One Penrith nail technician has set a high standard, taking out a top nail award against competitors from six countries.
Jonny Diep Pham, from Nailicious Penrith, won the Highest Score Overall Champion award at the Nailympia Australia 2015 competition in Sydney last month.
Mr Pham competed against nail technicians from Finland, Japan, Holland, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia, and feels validated for his achievement.
“It’s amazing because all the hard work I put in is recognised,” he said.
“I feel really accomplished, and it proves my passion for the industry and makes me want to push myself more. I wish to be a better role model by inspiring and educating other technicians.”
The two day competition requires the 59 contestants across 203 competition seats to participate in up to 10 categories.
Mr Pham competed in nine categories, placed in seven of them, and hopes his success will bring attention to an industry he is very passionate about.
“Of the nine categories, six were live events at the show, and three were submitted works that I did previously, that was all taken into account for an overall score,” he said.
“I want the industry and the competition to get bigger, and by doing this it raises the standard and encourages more nail technicians to take part.”
Mr Pham has been working as a nail technician for the last 12 years.
“The reason I took part in the competition is that it is a useful platform to improve my skills, and further my techniques,” he said.
– Dale Drinkwater
