STAR Quality
INSIDE NAIL CAMP: an inspiring event for the nail community
North America’s Star Nail Artist Season 1 champion, ANASTASIA TOTTY, shares tips & tales from her colourful career
As nail professionals, we tend to wear many hats, such as artist, service provider, business owner/landlord, accountant and social media expert. All of these roles demand time and can be overwhelming. So how can burnout be avoided?
A few years ago, I joined the Nail Camp community: a group of like-minded nail professionals who meet annually. The event has been so beneficial for my career and journey as an educator, offering escapism and opportunities to learn and grow amongst successful and supportive people.
Organised by my good friend, Jessica Briarmoon of LuvNailz, Nail Camp is a four-day, all-inclusive retreat, open only to nail professionals. No guests, family or pets are invited – meaning attendees disconnect from their busy working lives and leave with new ideas, skills and friendships.
The location changes each year, so multiple areas of the USA can be explored. Meals and accommodation are included in the cost, and there are plenty of competitions and classes to enjoy, courtesy of both independent and brand affiliated educators.
Each attendee receives a generous product bag provided by the sponsors of the event. Many professional nail brands support Nail Camp because it gives techs the opportunity to try new products, and many go on to become loyal customers. In fact, LECHAT Nail Care Products has been a proud supporter of Nail Camp for many years. Campers receive plenty of samples, and I always look forward to learning about new innovations. The event is a great place for me to launch new educational topics and understand what nail techs really want to see in the classroom, and from their favourite brands.
This year, Nail Camp’s theme was ‘Greek Week’, and we enjoyed camp T-shirts and pins, college-inspired sorority houses and a Greek mythology-themed mixed media nail competition. A fun toga costume party wrapped up the retreat.
I encourage every nail professional to attend events like this, as they offer so much value in terms of education, networking and of course, fun!
Anastasia
Out & about
Recently, I visited one of LECHAT’s partner cosmetology schools in Austin, Texas: Paul Mitchell The School. LECHAT has been entrusted by the training provider to supply nail kits that match the quality and vision of its brand. Together, we hosted a fundraising nail class to show our support to local charities. LECHAT provided products and I offered my expertise to licensed professionals, while Paul Mitchell The School staff hosted hands-on classes.
Coming up…
The countdown is on for the event of the season: Premiere Orlando! The trade show in Florida is my favourite annual event – not only because it’s held in my home state, but because it’s where I seem to gather most of my medals and trophies, and was where I was crowned North America’s Star Nail Artist in 2025.
LECHAT Nail Care Products has a booth on the show floor, and the team will host workshops and demonstrations – as well as showcase its latest products. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone on May 31 and June 1, and I can’t wait to find out who is announced as North America’s Star Nail Artist – Season 2 champion at The Scratch Social on May 31!
Trend talk
Optical illusion-inspired nail art is one of my favourite trends, and LECHAT’s Perfect Match range offers a variety of products to achieve the style. I particularly enjoy using the brand’s cat eye gels, chrome powders and jelly gels to create the look.
I’ve also been experimenting with bold, seasonal colours and designs, and adhering crystals to the undersides of my nails. This is such a fun way to add bling to seemingly simple nail designs. My nails reflect my personality and passion for this industry, which I’ll be sharing – along with ideas and techniques – via an art class at the Nail Tech Event of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, on July 13. I am looking forward to teaching a room full of passionate nail professionals!
FACT FILE
Here are three fun facts about me:
1. I love to travel but don’t enjoy driving, and didn’t attain my US driver’s licence until a few years ago. Luckily, my husband doesn’t mind driving and takes me anywhere I need to go, including competitions, events and nail supply stores.
2. I’m not a very good swimmer – probably because I was born in Moldova, a landlocked country. However, I Iove spending time at the beach.
3. I am an optimist. Looking at the positive aspects of situations has helped me overcome so many obstacles in life. I am kind to myself and supportive of others. I believe that anything is possible if you stay positive and send the right energy out into the universe!