STAR sessions

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5 mins

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STAR sessions

How to nail your NASNA – Season 3 entry

Shoot for success with advice & inspo from North America’s Star Nail Artist – Season 2 champion,

JESSICA VERO

E ntry has opened for Season 3 of the North America’s Star Nail Artist (NASNA) contest, so if you’re a nail pro working in the USA, Canada or Mexico – make sure you submit! arly in my career, I entered a similar competition and was eliminated in the first round. At the time, I was devastated and questioned whether competing was for me. Looking back, that experience was the first stepping stone on a path that led to me becoming NASNA – Season 2 champion.

Competitions are not just about winning. They’re about challenging yourself, developing your creativity and putting your work in front of judges who can help your skills grow. That first experience sparked something in me. It pushed me to keep improving and experimenting, and helped me become a more versatile nail technician.

If there’s one piece of advice I would give anyone thinking about entering Season 3, it’s this: don’t wait until you feel ready. NASNA isn’t just for nail techs who believe they can win – it’s for artists who are willing to learn, take risks and grow. If you are shortlisted, the adventure truly begins. Every month brings a new brief and fresh creative challenge, and some of the sponsors will set specific guidelines regarding the products you are able to use. This can feel daunting at first, but on reflection, I realise it was one of my favourite parts of the ompetition. The added challenge made me try new products and techniques, pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me grow as an artist.

Time management is crucial. Although you have two weeks to complete each challenge, that time also includes filming and editing a video, photographing the finished nails and writing an explanation of the concept. The two weeks to do this disappear quickly, so set aside dedicated time to create and always leave a buffer for the unexpected. I found the first challenge in Seasons 1 and 2 to be the most intimidating. I have a tendency to overthink and doubt myself, so opening the first briefs felt a little overwhelming. I wasn’t sure where to begin, but it’s important not to worry about what everyone else might be creating. Instead, find a personal connection to each brief.

When you weave your own experiences, perspective or story into your nail designs, your work becomes more authentic and memorable. If you find yourself in the bottom five when the challenge results are released, remember that this isn’t failure – it’s feedback, so make the most of it. Use it as an opportunity to learn, improve and come back even stronger.

No matter where your NASNA journey takes you, you’ll leave with new skills, fresh inspiration and renewed confidence in your creativity. I can’t wait to see the incredible talent this season brings. Good luck to everyone entering, and most importantly, enjoy every moment of the journey!

A nail design created to support England’s World Cup journey.

My dogs, Buddy and Luna.

Wellness mode: activated

Following NASNA – Season 2, I made a conscious effort to slow down and recharge. July was spent making the most of the summer and enjoying time outdoors with my two rescue dogs, Buddy and Luna. Vancouver was also one of the host cities for the World Cup, so I loved soaking up the atmosphere at fan events across the city.

Creative work requires a lot of energy, and I’ve learned that taking time to reset is just as important as staying inspired. A little rest allows me to step into my next creative challenge with renewed energy, fresh ideas and a new perspective.

A day in my life

No two work days are the same, and that’s one of the reasons I love what I do. Over the past few years, my focus has gradually shifted towards competitions, education and content creation, so I now work with clients on a part-time basis. Being a mobile nail pro gives me the flexibility to build my schedule around any commitments, while continuing to look after the wonderful clients who have supported me throughout my career.

A mobile work day starts long before I arrive at my first appointment. Packing for multiple clients is a bit like solving a puzzle. I need to keep my kit as light as possible, while making sure I have everything I might need for the day ahead. I ask clients to send me inspiration photos ahead of time, so I can plan designs and make sure I have all the products I’ll require. I also pack my portable table, equipment, individually packaged tools and everything needed to create a safe, professional workspace. Of course, clients sometimes change their minds about a shade or decide to add a little extra nail art, so I ensure I have enough options packed without bringing my entire studio with me!

My mobile kit.

Next steps

As part of my NASNA prize, I received complimentary entry into a Nailympia competition, so I’m back in competing mode to prepare for Nailympia San Antonio later this month. I can’t share what I’m creating just yet, but the ideas are flowing, my work table is covered in products and I’m having so much fun bringing my design to life!

When I’m not creating nails, you’ll often find me working on a very different kind of project: my vintage 1970s travel trailer. I absolutely love camping, and restoring and personalising the trailer has become one of my favourite creative hobbies away from the nail desk.

Creativity corner

Check out some of the nail designs I’ve created in the past month…

‘‘ Competitions are not just about winning. They’re about challenging yourself, developing your creativity and putting your work in front of judges who can help your skills grow.