H
ere we are in June – and I can’t quite believe it has been a year since the
Scratch Social
at
Premiere Orlando
, where I was crowned winner of
North America’s Star Nail Artist
(NASNA): Season 1.
Competing in NASNA was an incredible journey, and watching the talented artists of Season 2 walk the same path has been so special. This year, I had the honour of stepping into a new role: joining the judging panel and contributing to the brief for the final challenge, sponsored by LECHAT Nail Care Products. This task centred around art and astrology, and the nail artists exceeded every expectation.
To make the brief as fun and magical as possible, we sent the contestants the LECHAT Perfect Match Cat Eye Gel Polish collection. Each shade is named after a sign from the zodiac, and the nine artists used the product that represented their astrological sign most prominently. They also infused one of the four elements: water, fire, air and earth, into their designs.
I was incredibly impressed by the level of skill and inventiveness shown. It was no easy feet, as contestants were required to incorporate a 3D element and hand-painted art across a set of five nails longer than two inches, using only the shades provided. A few exceptions were permitted: clear sculpting products, coloured crystals and chrome powders – but the restriction pushed creative boundaries in the most brilliant ways.
Watching the artists mix cat eye colours, utilise the magic of chrome powders and add crystal embellishments was a joy. The final creations, and the amazing videos that accompanied them, demonstrated how much the finalists learned from the experience, and the way this competition pushed their creativity to the limit.
Each month welcomed a new product line and challenge with a unique twist, to be created to a deadline. Following this, there was a nervous wait among contestants to see whether they moved into the next challenge or faced a Wild Card task. For the finale, the Wild Card task was replaced with a Bonus Challenge, where contestants could create a final, single nail design to gain additional points.
The top nine were asked to create a nail to represent what Earth Day means to them. To mark the occasion, we thought it would be fun for the competitors to recycle and reuse the products that the generous sponsors provided during Season 2. Topics such as wildfires, air pollution and humanity’s impact were brought forth, as well as honest conversations about respecting a delicate balance in nature. I am so pleased with how everyone embraced this call-to-action and represented their message through nail art.
Anastasia
Cathy Torres
Jessica Vero
Yuliia Kovalchuk
Sheridan Moore
Family fun & recent plans
I have been busy travelling this spring, but made sure to spend time with my two favourite people: my husband and son. It’s great to be busy at work, but it’s vital to allow time for self-care and to enjoy the simple things in life, like going to get some ice cream or seeing a new movie with your family.
I have also been preparing for upcoming industry events. There is quite a bit of work that goes into each beauty show, education event and distributor demo, such as preparing the booth layout, education schedule and communications. It’s important to ensure that each attendee gets the most out of their trade show visit or training.
Trend talk
My schedule at my nail studio remains full, and I am thankful that my clients appreciate and keep supporting my small business. As my good friend Paula Davies says: “Without customers, you are just a girl with glitter!”
I enjoy the challenges my clients give me. Whether they request a depiction of their favourite K-pop band or Rockville Music Festival in Daytona Beach, I bring their ideas to life and they wear them with pride.
Florals and cat eye are still very popular, while crystals under the fingernails are becoming a bigger trend. I’m looking forward to a busy season of vacation-inspired nail art, bright colours and bold pigments.
‘‘ It’s great to be busy at work, but it’s vital to allow time for self-care and to enjoy the simple things in life. ‘‘
Coming up…
July brings two major events: Cosmoprof Las Vegas and Nail Tech Event of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The LECHAT team will be present at both, showcasing the brand’s bestsellers and new products, as well as offering classes at the Smokies show.
Preparations are also underway for Premiere San Antonio and Premiere Columbus in August and October. I can’t wait to share new products and network with talented nail artists.