NAILYMPI COMPETITIONS NEWS

Immerse in competition highlights, interviews & points to note from the Nailympia realm, with its global director, ALEX FOX

New location alert: Puerto Rico

Nailympia Competitions is excited to announce its 15th location: Puerto Rico, in its 22-year history with Seed Publishing Ltd ( Scratch magazine). This new location will be hosted by two nail industry figures: Michelle Soto of @chellys_nails and Lyssa Avilés, owner of The Nails Expo in San Juan, and is to be held at the Expo 27-28 September 2026.

Lyssa Avilés & Michelle Soto

Discussing her relationship with Lyssa, Michelle notes: “Lyssa and I have built a beautiful friendship over the years, rooted in mutual respect, shared values and a deep love for our industry and island. We share the same vision for elevating our community and creating opportunities for others.

“What makes our partnership so special is that our strengths complement each other. Together, we bring leadership, experience, passion and purpose to everything we do. More importantly, we believe in helping shape the next generation of nail artists and entrepreneurs.”

An international educator, mentor, judge & competitor, Michelle is known for her aspirational nail art and incredible skills, which she shares on social media and through her work as an educator & product developer for V Beauty Pure. She was the 1st runner-up in North America’s Star Nail Artist (NASNA) Seasons 1 and 2. When quizzed on what inspired her to host Nailympia in Puerto Rico, Michelle states: “Puerto Rico is where my journey began. It’s where I first picked up a nail brush, built my career and dreamed about what was possible. As opportunities opened up for me, my dreams grew, but my heart has always remained connected to the island.

“Bringing Nailympia to Puerto Rico is incredibly special, because it’s something I wish had existed when I was starting out,” Michelle continues. “I know first-hand how life-changing opportunities like this can be. Nailympia is a world-renowned competition, and having it on our island gives artists access to an experience that many have only dreamed of. My vision is to create a platform that opens doors for local nail artists, while inviting professionals from around the world to experience Puerto Rico. This is more than a competition; it’s a way of giving back to the place that gave me my start.”

What does Michelle hope competitors will take away from the event beyond The Nails Expo medals, score sheets and trophies? The answer is simple: she wants every visitor to leave having truly experienced Puerto Rico. While the competition itself is a major draw, Michelle believes the real magic lies in the culture and connections that surround it. “I want every person who attends to experience our people, hospitality and the love that we pour into everything,” she cites. “My mission is for competitors to leave not only with memories of the competition, but the island, connections they made and the feeling that they were welcomed like family.”

It’s becoming clear worldwide that nail competitions allow artists to be seen not only for their talent, but their commitment, discipline and dedication to the craft. As Michelle asserts: “Anyone who has competed understands the amount of preparation, sacrifice and heart that goes into it. That’s what makes competing so special. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been in the industry for one year or 20 years, when you step onto the competition floor, your work speaks for itself. Competing challenges you, pushes you beyond your comfort zone and helps you discover strengths you didn’t know you had.

“My dream is for Nailympia Puerto Rico to become the competition destination of the Caribbean,” Michelle concludes. “I want it to be known not only for competition excellence, but the energy, culture and unique flavour that Puerto Rico brings. I hope competitors from all over the world come to experience that magic year after year. Puerto Rico has a way of filling your heart and spirit with energy. Our island is ready to welcome everyone with open arms.”

Register at www.nailympia.com/puerto-rico

JUDGE SPOTLIGHT: Giselle Caballero – Canada/Mexico

Years as a judge: 7 Nailympia competitions judged: Orlando, Anaheim, Mexico, London Online

@egobeauty.ca

Competition history

“One of my proudest achievements is participating in nail contest, NAILS Next Top Nail Artist (NTNA) Season 7, and winning,” says Giselle. “The competition, which has since closed, spanned about six months and featured a series of complex challenges across various categories and levels of difficulty. Competing alongside talented individuals from across the world was an incredible experience, and I felt honoured to have my work recognised by esteemed judges. Winning was a testament to my dedication and passion for nails.”

Career journey

In 2015, Giselle established Ego Beauty Academy & Studio, where she offers cutting-edge education and personalised services. Following her NAILS Next Top Nail Artist victory, she has joined the judging panels of internationally acclaimed competitions including NTNA, North America’s Star Nail Artist and Nailympia. Giselle has collaborated with Beauty Changes Lives as a mentor, supporting its mission of elevating the beauty industry by promoting education and career opportunities. She also inspires the nail community through her work as a content creator and editorial nail artist.

Personal pride

Originally from Mexico City, Giselle took a leap of faith by relocating to Canada. She has always been artistic and enjoyed painting, drawing and crafting from a young age, which led her to study Graphic design in Mexico. After moving to Canada, she studied Business at college, gaining skills to thrive in the beauty industry. Beyond nails, she enjoys creating acrylic paintings, resin abstracts, ceramics and other raw material art forms.

Photo courtesy of Shanghai Muzer Cosmetics Co. Ltd

Giselle is passionate about competing, explaining: “While it’s true that only a few get to take home titles, I’ve always believed competing is not just

about medals and trophies. It’s about the journey that leads to improvement and success, regardless of the results. Participating in competitions has been groundbreaking not only for my career, but personally. I’ve learned to handle failure, correct my mistakes and push my creativity to new dimensions, discovering I’m capable of more than I ever expected. I’m deeply grateful for the feedback I’ve received, which has helped me continuously improve, and I firmly believe there’s always room for growth and new horizons to reach. Competitions propel anyone who’s willing to put in the work!”

TOP TIPS

Giselle reveals the advice she shares with students interested in competing:

• “Stay passionate: let your love for nail art drive you and keep you curious.

• Practice daily: consistent practice builds confidence and skills.

• Focus on details: precision is essential – pay attention to every detail.

• Keep up with trends: stay informed about the latest nail trends and products.

• Learn from others: observe fellow artists, attend workshops and seek mentorship.

• Embrace feedback: use constructive criticism to improve your work.

• Find your style: develop a unique look that sets you apart.

• Prepare well: plan your designs and gather materials in advance.

• Stay calm: maintain focus and trust your preparation during competitions.

• Enjoy the journey: celebrate your progress and learn from every experience.”

Giselle’s Mixed Media Art and Flat Art composition advice can be seen in short videos in the Resources Vault section of the Nailympia website. Head to www.nailympia.com/resources

To register your interest in Nailympia’s upcoming events, visit bit.ly/nailympia-ryi-2026 or scan here

For information about Nailympia Competitions, including how to enter, visit www.nailympia.com

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@nailympiacompetitions

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