6
I started working at NAILS Magazine
just before the inaugural Nails Next Top Nail Artist
Competition. Being a huge fan of reality-style
contests, I was excited to sink my teeth into this
celebration of nail artistry. I got to watch firsthand as
Lauren Wireman created pinup almond extensions. I
held my breath as it was announced that Buddy Sims
would not be eliminated and would instead be flown to
the finals to compete. When Ryoko Garcia was crowned
our first winner, I was overwhelmed with happiness. It was
because of these experiences that I volunteered to help out
with NTNA last year. Getting to know all 12 competitors on
a personal level in addition to the nails they produced gave
me a reason to get up and come to work in the morning.
Season three of NTNA debuts September 7 online.
Whether you're a nail professional or not, I urge you to
check out the entries and vote for your favorite. In addition
to voting, you can also play along at home by tagging your
inspired design with #GelishPlayAtHome. Two winners
will be picked weekly and awarded prizes.
Every week you will get to know some of the most
dedicated nail artists on the planet and witness them
pushing their talent to the limits. The next big thing in
nails will come out of this contest and it's sure to inspire
industry insiders and hobbyists alike. Whether it's the
determination of the next Lavette Cephus , the clean lines
of the next Lexi Martone , or the social media savvy of the
next Danielle Costantino , there is something
to be learned from each of these contenders,
who I now consider friends.
I
notes
C ut and Play
e
t
e
At
the
NTNA
Season
2
finale
party
with
Buddy
Sims,
Ryoko
Garcia,
Lexi
Martone,
and
Danielle
Penn
Negative
space
square
nails
done
by
NTNA
contestant
Sherri
Traweek