Nails Magazine Show Introduces The Decathlon

In addition to the five nail competitions held at every NAILS Magazine Show, competitors at the Tampa, Fla., show got the chance to compete in a new competition called the Decathlon, so named because a competitor must demonstrate five techniques---acrylic, fibreglass, gel tips and overlays, and sculptured acrylics. Custom-designed medallions in gold, silver, and bronze were awarded to winners of this test of versatility.

Held April 18-19 at the Tampa Convention Center, the NAILS Magazine Show offered an array of new seminars and workshops as part of its Education in Action program. The first-ever Judge’s Network class, led by NIA president Nancy Schweizer, was a popular workshop that focused on familiarizing competitors with the judging process and offered current judges skill-building tips.

In a departure from the standard tradeshow format, there were classes in the morning before the exhibits opened at noon. Most classes were standing-room only.

There were more than 50 contestants in the six nail competitions, and $3,500 in cash and prizes was awarded.

Professional Sculptured Nail: First Place, Kim Morgan, Hair Force, Auburndale, Fla.; Second Place, Connie Ortiz, Nails by Connie, Deltona, Fla.; Third Place, Leigh Raphael, Uptown Hair Designs, Tampa, Fla.; Honorable Mention, Tuan Nguyen.

Student Acrylic Tip & Overlay: First Place, Karen Rodgers, P.H.D. Academy; Second Place, Jennifer Hilman, P.H.D Academy; Third Place, Tammy Gonzales, Jefferson School; Honorable Mention, Joyce Archie.

Fibreglass Tip & Overlay: First Place, Maria Nimphius, C’est La Vie, Tampa, Fla.; Second Place, Diane Toranzo, State of the Art Nails, Altamonte Springs, Fla.; Third Place, Beth Berkheimer, Nail Stuff and More, Longwood, Fla.; Honorable Mention, Kim Stirman.

Flat Nail Art: First Place, Rina Rivera, Rina’s Nails, Jacksonville, Fla.; Second Place, Laura Davis, Sanford, Fla.; Third Place, Michelle Baker, Euro Stylecutters, Lutz, Fla.; Honorable Mention, Susie Weiss.

Drill Competition: First Place, Ann Marie Huber, Ft. Myers, Fla.; Second Place, Valerie Gronke, Nails by Connie, Deltona, Fla.

Decathlon: First Place, Kim Morgan, Hair Force, Auburndale, Fla.; Second Place, Connie Ortiz, Nails by Connie, Deltona, Fla.; Third Place, Trang Nguyen, Hollywood Nails, Longwood, Fla.; Honorable Mention, Erin Taylor.

Next year’s NAILS Magazine Show in Tampa, Fla.; will be held April 17-18, 1994, at the Tampa Convention Center.