The second-to-last challenge for NAILS Next Top Nail Artist went live on Friday. The object of the challenge was for the top three competitors to create a set of nails they felt best represented who they are. Since the final three will be meeting up at ISSE Long Beach in a few weeks to fight for the title, we thought it fitting to center our ticket giveaway to the show around the theme of this challenge. We asked our Facebook followers to share the set of nails they felt best represented themselves. We would then pick a winner to receive a ticket to ISSE Long Beach. After going through the entries, there were two sets of nails that really stood out. Here are our winners and their stories, as told through nail art:

Lorri Silvestre, Nail Candy by Lorri, Grover Beach, Calif.

“It was so hard to choose only one set that would say who I am considering I put my whole heart and creativity into each custom set I do. I don’t stop at anything and enjoy everything I do when it comes to nails. Here is the one set I’d have to say describes me in every sense. I am aware of my surroundings; this brings a calmness and quietness similar to watching the moon and stars. There is also that spitfire of a girl in me that when around the right people or doing nails it just can’t help but to come out. When I’m doing nails I like to believe I’m on fire for doing what I love. I am a ray of sunshine to everyone who enters my life.”

Shari Cowell, Ontario, Canada

“My nail art represents the woman I became. Growing up with an alcoholic mom and being abused, I chose to overcome my past and create a beautiful future. I was blessed with a special needs son who became a Canadian National Champion three times in pairs figure skating. I raised him alone, and I am proud to turn darkness into beautiful art, incorporating my son.”

You can get to know the nail techs above as well as our top three NAILS NTNA competitors at ISSE Long Beach, January 25-27. We will be doing one more ticket giveaway, so make sure and check our Facebook page next Tuesday (January 14th). In the meantime, continue to vote for who you think should be named the NAILS’ Next Top Nail Artist by casting your virtual ballot here.

— Beth