MEET THE JUDGES - PART 2

Introducing the business-savvy judges who have determined the winners across 10 categories in the UK&I’s most renowned nail industry awards

L ast issue, we revealed the judges who descended onto London to judge eight technical and artistic categories in the Scratch Stars Awards 2025. Now, as we count down the days to The Scratch Stars Party and unveiling of this year’s winning techs and businesses, let’s get to know the esteemed industry professionals who lent their expertise to judge the salon, mobile, team, social media, education and special award categories…

ALEX FOX

Editor-at-large, Scratch co-founder & Nailympia Competitions global director

@alexfoxlife_

Alex has over 26 years’ experience in the nail industry, beginning her journey in 1998 as editorial director of the UK’s first trade nail magazine, Nails Plus. During that time, she hosted the Nail Championships at Earls Court, London. In 2003, Alex co-founded Scratch magazine and helped create the Scratch Stars Awards to celebrate UK nail talent. She launched Gloss, the first consumer nail magazine, and Scratch Middle East in 2014, while living in Qatar for a decade. Now the global director of Nailympia Competitions, Alex oversees its international expansion, fostering a platform for nail artistry worldwide.

GEMMA LAMBERT-LEWIS

Multi award-winning pro & nail brand owner

@gems.nail.team

In 1997, following a 24-week nail course, Gemma earned a distinction in manicure, pedicure, silk, gel, L&P acrylic, sculpting and basic nail art. She went on to work on a mobile basis and rent a nail desk in a salon, before becoming a manager of a nail bar at the age of 20. A year later, she opened her own salon and began competing in national nail events. She also trained with Antony Buckley and became an international educator. Gemma boasts 12 UK nail champion titles and has won three Scratch Stars Awards, including Services to the Nail Industry in 2016. In 2007, she set up The Nail Team to offer teaching, products and advice, and launched the Gems Nail Systems product range in 2018.

The 10 categories:

• Educator of the Year

• Online Educator of the Year

• Nail Salon of the Year

• Nail & Beauty Salon of the Year

• Home Nail Salon of the Year

• Mobile Nailist of the Year

• Nail Team of the Year

• Social Media Star of the Year

• The Shooting Star Award

• Services to the Nail Industry

AMELIA BLACK

Marketing manager & head of brand at ABT -part of Howden

@abtinsurance

Amelia has over 10 years’ industry experience across the B2B beauty, hair, nails, health and wellbeing sectors. She creates brand exposure internationally, while providing ongoing support to over 18,000 insured members, accredited colleges and industry brands and clients. Amelia builds on commercial client relationships and provides support via consultative methods with event and marketing packages.

CAROLINE LARISSEY

Chief executive of the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF)

@caroline_larissey & @nhbfsocial

Caroline has spearheaded the development of apprenticeship standards and National Occupational Standards for the hair and beauty sector for over two decades. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she served as the sole technical advisor to UK governments, authoring the award-winning industry guidance that became the sector’s primary reference resource. Boasting 37 years’ experience in the hair and beauty industry, she champions sector recognition, quality frameworks and the development of standards.

KATIE GODFREY

Business strategist, author & podcast host

@kg_katiegodfrey

At just 19 years old, Katie opened her first salon and quickly learned powerful lessons in marketing, leadership and how to succeed in business. She went on to build a seven-figure beauty brand and open multiple award-winning salons and training academies. Katie has launched a professional product line and mentors beauty, hair and aesthetics entrepreneurs worldwide, to help them build thriving businesses. She is the author of Get Off The Tools, a tome for industry professionals ready to scale beyond the treatment room, and shares straight-talking advice and success strategies via her podcast, The Life of KG.

KIM FORD

Beauty industry consultant & trainer

@kimfordexpert

Kim has worked in the beauty and education industries for over 30 years and in over 50 countries, across private and public education establishments, spas, salons and retail businesses. She has extensive experience as an international examination officer, EPA and IQA for awarding organisations, and has been a chairman for BABTAC and CIBTAC. As the VP of CIDESCO GB, Kim sits on global industry boards as a director or trustee. A former Scratch columnist, Kim has won awards for education and business and is a regular speaker at industry events. She owns Beauty Enterprise Solutions, Consultancy & Training, specialising in aiding industry education establishments to gain accreditation or endorsement, and runs aesthetic and beauty business, Just Entre – Nous.

KIM

Nail tech & social media specialist

@kimmieonline & @nailslikeus

Kim is a nail tech, social media mentor & luxury manicurist dedicated to helping fellow nail pros use social media to grow their businesses. Through her mentorship, she strives to empower nail techs with the tools and knowledge to achieve their business goals and take their online brand presence to the next level. Kim is co-founder of Meeko.Media, a company that specialises in short-form content creation and strategy.

DENISE WRIGHT

Salon owner, educator & international judge

@denisewrightnails

Denise is a 13-time international nail champion with 30 years’ experience in the nail sector. An esteemed international judge and competition director, her other roles include salon owner, training provider, UK Habia Skills team member and examiner for City & Guilds and VTCT. Denise works with nail brand, NSI, on product development and is an international education team member. She was presented with the Scratch Star Award for Services to the Nail Industry in 2019.

KATY POTTLE

Award-winning nail artist & educator

@katyp_nailartist

Katy Pottle, or Katy P, has worked as a mobile tech and home-based salon owner, and has unwavering passion for the nail industry. Boasting enviable creative skills, she is committed to helping others thrive. In 2023, she claimed the title of Scratch’s World’s Star Nail Artist, an achievement that led to a Scratch magazine column and judging opportunities at Nailympia and for North America’s Star Nail Artist. Katy is founder of the Sparkle Squad, a vibrant online education platform for independent nail techs. Her mission is to empower self-employed pros and help them grow in confidence, master salon-friendly nail art and grow businesses they love.

LESLEY BLAIR MBE

CEO & chair of BABTAC & CIBTAC

@lesleyiblair & @babtac & @cibtacuk

Lesley holds teaching, assessor and expert witness qualifications from CIBTAC, ITEC, IHBC and City & Guilds, including Level 4 Advanced modalities. She is an accomplished CIBTAC examiner and belongs to and contributes to a number of industry groups, campaigning on issues that matter most to the beauty industry. Lesley is committed to championing professionalism and fit-for-purpose qualifications. Throughout the pandemic, she worked tirelessly on government taskforces and inclusively with colleagues, industry bodies, competitors and media alike for the greater good of the industry. She was awarded an MBE in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

LEYSAN BASHIROVA

Nail content creator

@w0mango

Leysan holds a master’s degree in Graphic Design and has a background in PR and social media management. Alongside a career in design and communications, she has spent over eight years working as a home-based nail artist. A creative storyteller, she began focusing on her social media presence after becoming a mum, and honed her video skills. Leysan works full-time as a content creator, collaborating with beauty brands to produce dynamic, high-quality visuals. She specialises in product videos and AI-enhanced videography, blending design, storytelling and innovation to help brands stand out online.

LIZ MCKEON

Salon business expert

@lizmckeonbizliz

Liz helps hair, beauty and spa businesses to reach their financial potentials. Internationally renowned, she is a successful author, business coach, speaker, mentor & trainer. In 2007, she launched Salon Business Expert, offering training and workshops to a global audience. From large chains to huge multinationals, Liz excels in growing businesses and streamlining them for fast profitability – from retail sales through to management. She offers programmes for owners, managers and teams, and training and coaching opportunities for salon distributors. Recognised as an authority within the industry, Liz is a regular contributor to trade magazines and speaker at events.

METTA FRANCIS

Multi award-winning mobile nail artist & session tech

@nailsbymets

Scratch Stars Ultimate Mobile Nailist, Metta Francis, has been in the nail industry for 15 years. Her mobile nail company, Nails by Mets, serves private clients across London and has provided treatments via pop-ups at nationwide events and for global brands. A regular on set as a session manicurist, Metta has worked on campaigns for Space NK, Augustinus Bader and Wunderbrow, and her work and nail advice have been published in numerous trade and consumer publications.

MODI LIU

Co-founder of Umia Beauty

@umia.beauty

Modi is the co-founder of Umia Beauty, the company behind an AI-powered nail system that delivers intricate art directly onto nails. Positioned at the intersection of technology and creativity, Umia is bringing AI into salons and offering next-generation tools for nail professionals. Modi’s mission is to merge artistic sensibility with innovation to build an ethical, sustainable solution that elevates the global nail ecosystem. As a strong advocate for fair compensation for nail artists, she is dedicated to championing creativity throughout the industry. Modi also serves as an art instructor at the SDC Foundation, where she supports inclusive and creative expression for children with disabilities.

DAVE HORTON

Founder & group MD of ABT & AIT Insurance

@abtinsurance

Dave founded ABT, an internationally recognised membership, insurance and publishing company representing the beauty, nail and hair sectors. He has been running successful events across Europe and the UK for over 17 years, and represented over 200,000 individual members. Dave has worked alongside thousands of leading brands.

MARIAN NEWMAN BEM

Nail industry expert, educator & author

@mariannewman

A nail professional since 1987, Marian has worked in every aspect of the sector: as a salon owner, brand educator, teacher, developer of occupational standards for the UK Industry Authority, product developer and more. She is the author of The Complete Nail Technician & co-writer of multiple industry textbooks. For over 20 years, she worked as a session nail technician, with her work featured in global magazines and on runways, in music videos and on celebrities. For her services to the beauty industry during Covid-19, Marian was awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s 2020 Birthday Honours List. She was presented with the Scratch Star Award for Services to the Nail Industry in 2013 and Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021.

IAN ARCHBOLD

Beauty industry show director & consultant

@ian_archbold

Ian established the Olympia Beauty trade show with his business partner in 2005, and travels to events all over the world to seek out new and exciting nail and beauty companies. He works as a consultant for the Professional Beauty Group, following the sale of Olympia Beauty to the company in 2023. Ian has been part of the beauty industry for over 25 years and has struck up long-term relationships with brands and key personnel within sales roles. He works on the Scratch portfolio and has launched magazines, events and online initiatives across various markets.

NERGISH WADIA-AUSTIN

Founder & CEO, PHAB Service Stars

@nergishwadiaaustin &

@phabservicestars

Nergish is an expert in increasing service and retail performance, offering tailor-made online and in-person courses for leaders, managers and salon professionals who want to improve operations and boost revenue. She has an exceptional ability to identify business gaps, with a no-nonsense approach to raising salon and spa profitability. Nergish is the founder & CEO of PHAB Service Stars, the only performance-based benchmarking system for the hair and beauty industry. She’s a well-respected business training guru, known for her high level of expertise and proven results.

POALA TAYLOR-RIDDICK

Co-founder & director of VODEX Ltd

@vodexbeautyextraction

Poala is co-founder & director of VODEX Ltd, a company that specialises in the distribution and manufacture of extraction products to remove fumes and dust from breathing zones. VODEX is a popular UK brand for salon extraction products, and the SalonAIR® Range evolved following Poala’s personal experiences within the salon environment. VODEX launched podiatry product, the ChiroPOD UVC®, in January 2024.

RICHARD MCCABE

Salon business mentor

@lifestyle_salon_coach

Richard McCabe, known as The Lifestyle Salon Coach, is a highly regarded salon business mentor. With over 25 years owning salons across the UK and Australia, Richard now helps salon owners to build profitable, freedom-focused businesses. His nine-step system delivers a 30% increase in turnover in just 12 months by focusing on teams, clients and systems.

Based between New South Wales, Australia, and the UK, Richard shares his wisdom through online coaching, courses and SAAMM – his AI-powered salon automation tool.

SUE DAVIES

Nail industry veteran & podcast host

@_sue_davies

Sue is a nail and beauty industry veteran who has been in the sector since 2002, working as a mobile therapist, home salon owner, freelancer & award-winning salon owner. She has been a competition director and is an advocate for industry professional standards. Sue shares her experiences on her podcast and online platform, Inspiring Salon Professionals, and is founder of Salonpreneur magazine. Sue scooped the Scratch Star for Services to the Nail Industry in 2017.

ZOYA MAC

Nail content creator

@zoya_mac

Zoya is a content creator based in Sussex, with over eight years’ experience as a nail technician. She works with nail brands to create eye-catching content that highlights sparkle, texture, and detail – often using close-up shots to showcase products in beautiful and authentic ways. Zoya also teaches content workshops, helping nail techs to create scroll-stopping videos and showcase their work with confidence.

JOIN THE PARTY!

Discover the winners of all 18 Scratch Stars Awards categories for 2025 at The Scratch Stars Party at The Underglobe, London, on Sunday 6 July. Visit bit.ly/ssas25tickets or scan here to purchase a ticket.

STEVEY POWELL

Beauty business mentor

@stevey.powell

With nearly two decades of experience in the beauty industry, Stevey is a multi-award-winning professional known for her entrepreneurial vision and customer service skills. Her journey from hands-on beauty expert to global business mentor has been driven by a passion to elevate the industry. As the founder & mentor behind The Collective Co., Stevey empowers beauty professionals to step confidently into leadership, equipping them with the tools, mindset and strategy to build sustainable and profitable businesses.

SUSAN ROUTLEDGE

Beauty industry speaker, consultant & author

@susan_routledge

Susan Routledge is an award-winning beauty and aesthetic clinic owner, industry speaker, author & member of numerous beauty industry steering groups. In 1979, she started a beauty business and grew it successfully, quickly becoming a pillar of the local community and model for entrepreneurial success. She is recognised on a national level as an advocate of independent beauty businesses and owns Finishing Touch Clinic in County Durham.

ZAARA KING

Beauty business & mindset coach

@zaaraking

Zaara is a beauty business success & mindset coach, supporting self-employed professionals. She has over 13 years’ experience in the beauty sector and founded The Beauty Build community: a space for pros to access free training, support one another and stay motivated. She also hosts The Beauty Build podcast and is passionate about helping professionals to earn more, work less and establish ambitious and motivated mindsets.

JUDGMENT DAY

Check out photos from the practical judging day at The London College of Beauty Therapy, where 40 finalists in the technical and artistic categories completed practical nail challenges in the bid for Scratch Stars Awards.