Melanie Lewendon shares her thoughts on nail art, competing and our industry

Tell us about your training…

My training has been really varied. I started life out as a beauty therapist 12 years ago. I came 2nd in the World Skills National Final that year for beauty and second in Sebta UK competition. It wasn’t until I stumbled on gel polish I fell in love with nails. I did a short acrylic course which was not the best, so I’ve spent the last six years training with some outstanding companies and nail technicians in the UK, entering competitions and brushing up on my skills.

What is your all-time favourite nail product?

Right now, Ritzy Nail’s Magic Gel; it’s an awesome art tool. But, in general, I have to say I love acrylic and its endless possibilities.

Who do you admire in the industry?

There are so many amazing techs out there. Katie Barnes has been a great help to me, pushes me beyond my limits and is a great support. She’s also awesome at nails and I feel like what she doesn’t know about the science is not worth knowing! She is truly inspirational and influential.

I love fine art so Alexa Kisgyori, Pisut Masanong, and the Crystal Nails international education team are amazing to watch. I’ve been lucky enough to train with many of them. Perfection and finesse is so beautiful to see face-to-face; the nails they create are as beautiful as they look in pictures!

What designs do you love to create?

I’m a hand painter; I love all there is about creating a design that are complex and skilled. One stroke and general hand painting are my favourite techniques to do. I also love working with watercolour. I do many boxed nail art sets and photoshoots so I love a challenge.

If you had to pick one, what nail colour would characterise your personality?

Hot pink!

What treatment or nail technique are you planning to add to your services?

I’ll be attending Crystal Nail’s UK Nail Camp again this year and learning new techniques such as pastiline and one stroke using gel. I’m really excited. I’m also booked on courses to learn Pandora and detailed art with Kostka Bojana. Structure and competition nails are also on my training schedule for the future.

What are your next steps?

I have a training academy in Derby so my next steps are to continue building that. I’d like to try a live competition in 2019 so I will be working very hard towards that as well. I feel its important to always push yourself beyond your comfort zone, it does make you a better tech.

 What is the most exciting thing about the UK nail industry?

I think UK nail industry is now becoming a formidable force. Our skills and trend knowledge, structure and art are getting better all the time. We are very daring and tenacious and there so many wonderful techs I know. We are making huge waves over the globe and that’s amazing!

If you weren’t doing nails, what would you be doing?

Singing! I use to be a redcoat and a singer for many years. I miss performing but I already have the best job in the world!