SCRATCHCOLUMNIST

Nailympia COMPETITION NEWS

Judge & competitor spotlights

Immerse in competition highlights, interviews & points to note from the Nailympia realm, with its global director,

ALEX FOX

This year has shaped up to be particularly exciting for the Nailympia brand, with growth across all competitions and the launch of Nailympia China . At the end of this month, Nailympia San Antonio will take place, and next month we’ll finish the 2025 iteration with Nailympia London , 12-13 October. The esteemed competitions are supported by international nail specialists, who judge across the locations and lend their advice and expertise so that the events help grow the technical skills of competitors.

JUDGE SPOTLIGHT: Alisha Rimando

International nail expert, educator, head judge for Nailympia Competitions USA (Anaheim, Orlando, San Antonio) & CEO of GlossaryLive.com – USA

@alisharimando & @glossary_live

Areas of judging expertise: French application, sculpture, tip & overlay and nail structure.

Years as a judge: 21

Nailympia events judged: 40: in London, Germany, Estonia, Australia, Orlando, Anaheim, Columbus, San Antonio, Houston, Mexico, Vietnam and Online.

Industry accolades: Founder of GlossaryLive.com, licenced nail specialist, world champion nail artist 2005, educator, author, reflexologist, product developer and international nail judge.

Career biography: In 1994, I started working in a salon and soon became an educator. I had fallen in love with teaching and found myself travelling the world in my roles as a nail trainer, educator, competitor & hand model for world champion, Tom Holcomb. Working alongside Tom, I studied his techniques. After 10 years, I achieved a World Championship title in pink & white sculptured nails.

In 2008, I moved to New York and contributed to the 6th edition of industry book, Milady Nail Technology. Since then, I have authored and contributed to more than 10 textbooks and supplements for Cengage Learning, including Milady Standard Cosmetology. While in New York, I worked as a session nail artist for magazines and Fashion Week designers, and was featured in Jennifer Hudson’s Spotlight music video. I also spent three years as training director for Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas.

Personal biography: I spend as much time as I can with my children, Aspen and Olive, and husband, Cory. I love cooking and feeding family and friends, and also enjoy hosting holidays at my home, travelling, trying new food, shopping and writing.

Why do you believe in nail competitions? Competing doesn’t confirm your skills; it improves them. It pushes you to become your best, shows your flaws and keeps you humble. During the process, you are surrounded by people who have the same passion and fears. It’s at competitions that you learn, grow and find your nail family.

Advice to competitors: Breathe, eat, sleep, practice – and practice more. Believe in yourself no matter what, keep going and finish the task.

COMPETITOR SPOTLIGHT: Nakayama Ryuji

Nail artist, educator, brand developer & Individual Top Scorer at Nailympia China 2025 – Shanghai, China

@sinryuji

Nakayama has been a dedicated nail artist for over 14 years, and resides in Shanghai, China. Although nail artistry wasn’t his initial career choice, it became the perfect outlet for his creativity and passion for design. He originally aspired to become a haute couture designer, and studied skincare, make-up and aromatherapy in order to deepen his understanding of aesthetics and fashion.

Nakayama, who has a mixed ethnic background of Chinese and Japanese, found his passion at middle school. His curiosity about fashion led to his English teacher introducing him to May, a local nail salon owner, who would later become his mentor and now business partner. Intrigued, Nakayama began learning manicure techniques during summer breaks at May’s salon. She noted his unique perspective and enthusiasm, and shared her knowledge with him. May encouraged Nakayama to attend Japanese nail seminars, which laid the foundation for his future in the nail industry.

While attending university, he came to the realisation that pursuing a career in fashion design would be financially challenging. In contrast, he saw a career in nails as one that offered an artistic platform that was both fulfilling and more attainable.

In 2019, Nakayama and May launched nail brand, Ryuji&May. Alongside product development, the nail stylist offers training courses and is a translator for renowned Japanese nail educators, helping to bring advanced techniques to Chinese-speaking students. However, Nakayama’s creative pursuits don’t stop at nails, as he is also a jewellery designer. When seeking creative inspiration, Nakayama browses Instagram, and is especially drawn to bold visuals from runway shows and music concerts.

“Competitions are platforms to elevate the industry and demonstrate that nail artistry is a career deserving of deep respect and global recognition.”

When Nailympia announced its debut in China, Nakayama seized the opportunity to participate. At Nailympia China 2025, he competed in Division 3 and achieved a gold medal in Salon Nails, silver in Joy of Nails and bronze in Full Cover Creative. He won one of the top accolades: the Individual Top Scorer trophy, with 1,088 points. This was his first major international competition, and the experience proved transformative. He comments:

“Competing mirrors high-level salon work. While some view it as impractical, I see it as a training ground to sharpen technical skill, precision and professionalism.

I encourage everyone to embrace the challenge. Competing doesn’t diminish credibility: it enhances it. Even failure can generate meaningful content and career growth when shared authentically.

“Internet traffic may come and go, but professionalism and skill build a lasting legacy,” he continues.

“Competitions are platforms to elevate the industry and demonstrate that nail artistry is a career deserving of deep respect and global recognition.”

During Nailympia China, Nakayama met Jan Arnold, co-founder of CND™. This personal interaction left a lasting impression, since Jan shared words of encouragement and praised his efforts to promote professionalism within the Chinese nail industry. Her advice: ‘stay true, stay professional, stay scientific’ has become his guiding mantra. Looking ahead, Nakayama’s mission is to elevate the literacy and credibility of the nail sector. He believes the future of the industry depends on transparency, education and ethical practice.

VENICE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Entity global educator & international judge, Max Braga, shares the magic of Fantasy nail artistry, as showcased at Nailympia Germany 2025.

@maxbragamax

Last year, at Nailympia London, I was asked to create a full set of Fantasy Complete Look nails for a showcase at Nailympia Germany five months later. This event was designed to demonstrate the varied skills of nail professionals. I was to represent nail art experts, colleagues and friends from around the world, which was a a huge responsibility, and unique honour.

I wanted to create something instantly recognisable worldwide, with a strong, clear and impactful style. I chose Venice for its beauty, history, art and opulence. Venice is more than a city: it is a visual emotion and timeless narrative, and its globally renowned carnival perfectly embodies the elegance, colour and sophistication I sought to convey in my work.

I researched images, historical references and visual inspirations, before designing 3D subjects, decorative elements and details capable of evoking Venetian magic. Time was short, so I decided to involve esteemed nail artist, educator & mentor, Elena Maltseva. She was my first teacher, over 25 years ago. Today, she is a friend and a respected professional, with whom I share a passion for the nail craft. Elena grasped the creative vision and symbolic importance of the project and together, we explored ideas and technical details. Finally, the magic took shape.

I created the model’s dress and accessories, maintaining the original characteristics of the 18th century costumes and the traditions of the Venice Carnival. The result? A work that successfully blended art, tradition and innovation, bringing a vibrant tribute to the timeless beauty of Venice to the stage of Nailympia Germany 2025. The showcase was an unforgettable experience that I cherish – not only for what was created, but for everything it represented.

For me, it wasn’t just a personal achievement, but a statement of professional identity. Every detail, aesthetic choice and technical element was designed to tell a story and demonstrate what nail art means today. It is from these experiences that my daily commitment is born. I strive to offer work of the highest quality, that is meticulously crafted and capable of moving people. For me, nail art isn’t just decoration – it’s expression, culture and vision.

“Every detail, aesthetic choice and technical element was designed to tell a story and demonstrate what nail art means today. It is from these experiences that my daily commitment is born.”