Just when I thought things were about as “back to normal” as they could get under the circumstances, a business meeting turned into a surprise celebration!

Several months after competing in NAILS Magazine's Next Top Nail Artist competition, it culminated in an awards ceremony in Chicago of this year. It was there that I was crowned NAILS Magazine's Next Top Nail Artist for Season 4. A surreal moment, only to be highlighted by hearing about the amazing prizes that came along with the title. A cash prize, a spot on the CND Creative team at New York Fashion Week and a CND product hamper.

On returning to the Netherlands, life was getting just about back to normal when I was called in for a business meeting by Diana Lijding from CND Netherlands. We were going to be discussing business opportunities for the second half of the year. I wanted to prepare for the meeting, but was told I didn’t need to take anything with me. I only understood later why not.

On my arrival at CND Netherlands, I was met with a red carpet. Walking down the red carpet I was greeted, hugged and kissed by some very familiar faces from the CND Team. I was led to the podium that had been set up with the hugest CND Product Hamper ever. Inside was everything a girl could wish for from CND: from Creative Play to the latest Shellac collections, to CND Spa products, and so much more. Diana had just arrived back from the States in time to hand over the details of my trip to New York Fashion Week in September with personal wishes from Jan Arnold. A bouquet of flowers, a glass of bubbly, and the most delicious cakes adorned with my face and winning title. I was speechless. Of course I couldn’t keep it dry and yes, I shed yet another tear.

Believe it or not, I am usually not all that emotional, but when you take a step back in this situation and see just how much effort everyone does for you, it is virtually impossible not to be. NAILS Magazine, CND World, Jan Arnold, CND Netherlands, Diana Lijding, Peter Coppelmans, Team CND, my hubby, my kids, and each and every person who has supported me in this journey, these moments are possible because of you. Thank you!

This could be you! Applications for Season 5 close Tuesday, August 1st. Click here to apply for NAILS Next Top Nail Artist Season 5 today.