Competitors From Around the World that Support Nailympia Competitions
1 Nailympia Competitor
Halyna Kaliugina
United States
Salon
Area of competition expertise: Reality Nails, Runway nails, Gel Polish Manicure
Years competiting: 1
Number of Nailympia events competed at: 1
Nailympia events competed at: San Antonio
Divisions awarded medals in: Division 1
Are you an educator?: No
Have you been a judge?: No
Why did you choose to join the Nailympia circuit?: I chose to join the Nailympia circuit because my journey in this industry has never been simple. I come from Ukraine, where I first discovered nails during the most difficult and uncertain time of my life. With very little experience, but with a huge desire to grow, I kept learning through fear, chaos and constant change. When I moved to the United States, I promised myself that I would not let my past limit my future. Nailympia became a symbol of the new chapter I’m building — a place where I can challenge myself, prove my skills and show that dedication can grow even in the hardest conditions. Competing here is not just about medals for me. It’s about courage, about starting over, about believing that no matter where you come from or what you’ve been through, you can rise, learn and achieve more than you ever imagined. Nailympia is the space where I choose to turn my struggle into strength and my dreams into reality.
What has winning at Nailympia done for your career & confidence?: Winning at Nailympia changed something deep inside me. Before this, I often doubted myself - my experience was small, my path was difficult and I carried the feeling that I was always starting from zero. But standing on that podium, knowing that my work was recognised among the best, gave me a new kind of confidence. It showed me that my journey - from Ukraine, through fear and uncertainty, all the way to the United States - was not in vain. Each challenge only sharpened my determination. Winning didn’t just open doors in my career; it opened a door inside me. I began to believe that I truly belong on the international stage. Clients see it, students feel it and I feel it every time I sit down to create. Nailympia taught me that courage, discipline and heart matter more than a perfect start. Now I move forward knowing that I’m capable of far more than I ever imagined.
Industry accolades: My competitive journey is still young, but every step already carries deep meaning for me. I began competing with almost no experience, driven by a desire to grow beyond the limits of my past. At Nailympia, I earned my first medals, which became symbols of strength, courage and countless hours of practice. These awards are not just trophies - they mark the moment I stopped questioning whether I belong in this industry. Each achievement reminds me that even with a difficult start, consistency and heart can lead to recognition on an international stage. For me, these medals are proof that dreams built through persistence eventually turn into real victories.
Favourite nail brands: I love supporting brands that inspire creativity and reflect the heart of our industry. Two of my favorites are the Ukrainian brand Luna Moon and the young American brand Nails Btch. Luna Moon reminds me of home - high quality, artistry and the spirit of resilience that Ukrainian creators carry. Nails Btch, bold and modern, reflects the energy of the US industry and pushes boundaries with its unique style. For me, choosing brands is not just about products but about working with companies whose values, innovation and identity resonate with my own artistic journey.
Career biography: I entered the nail industry during one of the most difficult periods of my life. What began as a small spark quickly became my profession, my passion and the way I rebuilt myself. I learned and worked through war, relocations across different countries and starting a new life in the United States almost from zero. Step by step, I earned licenses in several states, grew as an artist and opened my own studio. Today, I work with clients, develop my skills, create original materials and continue to grow through competition work. My career is a journey of resilience, transformation and love for the craft.
Personal biography: I was born in Ukraine and became a mother of two at a time when life demanded more strength from me than I ever knew I had. My journey carried me through war, displacement, the loss of home, new countries, new cultures and the constant need to start over again and again. Every step tested my endurance, my faith and my ability to stay standing when everything felt uncertain. Moving to the United States meant rebuilding my life from zero while balancing motherhood, work, adaptation and rediscovering who I am. These challenges shaped my resilience and taught me to move forward with honesty.
Why you believe in nail competitions?: I believe in nail competitions because they push us beyond our comfort zones and reveal what we are truly capable of. Competing teaches discipline, precision, creativity and courage - qualities that transform a technician into an artist. For me, competitions are not about winning; they are about growth. They provide a space where you can measure your progress, learn from the best and discover new strengths within yourself. Competitions gave me confidence, direction and a deeper sense of purpose. I believe they elevate the entire industry and inspire every participant to reach higher.
Advice to other competitors: My advice to other competitors is simple: don’t wait to feel 'ready'. None of us start with perfect skills or ideal circumstances. Compete with what you have today and let the process shape you. Be patient with your progress, stay open to feedback and remember that growth often happens in the moments that feel the hardest. Competitions are not a test of perfection but a journey of becoming better, stronger and more confident. Believe in your effort, trust your practice and keep showing up. Step by step, you will discover a version of yourself you never knew existed.
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