Posts Tagged ‘nail artist’
Sculptor of Nail Style with Soul – meet Genki Itou – Winner of Winners Division 3 – Nailympia China 2025
Genki Itou- Tokyo, Japan – the Sculptor of Nail Style with Soul
For over two decades, Japan’s Genki Itou has quietly, yet confidently crafted his name into the fabric of the global nail industry. With 21 years in nails, Genki is not only a celebrated international competitor, but also a revered educator, product developer and the founder of Nail Atelier GENKI.
“I started learning nails at 15,” Genki recalls. “I used to travel about two and a half hours from my hometown to Tokyo to attend classes.” That early dedication laid the foundation for a lifetime of artistry. Though he originally dreamed of becoming a figure prototype sculptor or working in special effects make-up, one segment on Japanese TV showcasing nail art shifted everything. “After watching that programme, I just knew – this was my path and so I decided then and there to pursue a career in nails.”
Today, Genki’s primary focus is education through his academy in Japan, while also delivering seminars and competing across Asia and in the UK. Genki’s creative philosophy remains grounded in authenticity. “I don’t like copying others,” he shares. “I draw inspiration from outside the nail world from movies, music, textures, even conversations can spark and fuel something in me for design. I like to stay in touch with all my senses – sight, sound and touch, when I’m inside the creative process.”
Despite a trophy cabinet filled with accolades, including four Nailympia Winner of Winners titles and over 30 medals across nine Nailympias (all in division 3 masters), Genki remains humbly driven. “Honestly, I don’t feel like I’ve achieved anything yet. I’m always aiming to do better than my last creation. If I ever feel satisfied, I think I’ll stop growing.”
Competition, for Genki, is more than a quest for titles; it’s a tool for growth. “My first competition in 2006 was just for fun. But once I started teaching, I realised I needed to keep my knowledge sharp for my students. Competing helps me check if my teaching is still relevant.” He adds with a smile, “It’s not about winning. It’s about the journey of preparation.”
That philosophy was tested in May 2025 at Nailympia China. “I was honoured to receive the Winner of Winners title, but even so, I saw many areas for improvement. I’ll continue training to create work I’m truly satisfied with.”
Genki’s winning nails for the Online Nailympia Division 4
Beyond the arena, Genki’s influence is quietly revolutionary. His thoughtful approach has inspired students in China, Korea, Malaysia and Thailand. “The people in this industry are so detail-focused. It’s a passionate world,” he says. “Being part of it feeds my soul.”
Genki is also deeply aware of the confidence challenges many new competitors face. His advice? “Start small. Pick one category that excites you and compete with a model you trust. Don’t overwhelm yourself. And if you’re ever competing where I am, then come and say ‘Hi’. I don’t speak much English, but I’ll help calm your nerves. Sharing the experience and having fun together is what makes competition so rewarding.”
At his core, Genki Itou is a sculptor of nails, ideas and human connection. With his sights set on exploring new global scenes and continuously refining his teaching methods, he remains, above all, an artist in constant evolution.
Genki Itou at Nailympia Vietnam in 2024
Nailympia News – meet Nakayama Ryuji – Individual Top Scorer Nailympia China 2025
Introducing…competitor: Nakayama Ryuji
Nail artist, educator and brand developer who is mixed race Chinese/Japanese and lives in Shanghai, China. Nakayama won the Individual Top Scorer trophy at Nailympia China 2025.
Nakayama has been a dedicated nail artist for over 14 years. Although nail art wasn’t his initial career choice, it eventually became the perfect outlet for his creativity and passion for design. Originally aspiring to become a haute couture designer, Nakayama studied skincare, make-up, and aromatherapy in order to deepen his understanding of aesthetics and fashion. It was during this journey that he rediscovered nail art, which he found to be an easily accessible and expressive form of art.
Nakayama’s passion for nails began early. While still in middle school, his curiosity about fashion led to an introduction through his English teacher to May, a local nail salon owner – who would later become his mentor and now business partner. Intrigued, Ryuji began learning manicure techniques during summer breaks at May’s salon. May immediately recognised his unique perspective and enthusiasm, sharing her knowledge generously and encouraging him to attend popular Japanese nail seminars. These formative experiences laid the foundation for his future in the nail industry.
While attending university, Nakayama came to the realisation that pursuing a career in fashion design would be financially challenging. While in contrast, nail art offered an artistic platform that was not only fulfilling but also more attainable.
In 2019, Nakayama launched his own nail product brand, Ryuji&May. Alongside product development, he also teaches professional nail training courses and serves as a translator for renowned Japanese nail educators, helping bring advanced techniques to Chinese-speaking students. However, Nakayama’s creative pursuits don’t stop at nails, he is also a jewellery designer.
When seeking creative inspiration, Nakayama browses Instagram for fresh ideas, although the world of fashion and performance art are extremely powerful sources for him. He is especially drawn to bold visuals from runway shows and music concerts, analysing costumes and stage design before translating into intricate nail art designs.
Things got exciting for Nakayama when Nailympia announced its debut in China. He seized the opportunity, not to win, but to learn. At Nailympia China 2025, Nakayama competed in Division 3 and achieved extraordinary results: a gold medal in Salon Nails, silver in Joy of Nails, bronze in Full Cover Creative and won one of the top accolades, the Individual Top Scorer trophy having attained with 1088 points
This was his first major international competition, having only participated in a flat art contest in Taiwan beforehand. The experience proved transformative. Nakayama formed friendships with other passionate nail artists and strengthened his belief in the power of competition as a learning tool. Nakayama emphasises, “Competition mirrors high-level salon work. While some view it as impractical, I see it as a training ground to sharpen technical skill, precision and professionalism. I encourage everyone to embrace the challenge. Competing doesn’t diminish credibility, it enhances it. Even failure can generate meaningful content and career growth when shared authentically.
“Internet traffic may come and go,” he continues, “but professionalism and skill build a lasting legacy. Competitions are a platform to elevate the industry and demonstrate that nail artistry is a career deserving of deep respect and global recognition.”
During Nailympia, Nakayama met industry icon Jan Arnold, co-founder of CND. This personal meeting left a lasting impression since Jan shared words of encouragement, praising his efforts to promote professionalism and literacy within the Chinese nail industry, and offered this advice, ‘Stay true, stay professional, stay scientific,’ which has become his guiding mantra.
Looking ahead, Nakayama’s mission is clear: to elevate the literacy and credibility of the Chinese nail industry. With the market rapidly expanding, he’s determined to uphold professionalism and fight against misinformation and unverified product endorsements promoted by unqualified influencers. He believes the future of the industry depends on transparency, education and ethical practice.
Competitor Spotlight…Francesca Paliotto Wins the 3rd Nailympia European Cup 2024
In 2024, Francesca Paliotto claimed the prestigious title of the 3rd Nailympia European Cup winner, receiving her award on the esteemed Nailympia London stage. This competition, renowned for its rigorous evaluation and judging criteria, determines its European champion based on scores from four key categories: Stiletto, Joy of Nails, Salon Nails and Reality Nails.
The Nailympia European Cup rotates across major beauty industry events, with active locations currently at Nailympia Germany hosted by Beauty Düsseldorf and the UK’s Nailympia London hosted at Pro Beauty Autumn 2025). The cup is presented at the London event, solidifying the competition’s status as a pinnacle of excellence in the nail industry.
Hailing from Ferrara, a city in northern Italy, Francesca’s journey into the world of nails began at just 12 years old, driven by pure passion. Six years ago, she took a significant step by opening her own nail studio, marking the start of her professional career. Her dedication to the craft led her to train with various educators, but she credits her mentor, Italy’s award-winning Deborah Cocco, as a fundamental influence in her journey through nail competitions.
“I love everything about nails, from the simplest salon manicures to the most technical and complex works,” Francesca shares. Her success in competitions is rooted in her relentless training, keen attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement. She believes that every small mistake presents an opportunity to refine her skills further.
Francesca finds immense motivation in competing against the best nail artists worldwide. “Meeting and comparing myself with top competitors is invaluable – you always learn something new,” she says. Her advice to aspiring competitors is clear, “Train hard and always believe in your abilities.”
Winning the Nailympia European Cup is a milestone that Francesca holds dear, as it symbolises the rewards of her hard work and sacrifices. This achievement has significantly contributed to her personal and professional growth, reinforcing her belief in perseverance and dedication.
Francesca has a particular preference for UV hard gel and acrygel systems, as they were the first techniques she mastered and feels most comfortable working with. Looking ahead, she plans to expand her academy’s training courses and participate in more competitions, though she prefers to embrace opportunities as they come rather than plan too rigidly.
Francesca remains optimistic about the future of the nail industry, believing that it will continue to evolve with innovative techniques. One thing is certain – she will keep competing, as the experience not only enhances her skills but also brings an unmatched sense of accomplishment and excitement.
After dedicating the past two years to competitions, Francesca acknowledges the challenges but affirms, “Even though it was hard, I did it.” With her unwavering determination and love for the craft, there is no doubt that she will continue to leave her mark on the global nail competition scene. We look forward to seeing more stunning nail work from Francesca in 2025.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558412801294
IG: francesca.paliotto
Top 40 announced in North America’s Star Nail Artist contest: Season 1
An impressive 30,000 nail artists across Canada, the USA and Mexico expressed interest in the first season of North America’s Star Nail Artist contest, and the top 40 techs – who will compete for a grand prize – have been revealed.
Powered by the team behind Scratch magazine and Nailympia Competitions, North America’s Star Nail Artist (‘NASNA’) is a free online contest that champions professional creativity and artistry. Monthly challenges will be revealed – from October 2024 to April 2025, with eliminations after each, until the top three competitors are unveiled in May 2025.
These three competitors will be flown to the Premiere Orlando trade event, at which an event will be hosted to reveal the champion, who scoops a prize package with a $10,000 value: a mix of cash and industry opportunities.
Meet the 40 shortlisted pros who be be battling it out to be named North America’s Star Nail Artist:
- Aisha Corcoran – Alberta, Canada
- Amberley Robinson – New Mexico, USA
- Anastasia Totty – Florida, USA
- Ashley Biasella – Arizona, USA
- Aspen Aguirre – Texas, USA
- Aura Aponte-Flores – Texas, USA
- Aurelija Dobravalskyte – Alberta, Canada
- Carolina Quintero-Carrillo – Nevada, USA
- Cheryl Derivi – Florida, USA
- Claire Pitts – Indiana, USA
- Dari Williams – Florida, USA
- Elizabeth Citalan – Florida, USA
- Erin Paschke – Oregon, USA
- Gwyneth Scallions – Missouri, USA
- Hirsch Hunty – North Carolina, USA
- Hope Jung – Wisconsin, USA
- Isabelle Calhoun – South Carolina, USA
- Jamie Wilson – Wyoming, USA
- Jane Tuttle – Idaho, USA
- Jennie Shaw – Ontario, Canada
- Jessica Vero – British Columbia, Canada
- Kelsey Mcquay – Florida, USA
- Kelsey Waldo – Saskatchewan, Canada
- Kristal Arevalo – Idaho, USA
- Lauren Mitchell – Florida, USA
- Mary Esparza – California, USA
- Melissa Whiffen – Newfoundland, Canada
- Michelle King – Nebraska, USA
- Michelle Soto – Florida, USA
- Monica Castro – California, USA
- Nancy Okon – Illinois, USA
- Ngoc (Lila) Nguyen – Missouri, USA
- Rebecca Compton – Virginia, USA
- Rebecca Mozzillo – Ohio, USA
- Rochelle Dingman – California, USA
- Sierra Pagan – Florida, USA
- Tatiana Savostikova – Florida, USA
- Tina Zavala – Kentucky, USA
- Yuliia Kovalchuk – New York, USA
- Zaira Vega – Mexico City, Mexico
Each challenge is set by a different sponsor of this season’s contest: CND, Light Elegance, Gelish, LeChat Nails, Glitterbels and 3EM.
Helena Biggs
Helena Biggs, editorial & partnerships director at Scratch magazine, comments: “North America’s Star Nail Artist represents an opportunity to celebrate the talent and creativity that define our industry, and the shortlisted professionals have already shown immense talent and imagination via their entries. We can’t wait to see the innovative designs and techniques that they will bring at each challenge stage.”
The competition invited nail professionals from the USA, Canada, Mexico and Greenland, regardless of their industry experience, to showcase their creativity and flair. They entered online with a video and images of their work, and entry closed August 31.
Follow the journey of our contestants by clicking here, or view their work on their own challenge pages by clicking their names above.
Whether contestants specialize in intricate hand-painted designs, avant-garde sculptures or dazzling embellishments, North America’s Star Nail Artist – Season 1 promises to offer a platform for their talents to shine.
Nailympia London is just over 5 weeks away!
On Sunday 15 & Monday 16 October 2023 the Nailympia team will come together, with competitors, judges, partners and sponsors live at Olympia Beauty, ExCel London for the first time in a year! The team can’t wait to welcome everyone to the competition arena, some for the first time.
Competing will stretch and fine tune nail skills. It’s a place to extend and explore creativity. It’s where a nail tech can shed salon life and literally create without boundaries. It’s a place to show the world their artistic potential and ability, and the judges can’t wait to see what will be created this year.
There will be nine fantastic competition categories taking place live in the arena including Gel Polish Manicure, UV Gel Tip & Overlay, L&P Acrylic Sculpture, Perfect Match, The Joy Of Nails, French Twist, Salon Nails, Stiletto Nails and Fantasy Complete Look.
Registration for these categories closes at 11.59pm BST on Friday 29 September 2023.
Click here to register for Nailympia London 2023 today.
If you’d like to read the guide to competing at Nailympia click here.
The team is looking forward to welcoming you to the arena – there will be 16 trophies and 210 medals to award!
The Categories Outlined – Online & Arena
We have two different types of competitions running at Nailympia London this year, creating another hybrid year for us!
Below is an outline of all of the categories we’re running and the how and when! Please email nailympia@gmail.com if you’d like any advice on which category would best suit you!
ARENA CATEGORIES:
Taking place: Sun 15 & Mon 16 Oct 2023 at Olympia Beauty, ExCel London (NEW LOCATION)
Enter before: 11.59pm Fri 29 Sept 2023
8 competition categories including:
GEL POLISH MANICURE (Sun 15 Oct)
UV GEL TIP & OVERLAY (Sun 15 Oct)
L&P SCULPTURE (Sun 15 Oct)
THE JOY OF NAILS (Sun 15 Oct)
FRENCH TWIST (Sun 15 Oct)
SALON NAILS (Mon 16 Oct)
STILETTO NAILS (Mon 16 Oct)
FANTASY COMPLETE LOOK (Mon 16 Oct)
ONLINE CATEGORIES:
Enter before: 11.59pm Fri 11 Aug 2023
Submissions close: 11.59pm Fri 18 Aug 2023
9 competition categories including:
RUNWAY NAILS
Theme: The Wizard of Oz
REALITY NAILS
Theme: Poetry in Motion / House of Cards / Leather & Lace
INVENT A NAIL SHAPE – more than 2 inches
Theme: Arabian Nights
FLAT ART – Speakeasy
Theme: Prohibition
ART ON MORE THAN 2 INCHES
Theme: Swan Lake
DESIGN AN ALBUM COVER
Theme: Rock ‘n Roll
MIXED MEDIA ART – Open theme
EXTREME POSTER STYLING – Open theme
POSTER MANICURE – Open theme
3 NAILS IN 3 THEMES
Reality Nails is an online category at Nailympia London this year! It’s easy to enter from anywhere in the world and at just £39 per ONLINE category, it’s a fantastic opportunity to challenge yourself & show off your skills!
Introducing Reality Nails Online Category For this category you’re tasked with creating 3 nail tips in 3 themes:
- Nail 1 – Theme – Poetry In Motion
- Nail 2 – Theme – House of Cards
- Nail 3 – Theme – Leather & Lace
To enter this category you’ll submit the following:
- 1 photo showing the 3 tips displayed side by side on a sheet of white paper
- 3 separate close up photos of the individual nails
- 1 text document describing the 3 nails in no more than 100 words (in English)
Register for your place today – we can’t wait to see your creativity & skill shine through!
DON’T FORGET… If you enter a mix of 6 or more arena & online categories you’ll automatically receive 10% off your total entry fee
DEADLINES:
Register before: 11.59pm Fri 11 Aug 2023
Submit your nail entries before: 11.59pm Fri 18 Aug 2023
Nailympia & Premiere strengthen partnership for 2023 with 4 USA locations
Nailympia Competitions, the globally renowned competition organisation for nail professionals, is expanding into three further locations for 2023, owing to a strengthened partnership with Informa Markets.
The success of the Nailympia Orlando 2019 and 2022 editions will see Nailympia Competitions at beauty exhibitions in the following locations, in line with the Premiere group’s growth across the USA:
Nailympia Anaheim 2-3 April
Nailympia Orlando 4-5 June
Nailympia San Antonio 1-2 October
Nailympia Columbus 8-9 October
This expansion comes at an exciting time, since Informa Markets announced earlier this year that it has partnered with the BolognaFiere Group and the Professional Beauty Association to deliver a landmark joint venture, promising an impressive series of beauty events in the US beauty market.
Nailympia Competitions will be hosted in seven locations for 2023; London, UK; Mexico City, Mexico; Düsseldorf, Germany, and Anaheim CA, Orlando FL, San Antonio TX and Columbus OH in the USA, in partnership with the world’s leading nail magazine, Scratch.
Each competition location will offer six live competitions on the show floor:
UV/LED Gel Tip & Overlay, L&P Acrylic Sculpture (with Perfect Match), The Joy of Nails, Stiletto Nails, Salon Nails & Reality Nails.
There will be four turn-in categories, comprising Flat Art, Runway Nails, Invent A Nail Shape and Extreme Nails Styling poster. All turn-in categories will have a theme that will be announced before each event and Reality Nails will be themed on the floor during the competition brief.
Click here for rules, regulations, address for postal entries, email for sending in jpeg for Extreme Poster Styling, deadlines & themes for Nailympia Anaheim. https://www.nailympia.com/anaheim/rules-regs/
Nailympia London themes for its online competitions
Invite this Wolf right up to your salon door
The first Nailympia global champion back in 2017, Sweden’s Madelene Wolf, has jumped into the slipstream of her success and launched a new nail system with education, known as Wolf.
“For a long time, I dreamt of having all the best materials gathered in one place instead of having to look for products I like from different suppliers,” reveals Madelene. “I also wanted to help others work with the best products in as simple a way as possible.”
Working alongside chemists since 2019, the Wolf nail system began its development journey with a vision of producing high quality products with fine pigments. Durability on the nail was another important factor for Madelene throughout the manufacturing process. “When I started my brand, it was not only to offer high-quality products that create beautiful and personalised nails, but also to help other nail therapists become the best in the world at their craft,” enthuses Madelene. “This is why I offer professional nail products and diploma courses in nail design at my Wolf Nail Academy, resulting in world class nails. People don’t really buy the products, they buy the purpose of them and the results they get.”
With an already saturated market, Madelene affirms she was guided by needing, “The best products for sale, salons and students. When I couldn’t find the level of quality on the market I required, I decided to produce my own.”
Training in nails back in 1996, this world class nail stylist from Gothenburg, has been working with nails ever since. “After being hired at various salons, I’ve had my own salon and school since 2008,” cites Madelene. “I train future nail therapists at the Madelene Wolf Nail Academy, however, no matter how much I think I know, I will never be fully trained and, as I love learning new techniques and shapes, I also make sure I regularly take courses myself.”
Reflecting on her journey into nails, Madelene fondly recalls, “I’ve been interested in nails since childhood when I would glue pieces of tape together, then cut them out to put on my nails. I then borrowed my mum’s red nail polish and thought the finished product looked great.”
Getting hooked on the idea of nails as a career was born from Madelene’s regular nail appointment leading her into a beginners’ nail course. “I thought nails looked like so much fun, so I went on a course and found it a great way to channel my creativity. I then decided to get further education.”
Climbing to the top of an industry ladder means taking education seriously, and as such, Madelene made it her mission to train with the best. Citing Najet Hamila Strand, Tom Holcomb and David Fowler, among a long list of industry greats, Madelene highlights, “If I have to pinpoint one industry professional I currently admire, it would be Olena Oezman, for her great passion for perfection. I can’t stop looking at her nails! But I also admire those who dare to follow their dreams and never give up, those who enter competitions and continue to take courses to keep improving.”
Proving that competing in nails can have a profound and positive effect on a nail career, Madelene notes her competition career (2001-2017), has afforded industry recognition, world travel, networking and further training and now the advent of her own nail brand.
“My biggest career highlight was when I became Nailympia Winner of Winners (Div 3) in London 2014, and then Nailympia Global Champion 2017. That is hard to forget! My heart was pounding so hard, and for a second I thought I would pass out before the results were announced. Another highlight is all the nail courses I’ve had the opportunity to arrange around the world, and now I’ve finally followed my dream of starting a nail brand.”
Living by the doctrine of never giving up on her dreams and living in a state of self-belief, Madelene’s eye for perfection and precision, alongside her persistence and determination, have led to the birth of an elegant and stylish product line, which delivers, in her own words, “Durability on the nails, ease of use and smooth application, high colour pigmentation, with brushes carefully developed by my colleague, Sandra Bergstrand, who’s been extremely picky regarding their quality throughout the production process.”
The Wolf nail system currently presents UV/LED hard gel, UV/LED gel polish, L&P acrylic, nail art products, brushes and accessories. Team Wolf is now delving deep into the R&D for an acrygel product to join the Wolf nail pack.
“I want to reach the whole world with my products, work with those who are passionate about the same things as me and train even more nail therapists worldwide,” smiles Madelene. And offering her expert advice to aspiring nail professionals, she notes in closing, “You have to believe in yourself and never give up. Follow your dreams and goals!”