Judges From Around the World that Support Nailympia Competitions
2 Nailympia Judge
Sarah Akhtyrska
United States
Academy| Consultant| Developer of Industry Standards| Influencer| Online training| Product Research & Development| Salon
Area of judging expertise: Manicure & pedicure techniques, nail art, gel polish, UV hard gel, salon nails, acrylic systems, professional nailcare standards & floor judging
Years as a judge: 2
Number of Nailympia events judged: 2
Nailympia events judged: Orlando, San Antonio
Are you an educator?: Yes
Industry accolades: Winner – 1st Place, Poster Pedicure, Nailympia Orlando 2024 (Division 1)
Judge World Beauty Competition WBC XIV
3rd Place – Women’s Manicure Design MIX, World Beauty Championship WBC XIV
Judge – Nailympia Orlando 2025 (Floor Judge)
Certified Regional Trainer in Nail Aesthetics, Union of Beauty Industry Professionals of Ukraine (2024–2025)
Licensed Nail Technician, New York State, USA
Owner & Active Master, A-SKY Studio, Manhattan, NY (est. 2023)
Course Developer – Advanced Pedicure & Nail Care Techniques
Speaker – Ukrainian Beauty Forum, New York
Favourite nail brands: GAMA (Ukraine), Dark (Ukraine), Luna Moon (Ukraine), Silcare (Poland) & Eco Grit Nail Filders (Ukraine).
Industry figures you admire: Alex Fox – for her dedication to elevating the global nail industry through Nailympia & Scratch Magazine
Nika Zemlyanikina – a cosmetic product developer who provides well-researched reviews of the nail industry with a strong focus on health & safety.
Debora Cocco – a top nail technician who has won multiple awards at Nailympia; her refined, stunning & contemporary work is truly inspiring.
Chillax Nails Beauty Studio (Kyiv) – its approach to social media inspires me with a modern vision of how to build & promote a beauty business.
Career biography: Sarah Akhtyrska is a licensed nail technician, international competitor, judge & salon owner with over a decade of experience. She began her career in Ukraine, becoming a certified regional trainer in nail aesthetics with the Union of Beauty Industry Professionals. In 2022 she moved to the USA & in 2023 co-founded A-SKY Studio in Manhattan, which grew over 250% in its first year & is known for its high standards, artistry & health-focused care. Sarah distinguished herself on the global stage by winning 1st Place at Nailympia Orlando 2024 (Poster Pedicure) & continues to combine practice, competition & judging in her career.
Personal biography: My name is Sarah Akhtyrska, a licensed nail technician & salon owner based in New York City. I began my career in Ukraine, where I became a certified regional trainer in nail aesthetics. After moving to the USA in 2022, I co-founded A-SKY Studio in Manhattan, where I continue to work as both owner & active master. I'm passionate about combining artistry with health-focused nailcare, competing internationally & contributing to the professional community through judging & education
Why you believe in nail competitions?: I believe that only in a challenging competitive environment, where you are pushed to constantly improve your skills, true professional growth & breakthroughs can happen. Competitions allow nail technicians to discover their niche, while beauty scouts & industry leaders can identify & support the real gems of our profession.
Advice to competitors: Read the rules carefully – it is the simplest & most certain path to victory. In addition, practice effective time management & dedicate yourself to consistent training, as these are key to achieving success on the competition floor.
Nail work
