Posts Tagged ‘nail desk’
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.
Seeking a high-quality, innovative & eco-conscious salon furniture brand? Meet REM UK
For over a century, REM UK has been at the forefront of developing salon furniture and equipment, playing a pivotal role in shaping the salon industry’s products and work environments.
From its humble beginnings in 1918 with the pioneering work of Eugene Suter, REM has continuously evolved and transformed to meet the needs of salons, barbershops, beauty, nail, hair and spa spaces across the world. Today, the company is a globally recognised brand, known for its innovation, quality and commitment to sustainability.
REM UK has been a stalwart supporter of Nailympia London for more than 15 years, donating its nail desks year-on-year to the arena, which presents the smart and professional air to the competition that the industry now expects.
The evolution of REM
REM’s journey began in the early 20th century, originally focused on producing electrical hairdryers. Over the years, the company expanded its product range to create a diverse array of salon furniture and equipment. The brand we recognise today was officially established in 1995, based in the heart of the Pennines and has since flourished, employing a skilled workforce of around 90 people.
A key factor in REM’s success has been its continuous investment in state-of-the-art technology. This commitment to innovation has allowed REM to remain competitive in a global marketplace, providing salons with high-quality, British-manufactured products that stand the test of time.
The importance of buying British
REM stands as a reminder of the value of investing in British-made products. While they may come at a higher price than their foreign counterparts, the quality, craftsmanship and longevity of British-made goods often far outweigh the initial cost.
Supporting British manufacturing is not only a way to ensure you receive a superior product, but also helps sustain local industries and jobs. By choosing British, customers reduce their carbon footprint by cutting out the need for long-distance shipping, whether by land, sea or air. REM champions this philosophy, emphasising the importance of preserving the UK’s industrial heritage and nurturing the unique skills that have been passed down through generations.
Urban Rose Beauty, London
Trend-setting salon styling
“Designing your dream salon involves more than just selecting furniture; it’s about curating an environment that reflects your brand’s personality and enhances the overall client experience,” explains a spokesperson on the design team. “At REM, we understand the importance of combining aesthetics with functionality, which is why we offer an extensive range of customisable salon furniture options.
“Whether you’re drawn to calming earthy tones, sleek neutrals, vibrant hues or charming pinks, REM has everything you need to bring your salon vision to life.
“The team at REM works to provide high-quality products that are as durable as they are beautiful,” the spokesperson continues. “There’s an extensive range of fabrics and laminates, presenting the perfect combination of materials to match any salon’s aesthetic. From styling chairs and wash units to reception desks, nail stations, pedicure thrones and mirrors, each piece of furniture can be tailored to suit any chosen colour palette.
Customisation is key to creating a space that truly reflects a brand’s identity and the REM team will assist in developing a cohesive colour scheme to transform ideas into a functional and visually stunning space.”
The REM UK team
Sustainable initiatives at REM Earth
“The world is realising the need for change in how we think, work and live to reduce carbon footprints and achieve net zero,” reveals Trevor Lingard, commercial director at REM. “While global efforts vary, in the UK, we must lead by example. REM recognises the urgency of adapting to climate challenges and is committed to making a meaningful impact, regardless of others’ actions.
“By partnering with the Green Rose Project, REM is expanding its REM Earth project to develop sustainable, net zero targeted products for salons. This initiative aims to reduce our carbon footprint by 25% over the next two years by optimising processes, cutting energy use and improving fuel efficiency.”
Committed to reducing its environmental impact through innovative practices in furniture packaging and waste management, its specialised protective bags have replaced plastic, bubble wrap and pallets, offering eco-friendly furniture delivery that reduces waste and enhances the customer experience.
“We repurpose surplus pallets for internal use and convert damaged ones into firewood,” continues Trevor Lingard. “Waste wood is also given to employees for home heating, reducing waste. Sawdust from our timber manufacturing is reused by local farmers as animal bedding. Fabric waste is repurposed into soft toys for charity, turning waste into a positive force. We also collaborate with suppliers to reuse cardboard in product deliveries, ensuring a sustainable packaging cycle.”
Nail’d It London
Uniting for a greener future
JUST ONE Tree is a non-profit organisation focused on restoring entire ecosystems, working in deforested areas such as Kenya, Madagascar, Indonesia and Nepal. By partnering with Eden reforestation projects, the company is helping to restore forests, improve biodiversity and protect the habitats of endangered species. REM’s involvement in this underscores the company’s commitment to not only producing high-quality salon furniture, but also ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.
REM UK’s more than 100-year journey is a testament to the strength of British manufacturing, innovation and craftsmanship. As the company continues to grow and adapt in an increasingly globalised and environmentally-conscious marketplace, it remains committed to producing superior salon furniture that supports local industries and preserves the environment. Through its dedication to sustainability and its focus on quality, REM is ensuring that its legacy will endure for many years to come.
*Lead image shows Nail’d It London