Competitors From Around the World that Support Nailympia Competitions
8 Nailympia Competitor
Veronica Luviano
United States
Area of competition expertise: Arena categories such as French in Acrylic and Gel, Stiletto , Flat Art, Art categories.
Years competiting: 2
Number of Nailympia events competed at: 8
Nailympia events competed at: Germany, Orlando, Anaheim, Columbus, San Antonio, Mexico, Online
Divisions awarded medals in: Division 3
Are you an educator?: Yes
Have you been a judge?: No
Why did you choose to join the Nailympia circuit?: I joined the Nailympia circuit because I wanted to push myself to the limit. I love that it’s not easy - the level of talent here is incredible and that motivates me to become better every single time. Being surrounded by the world’s top competitors inspires me to elevate my skills, stay disciplined and never stop learning.
What has winning at Nailympia done for your career & confidence?: Winning at Nailympia elevated my career and my confidence in ways nothing else has. It positioned me as a serious competitor and educator, opened doors with brands,and showed me I belong among the best. Every win reminded me that my hard work, discipline and creativity are worth it - and that I’m capable of even more.
Industry accolades: • Top USA Tech Cup Champion 2024–2025
• Winner of Winners – Division 2 (Nailympia)
• Multi-medalist in categories including:
Stiletto, French Acrylic, French Gel, Flat Art, Runway Nails, Reality Nails, Gel Manicure & Salon Nails
• Founder & Owner of Nailed Up Salon + Academy (Dallas, TX)
• Brand & Celebrity Nail Artist for:
Ariana Grande, Dolce & Gabbana, Balenciaga, Chili’s, Hulu, Neiman Marcus Magazine
• Expert Witness Retention / Litigation Consultant (Manicurist Industry Standards)
• Expert Manicurist for Good Morning Texas TV Segments
• #1 Nail Salon in Dallas – D Magazine
• #1 Nail Salon in Oak Cliff
Favourite nail brands: Pink Mask , Kokoist , Tones, The Gel Bottle, Après, Glitterbels, Luxa, Redi & Madam Glam
Career biography: Licensed since 2013, I began my career working in traditional salons, learning speed, structure and client care from the ground up. After several years, I moved into my own private suite, where I refined my style and built a loyal clientele. That growth led me to open Nailed Up Salon, a cruelty-free, education-focused studio in Dallas and eventually expand into Nailed Up Academy, where I now train the next generation of nail professionals.
I discovered nail competitions through Instagram and decided to take a chance on my first one in Mexico - and it opened an entirely new world for me. I fell in love with the discipline, creativity and the challenge of competing.
Today, I am a multi-medalist competitor, educator and expert witness for retention litigation, a rewarding role that allows me to support legal cases and protect both professionals and clients.
Personal biography: Outside of nails, I’m a wife and mum who loves learning, growing and pushing myself in new ways. I thrive on challenge, whether it’s stepping onto the Nailympia floor or competing in taekwondo. I enjoy nature walks, creative projects and watching horror movies - but my favourite role in the world will always be being a mum. My family is my biggest motivation and the heart behind everything I do.
Why you believe in nail competitions?: I believe in nail competitions because they push our industry forward. Competing forces you to refine your skills, speed, creativity and your discipline in a way that regular salon work never will. It teaches you to accept critique, think under pressure and never stop learning.
Competitions also build community. You meet artists from around the world who share the same passion and drive. Winning is amazing, but even when you don’t, you walk away better than you were when you walked in.
For me, every competition has made me a stronger artist, educator and leader. I believe that stepping onto the competition floor is one of the most powerful ways to grow - not just for medals, but for mastery, confidence and the future of our industry.
Advice to other competitors: Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Competitions will expose your weaknesses - and that’s the point. Every mistake is information. Don’t take it personally; take it as direction.
Practice with intention, not just repetition. Film yourself. Study score sheets. Compare your work to the winners and be honest with yourself.
Also, don’t wait until you 'feel ready'. None of us felt ready for our first competition - we just showed up, learned and came back stronger. The real growth happens after you’re judged.
Surround yourself with people who push you, not just cheer for you. And remember: even if you don’t place, you still win if you walk out a better artist than you walked in. There is room for all of us at the table - but you have to earn your seat. Go for it with everything you have.
Nail work
