SCRATCHCOLUMNIST

STAR Quality

Future focus & notes for North America’s Star Nail Artist – Season 3 hopefuls

North America’s Star Nail Artist Season 1 champion, ANASTASIA TOTTY, shares tips & tales from her colourful career

For the past year, I’ve been privileged to work with the Scratch team and share my career story, insights into the US nail market and educator antics via this column. Writing it each month has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my prize as the Season 1 champion of North America’s Star Nail Artist . It has inspired me to explore my writing skills, and witnessing other nail techs comment on my column topics has filled me with purpose.

I want to detail another milestone that many nail ‘‘ artists aspire to reach. When you step into this industry, you learn the basics, work on your craft and may challenge yourself by entering competitions. Year after year, knowledge and experience are gained – and numerous pros receive validation for their hard work in the form of trophies, medals and titles. But there comes a point when techs may feel that they want to enter a new stage of the competition world and become a mentor and judge.

When I won North America’s Star Nail Artist (NASNA) last year, it was the crowning achievement for my professional career. However, I couldn’t imagine quitting the competition sphere for good. Alex Fox, global director of Nailympia Competitions, asked me several times if I was ready to step behind the curtain and offer my expertise as a Nailympia judge, but I still have a desire to compete.

It was exciting, however, to step into a judging role for NASNA – Season 2, as I understood what the contestants were up against, and enjoyed seeing how they interpreted each brief into nail artistry. One of the biggest challenges for me when judging was making sure that I didn’t miss anything or make any mistakes. Every point counts – and sometimes, contestants may have an ‘off’ month or not feel inspired by a challenge. I spent hours studying each brief and examining all entries before scoring. The process truly inspired me, and I enjoyed witnessing the growth of each nail artist as they worked towards their goals.

I am ready to continue judging nail competitions and reward the next generation of nail artists who join the community.

Competition pointers

The entries for Season 2 were so creative and showcased a multitude of techniques. If you’re considering entering Season 3, I advise creating nail styles worthy of a magazine cover. Do they always need to be long and dramatic, with multiple 3D elements? Absolutely not! There is ‘‘ beauty in minimalism, as long as it meets the challenge brief and is flawlessly executed, with a great story.

One of my mentors, Elena Maltseva, recently commented that competition nails are becoming longer and more detailed. While this is beautiful and admirable, I also recognise the level of skill necessary to create miniature nail art, which can help you stand out.

It is vital to follow each competition brief and respect its theme and rules. If anything is not clear, questions should be posed to the organiser immediately, so you don’t make mistakes, lose points and ultimately risk your place in the competition.

NASNA has a strong video element, which helps contestants present all details of their work and tell the story behind each design. When creating a video for this contest, imagine that you are pitching a product you are trying to sell. Talk about what makes it special, explain the creative process and teach the judges something new.

Check out some of my recent nail creations: from avant-garde styles to flag-inspired looks…

On stage at the Scratch Social , presenting prizes to the top three contestants and congratulating Season 2 champion, Jessica Vero.

The finale

The NASNA Season 2 champion was announced as Jessica Vero at the Scratch Social at Premiere Orlando on May 31. I was honoured to be asked to present the trophies and sponsor gifts to the top three, and loved sharing the stage with such talented nail pros.

For my judging efforts, the Scratch team presented me with a glass star – which is my 62nd accolade. It was a beautiful gift and I am proud to display it on my trophy wall.

I am ready to continue judging nail competitions and reward the next generation of nail artists who join the community. It’s not quitting one field, but growing in another – and I am very excited for it! I have really enjoyed my NASNA journey, and am so grateful for what the contest – and Scratch magazine – have done for my career.

Anastasia

Snaps from the Beauty Changes Lives Gala at Premiere Orlando, where I was a guest of Legacy Award winner, Jan Arnold, and enjoyed the evening with members of the Scratch team, the top three NASNA – Season 2 contestants and fellow NASNA judge and nail artist, Giselle Caballero.

Coming up…

My roles as a nail tech, educator & entrepreneur mean my schedule is always busy. This month, I am hosting hands-on classes at the Nail Tech Event of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, and sharing my expertise with cosmetology school students in Tennessee, Texas and Florida.

In August, the LECHAT Nailcare team will be exhibiting at Premiere San Antonio and I will be demonstrating how to create various designs live on stage, plus hosting a workshop for attendees.

There is also an opportunity for me to attend MAIN: the first international beauty congress and championship in Moldova. Due to take place 24-25 April 2027 in my home town, the event is in the early stages of planning, but I am excited to support talented beauty professionals. I can’t wait to give back to the community that helped shape my success!

Members of the LECHAT team at Premiere Orlando , Florida, last month.