Competitors From Around the World that Support Nailympia Competitions
3 Nailympia Competitor
Maryna Kozhevnikova
United States
Academy| Online training| Salon
Area of competition expertise: Stiletto & Beyond, Flat Art, Runway Na
Years competiting: 1
Number of Nailympia events competed at: 3
Nailympia events competed at: Anaheim, San Antonio
Divisions awarded medals in: Division 3
Are you an educator?: Yes
Have you been a judge?: Yes
Why did you choose to join the Nailympia circuit?: I chose to join the Nailympia circuit in order to challenge myself at the highest international level, to grow as a competitive artist & to represent my country on the global nail stage. Nailympia is one of the most prestigious platforms in the world, and for me it is both a professional goal & a powerful opportunity to prove technical excellence, creativity & artistic vision among the strongest competitors. It also allows me to inspire my students, share my experience internationally & continuously elevate the standards of nail artistry.
What has winning at Nailympia done for your career & confidence?: Winning at Nailympia has significantly elevated my career, confidence & international recognition. Achieving top placements at such a prestigious global championship confirmed that my techniques, creativity & technical skill meet the highest world standards. It strengthened my belief in my artistic vision, opened new professional opportunities & expanded my presence within the global nail community. This achievement also inspired my students, validated my work as an educator & judge & motivated me to continue developing advanced techniques & preparing for even more ambitious competitions, including the World Nail Art Championship.
Industry accolades: 1st Place — Stiletto & Beyond, Nailympia San Antonio 2025
3rd Place — Flat Art, Nailympia Anaheim 2025
3rd Place — Runway Nails, Nailympia Anaheim 2025
Favourite nail brands: In.hype & Redi
Career biography: I’m Marina Kozhevnikova, an international nail artist, educator & certified judge with over 13 years of experience. My career has been shaped by continuous growth, advanced training & a passion for competitive artistry. I have achieved multiple international awards, including two 3rd Place titles at Nailympia Anaheim 2025 & a 1st Place victory at Nailympia San Antonio 2025. I am the creator of a fast manicure technique, the author of a professional training manual & a mentor to nail artists worldwide. I also represent Ukraine as a member of the Ukrainian National Nail Team & continue building my professional journey in the United States.
Personal biography: Outside my professional work, I’m inspired by art, fashion, travel & personal development. I enjoy exploring different cultures, learning from international communities & finding new ideas for creative expression. Personal growth, passion & discipline guide me in life & in my career.
Why you believe in nail competitions?: I truly believe in nail competitions because they push artists beyond their limits & help reveal their highest potential. Competitions build discipline, confidence, technical precision & creative vision. They unite the global nail community, set new professional standards & inspire constant growth. Through competitions, artists not only improve their skills but also gain international recognition, motivation, and the courage to dream bigger.
Advice to other competitors: Never be afraid to start, even if you feel that you are not ready yet. Preparation, discipline & belief in yourself are the keys to success. Learn from every experience, including mistakes & never compare your beginning to someone else’s result. Stay focused, work consistently & trust the process. Every competition makes you stronger, more confident & closer to your goals.
Nail work
