Mumbai nail tech scoops 1st place at OMC Online Championships
By Helena Biggs | 03 February 2021 | Movers & Shakers, News
Nail technician, Pooja Panvanda from Mumbai, India, has scooped first place in New York’s OMC Hair World Championships 2020. She beat 2000 participants from five continents in the Nail Fantasy category with her dazzling and decadent bird design.
Here, Scratch finds out more about the talented tech…
What attracted you to the nail sector?
“Nails are my passion and I have been extremely lucky to turn my passion into my work life. After completing my M.B.A, I joined an international airline and after i retired as an inflight manager, I turned my attention to a new career; one that gave me excitement and was rewarding.
“I wanted flexibility so that I could work around my role as a mother, and in 2016 I undertook a professional nail technician course. On completion, I started a business from home studio. Over the past six years, I have trained with several well-known and talented professionals in the industry which has given me extensive knowledge, helped me improve my skills and techniques and allowed me to create an nail designs which are recognised and featured on social media regularly.
“I keep on posting my nail art work on Facebook and Instagram under the name of nails_jewels. My passion for art and attention to details helped me evolve as a better nail artist.”
What do you love about working in the nail industry?
“I’ve always been a creative and artistic person, so I decided to pursue activities that make me happy. As long as I’m learning, I don’t get bored. Being a nail professional doesn’t just mean you can apply polish well. You can have a long, fulfilling and creative career – and working as a nail pro is a flexible career that has given me the ability to control my schedule.
“I’m very lucky that my clientele is wonderful; like a family. I still feel the same as my first day working. I believe that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life!”
What are your favourite products?
“The nail market is huge and has so many brands, and international brands can be easily ordered online. I feel that the Indian nail market is growing very quickly and connecting globally. Despite of the costs involved, many of my clients request precious stones such as real diamonds, emeralds, rubies, on nails. In addition, Swarovski crystals, glitter, transfer foils and 3D flowers are popular, as is magnetic and temperature changing gel and hand painted designs. Some of my favourite products come from OPI, IBD, Glam, Nail Artists, CND and Shine E by Max.”
Pooja’s 1st place Nail Fantasy creation
Why did you enter the OMC Hairworld Championships & what was the brief for the Nail Fantasy Mannequin category?
“I participated in OMC Hairworld 2020 through AIHBA (All India Hair and Beauty Association ) in Nail Fantasy Mannequin (creative theme of your choice) and won first place. Competitions help you evolve as a better artist. If you do not win a nail competition, there is always something to learn, as while preparing, you scrutinise yourself and your business.
“One should always participate in nail competitions – whether local, national or international as they give you an opportunity to reflect, grow and develop. They train your eye to see mistakes that you never realised existed and helps solve problems you previously couldn’t accomplish. The self-development and feedback that you received from the judge’s wealth of knowledge helps you to improve.
“While competing, you will continue to see progress in your work. This gives you confidence that you are growing and continually pushing your abilities as a confident nail technician who will stand up and be recognised on the world stage.”
What inspired your design?
“Achieving this creation was quite challenging. It took me months to create a detailed and eye-catching design that told of my culture. I use bright colours, integrated art, diamonds, flowers and bird design to represent my story in the whole process. I always wanted to create art piece with what I hope is a stunning and breathtaking creative theme.”
How did you feel when you were announced as winner?
“Winning a gold medal in the OMC Championships was incredibly surreal for me. It was something that I had dreamed about for a long time, so it took me a while to realise what I have achieved. I felt so fortunate, and special thanks to Dr Sangeeta Chauhan from AIHBA for keeping trust in me and had giving me the chance to represent India on a huge platform. It’s a really nice feeling and very satisfying to know that my hard work paid off. I’m very proud!”
What are your career hopes for the future?
“I want to be a Nail Technician of the Year and have a front cover. I believe in hard work and to never give up. Achievement through competitions has left great positive imprints on my resume. It has also encouraged me to adopt innovative techniques and helped me develop ideas. I have learned new things and still learning.
“In future I want to give back to the nail industry as a successful coach and share my knowledge and learnings with new amateur. I’m lucky to have so many very talented nail technician friends from around the world.”
Follow Pooja on Instagram, here.