NAILTALES

INTERNATIONAL NAIL SPY

ALEX FOX talks to two Argentinian nail artists who are making huge strides on international nail soil

NICOLAS PAGGI

@paggi_nicolas

Nicolas Paggi is a global educator with more than 13 years’ nail industry experience. He delivers advanced training throughout Latin America, the USA and Europe. Nicolas has earned more than 170 competition awards worldwide, including 18 prestigious Winner of Winners titles across Argentina, Mexico, the USA, Germany, Portugal and the UK.

Beyond nails, Nicolas has a passion for craftsmanship and the arts. He enjoys creating detailed artwork and sculptures, and has a particular love of languages. Having studied fashion design, he draws inspiration from creativity in all its forms. His favourite hobby is tennis: a sport he’s enjoyed since childhood.

Q: What has Nailympia done for your career and confidence?

A: “Participating and winning at Nailympia has significantly raised my standards. The demands placed on improving my work, due to the high skill level of competitors, have pushed me to grow to incredible levels. I am very grateful for the experiences I’ve had travelling to train for and compete in competitions around the world.”

Q: Why do you believe in nail competitions?

A: “Competitions have helped me develop immensely over the years and allowed me to witness the progress of my colleagues. Competing drives you to be better and challenge yourself to achieve new goals.

Q: What is your advice to other competitors?

A: “For those who want to compete seriously, I recommend doing so without hesitation, as it will be a turning point in your nail career. Don’t make the mistake of not training hard, and don’t fear getting frustrated. Competing requires a lot of focus, dedication, effort and perseverance. There will be good and bad results along the way, and you should be prepared for that. It’s part of learning, growing and knowing where to improve.”

Competing drives you to be better and challenge yourself to achieve new goals. ‘‘

DID YOU KNOW?

Argentina’s Patagonian landscape is home to wild rosehip (Rosa mosqueta), whose seed oil is prized in the beauty world for helping nourish skin, soften hair and condition cuticles.

VIRGINIA ARLEO

@virginiaarleo & @nailshow.arg

With a nail career spanning over 27 years, Virginia Arleo is enjoying the fruits of her labour after building a nail manufacturing plant with her husband. A recent addition to her portfolio, Virginia remarks: “Creating my own brand, Nail Show, and building a laboratory are achievements that make me proud. However, my greatest accomplishments have been helping nail professionals build successful careers through leading teams and education in many countries.”

My story

“At 10 years old, I started working at my parents’ nail salon during my free time,” Virginia reveals. “Back then, the industry was still in its infancy and many of the products and techniques available internationally simply didn’t exist in my region. Wanting to learn more, I travelled to the USA to purchase products and train with renowned educators, including Danny Haile, Tom Holcomb and Lysa Comfort.

“At just 15 years old, I became a global educator. Looking back, it’s incredible to think that I was travelling internationally and sharing my passion at such a young age.”

My brand

“Nail Show was created to solve real problems experienced by nail professionals, via products, innovation and education,” Virginia shares. “Professionals needed high-quality products at fair prices and a company they could rely on – particularly when importing raw materials and finished products became extremely difficult. My commitment has always been to support nail professionals, no matter the circumstances.

“I’m especially passionate about Nail Show’s coloured acrylic range, and the brand’s soft gel tips and tip adhesive are popular with customers. One of the hottest products this season is Color Blender. Inspired by the popular cushion applicator concept, we paired the technique with a creamy gel paint that blends beautifully to create ombré and aura effects.”

Nail life

“My first salon is still operating today, managed by my stepsister,” Virginia continues. “I recently closed my academy because Nail Show now has more than 90 educators who successfully run their own academies, and although I no longer work full-time behind the nail desk, I still do nails for a few close friends and my daughter. This allows me to test new products, stay connected to the profession and continue learning. I believe if you stop working behind the nail desk, you eventually stop understanding what professionals really need.

“I started competing because it provides an outlet for my creativity, inspires me and supports technical excellence. Working for and running competitions during the last decade has helped me create better systems of fairness and transparency. Competitions should inspire nail artists to keep improving, while celebrating professionalism and promoting respect for our industry.”

Styles & trends

“Nowadays, social media spreads inspiration faster than ever, but trends also change much more quickly,” says Virginia. “Argentina has become internationally recognised for the creativity and high technical skill of its nail artists and educators. Acrylic remains extremely popular, while soft gel tips have gained a significant share of the market. This year, inspired by the FIFA World Cup, Nail Show launched Argentina-themed stencils so artists could create patriotic designs.”

What’s next

“After the pandemic, I slowed down my international travel. I wanted to focus on strengthening my company and building a more solid structure at home,” Virginia reveals. “Now, I feel inspired to travel again to reconnect with the global nail community, exchange ideas, continue learning and discover new opportunities – I believe the future is built through collaboration. I’m open to developing strategic international partnerships with companies and professionals who share my visions of innovation, education and long-term growth. The more we collaborate across countries, cultures and brands, the stronger our industry becomes.

“Today, I believe the Argentine nail industry reflects many of the values I’ve always tried to inspire in my educators: working with integrity, prioritising nail health and building a stronger, more united professional nail community.”

‘‘ The more we collaborate across countries, cultures and brands, the stronger our industry becomes. ‘‘