Star Quality - nails

This year’s Professional Beauty Nail Competition saw Cherryl Lalog Llaneta, from The Nail Spa, gain the accolade of Overall Winner after shiningin the nail art categories. She tells Professional Beauty what it takes to be a winner

How long have you been a nail technician for?

I worked as a nail technician for six years in my home country, and almost eight years now at The Nail Spa (TNS). Recently I was invited to join “artbar”, a new concept at House of Enspa, which is a design house for nails. I did most of my training at TNS.

What do you enjoy most about working with nails?

I really enjoy doing nail extensions and nail art.

Which products do you like to work with?

I really like acrylic liquid and powder, Brisa gel and Bio Sculpture gel because I can get more creative with these than with basic polish, shaping and sculpting 3D designs.

Why did you decide to enter the Professional Beauty Nail Competition?

I wanted to prove something to myself and I thought entering might help me build my self-confidence.

How did you prepare for the competition?

I did a research on the theme of nail art competition beforehand. I watched the Cinderella cartoon, tested out different ideas, and kept experimenting. We also relied on mood boards given to us by our creative director Sehr Karim. That’s how we prepare all our collections at the artbar, from a source of inspiration.

How did you feel when you learned that you were the overall winner?

I was really happy! Winning for me is not just about getting the awards or a trophy. This meant a lot for my self-growth, helping me to be better, to know myself, to make me realise my capabilities. It gives me a deep sense of achievement.

What advice would you give to other nail technicians about competing?

My very important advice to them is to do their work with excellence and to put their heart into it, to be yourself, do the best that you can do. Be inspired, don’t be scared! Just stay positive, believe in yourself but stay humble and be supportive.

Will you be entering again next year?

Yes I will and I will be always ready to lead! Competitions mean learning and giving. For me I can be the student on one hand and on the other side can play the role of being a teacher.

 

The next Professional Beauty Nail Competition will take place at the Professional Beauty GCC exhibition in February 2017. Entry details will be announced in the magazine nearer the time.