A champion of creativity

Home Latest Edition Archive scratchmagazine.co.uk

COPIED

13 mins

INDUSTRY ACHIEVEMENT

A champion of creativity

Get to know Jessica Vero: the Canadian tech whose creativity & artistic vision captivated North America’s Star Nail Artist judges & earned her the coveted title of Season 2 champion

HELENA BIGGS REPORTS

Jessica Vero first appeared on my radar in 2024, when she submitted an application for Season 1 of Scratch’s North America’s Star Nail Artist (NASNA) contest. The mobile nailist from Richmond, BC, quickly distinguished herself as a talent to watch: catching attention with her exceptional sculpting and hand-painting skills. She made the competition’s shortlist and sailed through each monthly challenge, serving up innovative designs alongside expertly edited videos that offered insight into her artistic processes and technical advice.

Jessica’s talent led her to the Top 3, and I met her in Orlando for the contest’s finale in June 2025, where she scooped the second runner up title. Spurred on by her success and the challenges the contest presented, I was delighted to receive her application for Season 2, and she approached each brief with renewed energy and gusto that astounded the judges.

Jessica & Helena Biggs.

Challenge 2: Annabel’s North American Dream, presented by Glitterbels.

The season ran from October 2025 to May 2026, and Jessica consistently impressed with her ability to translate concepts into unforgettable nail art. She has a calm, humble demeanour – letting her work speak for itself and approaching each design with focus and thoughtfulness. I have no doubt that her quiet confidence allowed her to remain grounded under the pressures of each challenge: an approach that reflects her deep respect for the craft.

Challenge 1: The Blonds journey, presented by Jan Arnold.

Jessica scored highly with all judges for each of the Season 2 briefs, with her best result coming from Challenge 2. For this, she crafted Banff-themed nails with a pink Glitterbels twist, complete with miniature figurines and well-considered details.

Her scores from all six challenges and the bonus challenge once again sealed a Top 3 position, and she was flown to Florida for the Scratch Social event at Premiere Orlando on May 31, where I excitedly revealed her to be the Season 2 champion. Now, with the NASNA trophy with her in Canada, plus a cash prize, sponsor gifts, her work on this month’s cover of Scratch and a 12-month column series secured, Jessica’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of what can happen when talent meets perseverance.

“Jessica threw herself into every brief with enthusiasm, creativity and determination. She didn’t just complete the challenges – she brought them to life and demonstrated an incredible range of skills, from detailed hand-painting and sculpting to impressive 3D work. Every submission showed thought, passion and a willingness to push herself creatively. And the skiing unicorn for the Glitterbels challenge was awesome: a truly unforgettable design! Congratulations to Jessica on her very well-deserved win.”

Katy Pottle, World’s Star Nail Artist 2023 champion & NASNA – Season 2 judge

Challenge 6: Art & Astrology, presented by LECHAT.

With fellow Top 3 contestants, Michelle Soto & Yuliia Kovalchuk.

Challenge 4: The Era That Made Me, presented by The GelBottle Inc.

“Jessica’s challenge entries stood out owing to the incredible level of skill, creativity and detail showcased. She has exceptional technical ability and her hand-painted artwork was beautifully executed, revealing an impressive level of precision and detail. Jessica pushed the boundaries of nail art, while creating visually stunning designs from start to finish.”

Giorgia Cappella, global head of education & academy at The GelBottle Inc & NASNA – Season 2 judge

Jessica & husband, Joe.

Congratulations on becoming NASNA - Season 2 champion. What was the first thought that entered your mind when your name was announced?

JV: Honestly, I was in shock. For a few seconds, I couldn’t process what I heard. Then it hit me that I actually did it, and my next thought was: ‘don’t ugly cry!’. I have spent years honing my craft, so that moment felt incredibly rewarding. I was proud – not only of the win, but of the growth and commitment that led me there.

What does this title mean to you: personally and professionally?

JV: I’ve struggled with self-doubt throughout my career, and like many artists, have often compared my work to that of my peers. Having the support and recognition of the judging panel, who are respected leaders in the nail industry, helped me see myself through a different lens. It reminded me that I am worthy of this win and that my creativity, hard work and perspective have value.

Professionally, I know this win will help me move closer to my biggest goals. My passion has always been to inspire and educate the next generation of nail technicians. I have been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors and role models, and hope to offer my own insight to the nail community. If this platform allows me to help someone believe in themselves, pursue their dreams or discover their potential, then that will be just as meaningful as the NASNA title.

What motivated you to enter NASNA for a second season?

JV: Season 1’s challenges pushed me creatively and gave me the confidence to try techniques I wouldn’t have attempted otherwise, so I wanted to continue my growth and quest to be a better artist.

Which challenge pushed you furthest outside your comfort zone?

JV: For Challenge 5: Colour in Motion, presented by Gelish, the brief required us to use only the products provided, which included salon-length tips and Gelish Cream Gel palettes, and we weren’t allowed to use the 3D techniques that I would normally rely on for competition work. Subsequently, I had to rethink my approach, get creative with the materials available and look at familiar products in a new way. I think that’s what made the final piece so rewarding.

Who were your biggest supporters throughout the contest?

JV: My husband, Joe, is the person who listens when I’m spiralling over an idea I can’t quite figure out, and who reassures me when I need to hear that I’m on the right track. Having someone who believes in you, even when you’re doubting yourself, is invaluable.

My family has also been incredibly supportive. They were fully invested in every challenge and sought updates about what I was creating. Their enthusiasm and encouragement were never taken for granted. I want to thank them for cheering me on, celebrating every success and reminding me to keep going when things got difficult.

Was there a technique or medium you discovered during the contest that you’ll continue using?

JV: One of the things I love most about NASNA is that many briefs require you to use products in ways you normally wouldn’t. For Challenge 6: Art & Astrology, presented by LECHAT, we were tasked with using cat eye gel for the majority of the colour work. I used it on my 3D elements and loved the way it reflected and played with the light.

Challenge 5: Colour in Motion, presented by Gelish.

Is there a design you’ve created that perfectly represents you as an artist?

JV: Challenge 2: Annabel’s North American Dream, presented by Glitterbels, represents me best as an artist. I love creating pieces with bold 3D elements, storytelling and lots of detail. I’m drawn to mixing textures, finishes and techniques to create designs that invite people to look closer and discover something new. I also felt like I had the most freedom with the products in that challenge, which allowed me to use L&P acrylic in the way I love.

“Jessica’s work combined creativity, technical excellence and consistency throughout the season. She rose to every challenge and is the thoroughly deserving champion of NASNA – Season 2.”

Charli Jepson, former head of education at Glitterbels & NASNA – Season 2 judge

How are you feeling about moving from NASNA competitor to judge?

JV: I am really excited! I can’t wait to see how competitors interpret the briefs and bring their visions to life. I’m looking forward to watching the videos, reading the write-ups and gaining a deeper understanding of the thought processes behind the designs. I know how much time, creativity and effort goes into every submission, and think this experience will help me appreciate not only the final results, but the journeys taken to get there, while allowing me to continue learning from the artists who participate.

If you could give your younger self a piece of advice at the start of your career, what would it be?

JV: Trust the process and keep going. There are going to be times when things feel difficult and stagnant, and it may seem like you’re not progressing toward your dreams – but growth is often happening behind the scenes, even when you can’t see it. Every class you take, challenge you accept, mistake you make and connection you build is moving you forward. Focus on becoming a little better than you were yesterday, and trust that those small steps will eventually lead somewhere greater than you imagined.

What’s next on your wish list?

JV: Educating is where my heart is, so one of my hopes is to collaborate with some of my fellow contestants to teach competition-style classes. I love how much we can learn from one another in this industry, and bringing together artists with different strengths, styles and experiences would create an incredible learning opportunity for students.

Winning North America’s Star Nail Artist – Season 2 taught me that I am capable of far more than I give myself credit for. The biggest lesson wasn’t how to create better nails – it was learning to trust myself and my artistic voice.

“Jessica is an exceptionally creative and talented nail artist. In each round of the contest, her work stayed closely connected to the brief while showcasing her creativity and strong storytelling ability. Across all entries, we could clearly see her rich and bold sense of colour, solid foundation in 3D sculpting and strong painting skills. Jessica’s win is truly well deserved.”

NASNA – Season 2 judges: Susiana Dai, MelodySusie partnership & global education lead, and Valentina Lin, nail artist & MelodySusie’s creative digital marketing director

Challenge 3: My Memorable Melody, presented by MelodySusie.

“Combining top-tier technical skills with extraordinary imagination, Jessica Vero created nail art throughout NASNA – Season 2 that captivated, mesmerised and invited the viewer to linger. Challenge 3: My Memorable Melody was a true showcase of brilliance; a set that clearly reflected countless hours conceptualising, refining and pushing the boundaries of the expected. This nail art creation also provided a pop of joy and made me smile. The styling was phenomenal, the storytelling enchanting and the execution accomplished. Jessica brought her ideas to life with confidence, creativity and flair across all six challenges, delivering several sets of memorable nails with Challenge 3 being my favourite.”

Alex Fox, Nailympia Competitions global director, editor-at-large & NASNA – Season 2 judge

“I’m so excited that Jessica won NASNA – Season 2. Her work is consistent, clean and unique. She is highly deserving of the title!”

Guin Deadman, master educator at LECHAT Nail Care Products & NASNA – Season 2 judge

The Bonus Challenge: Earth Day, presented by LECHAT.

Bling for The Blonds

Jan at the BCL Gala with The Blonds and their models.

Nail industry advocate and NASNA – Season 2 sponsor, Jan Arnold, offered Jessica and fellow NASNA Top 3 contestants: Florida’s Michelle Soto and New York City’s Yuliia Kovalchuk, an exciting opportunity prior to their arrival in Orlando for the Scratch Social. Jan was honoured with a Legacy Award at the Beauty Changes Lives Gala on May 30 for her commitment to the nail profession, and invited long-term fashion partners, David and Phillipe Blond (‘The Blonds’) to the ceremony. She worked with them for a number of years in her roles as CND™ co-founder & style director; ensuring nails had a place on the runway.

The Blonds created a custom corset for Jan from ruby-red nail tips to celebrate CND™ ’s 40th anniversary, and she wore it on the front cover of Scratch’s March 2019 edition. Inspired by this attire, Jan Arnold partnered with The Blonds for a unique showcase at the Gala, where three models each wore a corset designed by The Blonds. The Top 3 NASNA contestants crafted avant-garde nail designs to complement, and the looks were shown off at Jan’s Gala afterparty.

Stunning in silver

“I received the brief two weeks prior to the event,” shares Jessica. “When I saw a photo of the stunning silver corset dripping with strings of crystals, I knew I wanted the nails to feel just as glamorous and impactful. I gathered inspiration and identified what stood out most to me from the look.

“Inspired by the luxurious textures and dramatic silhouettes of The Blonds, I incorporated feathers, crystals, chains and metallic details to create movement, opulence and high-fashion drama. While glamour was the foundation of the design, I also wanted to introduce an element of edge. The crystal-beaded nails were designed to subtly resemble a spine, adding a darker, more structural element to contrast with the softness of the feathers and sparkle of the crystals. I love combining beauty with unexpected details, and that balance between elegance and edginess is what gives the set its personality.”

Jessica used long, coffin soft gel tips to keep the nails lightweight, and added a long needle to each nail that she embellished and reinforced using L&P acrylic. She continues: “As the set was entirely silver, I wanted to create visual interest through texture, finish and tone – rather than colour. I incorporated a range of silver shades, while combining chrome effects, cat eye gels, crystals and heavy sparkle to add depth and dimension. To bring my own artistic style into the design, I added sculpted 3D flowers and the word ‘BLONDS’ as a statement piece.”

Tamara Di Lullo, who creatively directed the collaboration, comments: “Jessica’s nails for the Jan Arnold x Beauty Changes Lives x The Blonds collaboration were sophisticated and sleek: a perfect reflection of her artistic maturity. Her energy and professionalism shone throughout the process.”

So, how did Jessica feel when she saw her nails on The Blonds model? “The nails with the full outfit looked so impactful,” Jessica smiles. “Watching model, Vlada, pose with the nails transformed them into part of a complete fashion moment. The Blonds are such iconic designers, and having David and Phillipe attend the event and see the nails in person made the experience even more meaningful. I will never forget the feeling.”

The Top 3 NASNA – Season 2 contestants with Jan Arnold.

Jessica with Season 1 champion, Anastasia Totty.

“What I love about Jessica’s work is that it is instantly recognisable. As someone who studied fine art, I believe that having a distinct style is one of the most important elements of an artist’s success – and Jessica has truly mastered that. She is disciplined, consistent and her education is always delivered with professionalism. Her presentations and videos are beautifully executed, and she speaks with clarity and confidence when sharing her inspiration and concepts.”

Tamara Di Lullo, nail artist, style curator & NASNA – Season 2 judge