Posts Tagged ‘winner of winners’
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
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!”