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Nailympia NEWS

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

ALEX FOX

From Ukraine to the USA: how nail artistry helped restart my life

YEVHENIIA CHERNYSHOVA – West Springfield, Massachusetts, USA

Nailympia accolades: 1st place in Salon Nails, Extreme Nails Poster and UV Hard Gel Competition Nails (Division 1) at Nailympia San Antonio 2025.

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NEW LOCATION ALERT!

Nailympia has continued its dynamic expansion with the announcement of its 14th international location: in the breathtaking surroundings of Catania, Italy. Taking place 28-30 November, Nailympia Sicily will be hosted at the elegant Grand Villa Itria, offering competitors a luxurious setting with Mediterranean views.

A competition designed to inspire

The three-day event will showcase 17 competitions: 11 in the arena alongside six hand-in categories, ensuring opportunities for every level and style of nail professional. There will be 12 trophies awarded, including the fifth Euro Cup, which takes its first round of scores from Nailympia London six weeks prior.

From competitor to host: Erika Nortier’s vision

At the heart of Nailympia Sicily is its passionate host, Erika Nortier, whose journey with Nailympia began in 2019 as a competitor. Reflecting on her new role, Erika cites: “I’m deeply honoured to be appointed as the official organiser of Nailympia Sicily – a milestone that represents not only a personal achievement, but a significant moment for the nail industry in Italy.”

Having experienced the competition first hand, Erika brings a unique perspective, noting: “I have had the privilege of experiencing the intensity, discipline and passion that define the Nailympia arena. Those years shaped my understanding of what competitors truly need – not only in terms of technical excellence, but also support, fairness, inspiration and recognition.”

Elevating Italy on the global stage

Erika is focused on delivering a standout event: “Today, I bring my experience forward with a clear vision: to create an exceptional competition platform that elevates artists, celebrates creativity and upholds the highest international standards. This goal is met with Nailympia Sicily,” she shares. “It’s an opportunity to showcase the extraordinary talent within our country, while connecting Italy to a global community of world-class professionals.”

She concludes with a powerful statement of intent: “With the same passion, dedication and commitment that once drove me as a competitor, I step into my role as an organiser with purpose, vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”

Highly respected international competitor and long-standing judge, Zrinka Vuksan Bolanča, has been named head judge for the Sicilian edition. Representing Canada and Croatia, Zrinka brings years of Nailympia experience to this prestigious position.

A spectacular finale to the Nailympia season

As the 2026 Nailympia calendar builds towards its European finale, Sicily promises to deliver not only a world-class competition, but an unforgettable cultural and visual experience. From rising stars to seasoned champions, nail eyes will turn to Catania this November, where creativity, craftsmanship and community will meet under the Mediterranean sun.

Registration opens soon. www.nailympiasicily.com

Everything I had built over years disappeared in a matter of hours when the Ukraine war began. Before the war, I was a recognised nail artist in Ukraine, with an established client base, industry awards and a strong sense of identity within my profession. I had spent years developing my skills, building my reputation and creating a life that felt stable and certain. Then, suddenly, none of that mattered anymore.

“From an early age, I was drawn to creativity and the beauty industry. At the age of 16, I completed make-up courses and explored hair styling, and two years later in 2005, I began my career in the nail industry. I trained under the guidance of an experienced professional and started working in a salon, where I gained a strong practical foundation. Later, I worked in leading salon businesses, while attending advanced training courses, programmes and masterclasses.

With Nailympia judge, Tetiana Dudiak.

“My life was on track and my career focus was absolute. Then the war began, and I was faced with a few hours to leave the country with my daughter. There was no time to process what was happening, no clear destination and no understanding of what the future might hold. In an instant, everything familiar was gone.

“Arriving in the United States marked the beginning of a completely new chapter: one where I had to start again. I had no clients, no professional network and no stability. For two and a half years, my daughter and I lived in a church, navigating a life that felt uncertain and, at times, overwhelming. There were moments when I felt completely lost, struggling to understand how it was possible to rebuild when everything I knew had disappeared. Yet through all of this, one thing remained constant: nail artistry.

“When language barriers made communication difficult, my work became my voice. Nails allowed me to connect with others without needing perfect words. Through my craft, I began to rebuild not only my career, but my confidence and sense of self. I prepared for my nail technician licensing exam in a language that was not my own, and passing it on my first attempt was a pivotal moment: a reminder that my knowledge, discipline and resilience were still very much intact.

“That experience gave me the confidence to take an even bigger step and enter Nailympia San Antonio 2025. Standing alongside talented professionals from around the world felt both intimidating and inspiring. Winning three first-place awards was more than an achievement; it was confirmation that my skills had travelled with me, unchanged by circumstance.

“I believe in competing and was inspired to do so because competitions set high professional standards and support the growth of nail artists. They provide an opportunity to step outside of everyday salon work and objectively assess skill, discipline and technique, while discovering new approaches and industry standards. They motivate continuous learning, skill improvement and professional development, bring the nail community together and inspire progress. I’ve won titles in local competitions across Ukraine, as well as my three Nailympia gold medals.

“Today, I run my own nail business in Massachusetts. The most important lesson I have taken from my journey goes far beyond success or recognition. I now understand that nail artistry did more than stay with me: it carried me through one of the most challenging periods of my life. My story is not just about starting over; it’s about holding onto what you love when everything else falls apart. This is because sometimes, work is not simply a job – it becomes an anchor, a strength and ultimately, a way back to yourself.”

Dates for the diary 2026

Until 24 July Nailympia Online Registration open

20-22 May Nailympia China Shanghai, China

31 May - 1 June Nailympia Orlando Premiere Orlando, Florida, USA

30-31 August Nailympia San Antonio Premiere San Antonio, Texas, USA

27-28 September Nailympia Puerto Rico The Nails Expo, San Juan, Puerto Rico

4-5 October Nailympia London Professional Beauty, London, UK

28-30 November Nailympia Sicily Grand Hotel Villa Itria, Catania

To register your interest in Nailympia’s upcoming events, visit bit.ly/nailympia-ryi-2026 or scan here

The Nailympia Competitions 2026 global campaign imagery is courtesy of:

Nails: Elena Maltseva @elena_maltseva_nail

Coordinator: Elena Popova @popovaelena_nfp

Photographer: Elena Gelberg @pena_litrova

Make-up artist: Varvara Tabutarova @varvara_tabu

Hair stylist: Ksenia Golubeva @kcenja_golubeva

Model: Elizaveta Plotnikova @plotnikova_elizabet

For information about Nailympia Competitions, including how to enter, visit www.nailympia.com

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