Yesterday NAILS publisher Cyndy Drummey, associate publisher Michelle Mullen and I attended a memorial service celebrating the life of Tom Holcomb. On what would have been his 45^th birthday, friends, colleagues, and family members gather in Riverside, Calif., at the historic Mission Inn to share stories and memories of the beloved nail tech.

Organized by Hand & Nail Harmony’s Danny Haile and Japan-based Nails Unique’s Mr. Misuno, the service was a lovely luncheon where they played videos of Tom over the years, and many of his friends, students, and fellow competitors got up to share stories of how Tom touched their lives.

It was at times light, as Tom was remembered as someone who kept everyone belly laughing, and at other times somber, as those who loved him spoke of the absence they feel now that he’s gone.

Many Japanese nailists, who he taught and who later went on to compete at the top level, were there and they all spoke in halting Japanese of their deep affections for Tom, their sensei.

We’ve posted an online photo gallery. Please enjoy and make sure to come back to share your own stories.

— Hannah