud mother of three, business owner, content creator, international educator, R&D lead for V Beauty Pure and Booksy ambassador. My days are full, but beautifully orchestrated! The mornings start in ‘mom mode’, before I dive into my R&D responsibilities, create content, hold online meetings and plan training. Somewhere in between, I answer messages, think of ideas and connect with my audience.

“Despite my busy schedule, I dedicate two days per week to serve clients in the salon, which keeps me grounded. I love the connection, conversation and joy of transforming someone’s hands. It’s my way of staying close to the craft that started it all.”

In another life…

“If I wasn’t in the beauty industry, I’d most likely work in nursing. There’s something fulfilling about caring for others and being present during vulnerable moments. Alternatively, I’d run a business offering traditional Puerto Rican dishes, using recipes passed through generations in my family. Cooking is another form of art, and I love the way food brings people together, similar to nails. Both passions are about connection, comfort and expression.”

Challenge 3 entry: Manifest Your 2025 Dream Nails sponsored by The GelBottle Inc.

Bonus Challenge: Floral Nails in 5 Colours.

Challenge 6 entry: Unicorn Enchanted Forest sponsored by Glitterbels.

Top tip

“Nail pros should continually seek education, via high-quality mentors who want to see them succeed. Knowledge is power!”

Next steps

“As an international educator, I revel in helping others grow. I’m opening an academy with Salon Suites, to train future leaders and successful entrepreneurs, as I want to provide others with high-quality education, support and the belief that with the right tools, they can achieve anything.”

JESSICA VERO

Richmond, British Columbia, Canada

/jessica.vero.9

@jvnaildesign

Jessica’s journey into the nail industry was unplanned. It started in 2003, when she achieved a certificate in Make-up Artistry. She worked in the film industry while training in special effects make-up, keen to work on horror films. Jessica was eager to create ‘monster make-up’ over conventional beauty looks, so her boss encouraged her to enrol on a nail technician course, as it would be helpful with sculpting prosthetic character teeth. She signed up, and realised almost immediately that nail styling was a profession she wanted to pursue.

“Nail styling makes me feel empowered, creative and deeply connected to my clients. It’s a form of self-expression that allows me to transform someone’s hands into a personal statement. Every style that I craft is a reflection of my creativity and my client’s personality, and that collaboration brings me much joy and fulfilment.”

Challenge 3 entry: Manifest Your 2025 Dream Nails sponsored by The GelBottle Inc.

Challenge 6 entry: Unicorn Enchanted Forest sponsored by Glitterbels.

Challenge 5 entry: Change & Transformation sponsored by LECHAT Nailcare Products.

Top tips

“Turning your passion into a career is one of the most rewarding things you can do, so start strong: invest in high-quality products and education that prepares you for the industry. A solid start will set the tone for the rest of your career, and it’s worth taking the time Jennie to build ShawJessica it up the right Vero way.”

My average week

“I’m currently in a transitional phase in my career, as I have temporarily closed my salon and am working as a mobile nail tech and educator. My week is split between servicing clients in their homes, searching for a new salon space and developing my nail education programmes. I work five days per week: two of which are spent filming content for my online classes and social media.”

Tool kit essentials

“Most of my clients wear structured manicures, so having an assortment of builder gels and rubber base products in flattering shades is essential. I also love art gels due to their high pigmentation and thick viscosity, which allow me to layer and add depth to designs. They give me the control needed to paint detailed, dimensional work. High-quality brushes in a variety of sizes are key to bringing designs to life, too.”

My signature style

“I am known for character paintings and 3D sculpted art, created with liquid & powder. I love painting realistic characters, as enjoy the challenge of capturing expression, texture and personality in miniature form.”

Challenge 1 entry: Stylishly Spooky sponsored by CND™.

Challenge 2 entry: Blinkform: The Great Form Escape sponsored by Light Elegance.

Challenge 4 entry: Now & Zen sponsored by Gelish.

My nails

“I love sporting a long stiletto shape, but this style isn’t practical for work. Instead, I often wear soft almond nails with art, such as isolated chrome.”

My NASNA experience

“I have loved challenges that included fantasy elements, as my imagination could run wild. It has also been great that each task was sponsored by a different brand. It’s easy to stay in your comfort zone, however being asked to work with unfamiliar products forced me to think differently and pushed me creatively. It challenged me to problem solve, adapt and explore new techniques, and I think that’s where the real growth happens as an artist.

“I am delighted to be in the top three. I believe in manifesting and visualising success, and while I imagined myself achieving this goal, making it to this position feels like a dream. The talent in this competition has been incredible, so to be standing alongside the best of the best is such an honour. I’m proud, grateful and beyond excited.”

Bonus Challenge: Floral Nails in 5 Colours.

ANASTASIA TOTTY

Jacksonville, Florida, USA

/nastyushka.totty

@anastasia.totty

Anastasia hails from Moldova in Eastern Europe. She studied for a bachelor’s degree in education, but happened upon nail art and enhancements, and her career focus began to shift.

Anastasia practiced designs on her own nails and after graduation, enrolled in nail classes to pursue a full-time role in the sector. She worked and trained in Saint Petersburg, Russia, between 2010 and 2014, before moving to the USA and attaining a nail technician’s licence in Florida. The pro summoned the courage to enter her first nail competition in 2015 at Premiere Orlando, and has since continued to hone her skills. She is a veteran competitor with 60 trophies from international nail competitions.

In 2019, Anastasia became an educator for LECHAT Nailcare Products, which opened opportunities to share her knowledge and experience, while travelling, networking and supporting the next generation of nail professionals.

My NASNA experience

“I really enjoyed receiving each challenge brief, as the tasks and rules excited me, sparked my creativity and gave me a clear mental image of the end results. NASNA has tested my endurance, commitment and time management skills. At times, I felt like it was going to be impossible due to circumstances out of my control, but I persevered and to be in the top three feels great!”

Challenge 4 entry: Now & Zen sponsored by Gelish.

Challenge 5 entry: Change & Transformation sponsored by LECHAT Nailcare Products.

Top tips

“Keep learning and investing in your skills by committing to at least one training course per year, with a knowledgeable and creative educator. Practice and perfect what you learn from them and try to push further. Just paying for a class and sitting through the training will not guarantee results. Be curious and try different nail products, learn as much as you can and find creative ways to use them.

“Challenge yourself to enter at least one nail competition, as I promise it will teach you so much. Do not compare yourself to others. No one is born a great nail artist – everyone has to learn from someone.”

Challenge 1 entry: Stylishly Spooky sponsored by CND™.

My average week

“I own a salon in Jacksonville, Florida, and work around five days per week, creating nail looks for clients who have supported me throughout my incredible career journey. Most of them have been with me from my beginnings in Florida, and have become great friends and cheerleaders.”

My signature style

“I enjoy combining techniques, such as 3D sculpting with L&P acrylic and hand-painting nail designs. I love stones and crystals, and try to include them in my creations when the designs allows.”

Challenge 2 entry: Blinkform: The Great Form Escape sponsored by Light Elegance.

Challenge 3 entry: Manifest Your 2025 Dream Nails sponsored by The GelBottle Inc.

“Nail styling makes me extremely happy. Whether crafting a short, salon-style nail or an extreme competition shape, I love seeing my ideas come to life – and the finished results looking how I imagined.”

Bonus Challenge: Floral Nails in 5 Colours.

Challenge 6 entry: Unicorn Enchanted Forest sponsored by Glitterbels.

Let’s love…

“Hand-painted nail art! I think that many techs believe it’s too time-consuming for salon environments, but once the techniques are mastered and you immerse in training from multiple nail artists, you can find your signature style and products. Customers value artistry and custom art maintains their loyalty.”

Tool kit essentials

“My brush case is filled with various nail art brushes and tools, sculpting forms, acrylic powder and monomer, gel paints, sculpting gel, chrome, glitter and crystals.”