USA Team and World Leaders
Nailpro Competitions’ competition director and distinguished judging panel holds many years of combined competition experience and qualified expertise. Each judge is a previous competition champion in their own right and each is a salon professional carrying a full or part time clientele. At each competition you will see each one interchanging with the exception of our head judge.
WORLDWIDE COMPETITION DIRECTOR – JEWELL CUNNINGHAM
Find out more about NAILPRO competition director and international nail champion, Jewell Cunningham.
What was your first job ever?
I was an (underage) telemarketer collecting items for Exceptional Children’s Foundation. I was 14 and my mother got me the job by telling them I was 16.
What was your first job in the industry?
Nail technician extraordinaire! I worked at Jill’s Fingernail Factory.
What was your most recent impulse buy?
I can’t remember but for sure it was something electronic.
What was your proudest accomplishment?
Using my sculptured nail ability to win a total of 27 first place awards, two seconds and one third. Among my wins are International World Champion and USA National Champion.
What’s your favorite movie?
Funny Girl, On Golden Pond and Julie & Julia.
Describe your perfect day.
Up early, great coffee, sun, water, sun, water, shower, dressing to show off a day in the sun and off to dinner or an event with great, fun friends—and, of course, cocktails.
What is your favorite type of food?
Anything saucy and/or messy accompanied by a great cocktail.
Describe the best set of nails you’ve ever seen.
For years, it was a sculptured set of Tom Holcomb nails. But today the architecture of nails are changing so much that the shapes the techs are able to create are blowing my mind.
My guilty pleasure is…
planning, cooking and hosting dinner parties.
What are you most afraid of?
Not ever being inspired again, and boredom.
I can’t discuss nails without…
some reference to Nailpro competitions and realizing just how driven I am to produce great competitions.
Our 2016 Nailpro Competition judging team is absolutely the best team out there! Together we have almost 150 years of competition experience. That is pretty hard to beat.
CARLA COLLIER – HEAD JUDGE – PRICELESS
With 27 years of experience, Carla Collier is recognized as a leading industry expert in competition and education around the world. She is an international competition judge; a head judge for NAILPRO Competitions; cover artist; and her work and writing is regularly featured in the nail industry’s top trade publications. Carla is a former salon owner, retired competition champion and an international educator. Prime industry manufacturers, publishing houses, competition directors and entrepreneurs have sought her expert advice in product development, competition and educational materials, such as training videos, textbooks and educator training programs. In addition, she has taught and mentored nail professionals across the globe. Carla skillfully balances her salon work with competition judging, travel and teaching to stay on the cutting edge of the nail industry.
ROSY GUARINI - JUDGE
Rosy Guarini, trained as a tech in Y2K before opening the first nail academy in Italy. Still involved at 67 years of age. First Italian winning an award at The Nailympics London in the Mixed Media category in 2005. She is passionate about education and makes it her mission to get the best techs over each year to inspire and motivate her studentS and staff. She travels all around the world to learn the latest trends and keep her education at the highest standards. Recognized as one of the industry’s most honored and well-known nail technicians, she has judging experiences both locally and internationally. She was a member of the judges’ team in the World Nail Championship in Düsseldorf.
MAX BRAGA – JUDGE
Specialized nail technician, International Master Artist Educator global Trainer, he has been working in the nail business for more than 10 years. In December 2008 as a beginner he participates to his first completion with great achievements. He is active in the nail business bringing new ideas to many nail companies. He was a judge in several national and international competitions.
MARCO BONVICINI – JUDGE
Marco Bonvicini began his career in the nail industry in 1984 in what was meant to be a temporary solution, but quickly turned into a passion! Marco never stopped training and showing off his skills in a multitude of championships! he works as global artistic director and head of global training, a leading figure in the international nail scene and one of the most successful nail stylists in the world. Today Marco is responsible for training courses worldwide, but also works as an expert consultant for magazines. He is an international Judge.
CLAUDIO CAPPARUCIA - JUDGE
Claudio Capparuccia/Italia Specialised nailtechnician International Master Artist Educator. He took part to severeal nail competitions in Italy and around the world. He completed his education with Trang Nguyen, one of the great artists who won NAILPRO USA several times. Coach of the Italian team in the Inernational nail Competition Korea, His specialization is in Acrylic Sculpture & Nail Art.
ALIZ DORA TOTH - JUDGE
Aliz Dora Toth/Hungary Hungarian born, Aliz Dora Toth has been working in the nail industry for over 20 years. She completed her studies in Hungary in the area of nail artistry before becoming an educator. For the past 12 years she has resided in Italy as educator at the highest level. In 2011 Aliz designed and launched Kubenail ®, a product she invented with her husband – which offers a new method of nail construction. Aliza is a sought-after international judge who has travelled for competitions in Spain, London and all over Italy.
LORENA AMICI - JUDGE
