We are back with something new and different!!- Exciting I know…Our Brand Development Executive and in-house nail tech, Michaela Phillips, visited Pro Beauty last year and here’s what she had to say about it!
Competitions…I never would’ve thought when I first started in the nail industry 8 years ago that I’d be entering one! Especially whilst I was still trying to find my feet and balance a full-time job alongside my passion being a nail artist. But this is how my first competition went…
I kept seeing posts and posts advertising the Professional Beauty show at Excel in London. I thought why not check it out… As well as brands exhibiting at the show there were also many competitions running. This seemed like something to find out more about! There were SO many different competitions, but the UV Gel Comp caught my eye. To be honest, I thought, why not?! I had nothing to lose!! So, I entered, paid the fee on the website, and was left awaiting further confirmation. - Scary right! (But a lil’ exciting).
If you’ve never done a competition before, it’s always a good idea to check out the T&Cs or rules of the competition- you don’t want to learn the hard way for this! Trust me. For example, one of the rules for my competition was that you had to use all the same branded gels, lamps etc, otherwise you would be marked down. A simple thing like that could mean the difference between placing 1st or 2nd! So, definitely not worth the risk!
The BIG day finally arrived…Sunday the 3rd of April- as Troy Bolton once said… it’s #NoworNever! I drove up to Excel and arrived early with my model and scanned into the venue. We were the first to arrive at the competition section. As I set up, I had a lady next to me who forgot to bring her clamp for her lamp and decided to Sellotape the lamp to her hand rest. I can still see it now! Good improvising if you ask me!
The rules were read out, we had 50 minutes to paint both our models hands a French and a dark polish colour. I was extremely nervous… But I was here now and I was determined to give it my best shot! We started and I spent a lot of time prepping my models nail beds. Tip her-, I wish I’d done this at home the night before! So, definitely consider that as it saves a LOT of time. The judges were walking around as we worked and were looking at our products as well as our appearance. Professional and comfortable is KEY!
Time literally FLEW BY! 50 minutes came to an end, and I managed to finish in the last 30 seconds. Once you’re finished, your model must then go to the judge’s booths and be inspected. A row of 4 industry professionals sat behind the booth - you can’t see them, which I can’t decide is more or less nervewracking! There’s a slot for your model to place their hands in and be inspected. The scores get noted on your score sheet and the winners are announced at the end of the day.
The worst bit was over, and I enjoyed the rest of the day checking out all the different beauty stands and even getting my ears pierced - Couldn’t help myself!
At the end of the day everyone is called to the competition stand to hear the results. I didn’t place in the top 3 but it was an amazing experience for my first time! You can request your score sheet after all winners are announced, which is something I strongly recommend. It’s a good insight into where you can improve on your next competition.
My top tip would be to prep your model the night before, then you have more time to focus on the application.
However, I would definitely recommend to anyone to enter a competition! You’ve got to push yourself out of your comfort zone! As you never know if you don’t try! But also, it’s a great way to meet other people in the industry and a really exciting, fun day overall. I have since won a competition, which was amazing!
The recognition for me was a real confidence boost. It’s amazing to also share with your clients and boost your career! If you’ve got the passion and the drive, you owe it to yourself to put your work out there!
Instagram: @Gelalicious
Pure Nails Brand Development Executive: Michaela Phillips
