Magazine for the professional nail industry.
Issue link: http://nailsmag.epubxp.com/i/794232
100 | NAILS MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017 Akzentz — Decade Decadence. The challenge took me back to my roots and also gave me an opportunity to share a small part of the South African history with my fellow nail artists through my eyes. Who have been your biggest supporters? Tracey: My dad and my father-in-law have become global nail experts along this journey and share their honest opinion in detail with me and anyone else they come into contact with. I could never have done this without the support of my husband Maurice and my children Cameron and Jordan. Going into this competition is also partly about making sacrifices and if you don't have an amazing, understanding, loving support system behind you, it will be an even tougher journey. My entire family in Holland and South Africa, close friends, colleagues, and even some new friends established through this competition have continued to support me in this journey and have kept me motivated to improve and inspire at each step and for that I am ever grateful. Beth Livesay has been a huge support to all of us in the background too, as well as the other competitors. What's your advice to future NTNA competitors? Tracey: It doesn't matter what stage you are in in your nail career or what you have done or haven't done, this is a competition that is going to allow you to grow and challenge yourself at every corner. When entering this competition remember one thing: "Look in the mirror, that is your competition." Finish this sentence: "If I win NAILS Next Top Nail Artist..." Tracey: I will embrace the opportunity to share the experience of this competition with others to continue to encourage them to push their limits and never stop learning. We are in a very dynamic industry, change is at every corner and we as nail artists need to keep abreast of these changes and develop our skills to meet that change. How does it feel to make the Top 3? Tracey: In a word, "surreal." I have been watching the NTNA competition over the past couple of years and finally built up the courage to participate. Each step of the way I kept saying to myself, "If I could just make it into the Top 24," "If I could just make it into the Top 12"… I was gently pushing the expectations of myself at each step. When looking back to the announcement of the Top 24, I could never imagine that I could to make it into the Top 3. There is just so much passion and talent in this competition. What's been your favorite NTNA challenge so far? Tracey: Each and every challenge had something exciting to offer. If I have to narrow it down to one it would be the final one from CND. I am loving the fact that we need to combine handmade and machine- made processes in our high-fashion nail art. This has really taken me right out of my comfort zone, allowing me to develop as an artist and experiment even more. What do you think is the greatest strength of each of your two final competitors? Tracey: I don't believe it comes down to one particular strength that makes Jonny and Liina exceptional, it's a combination of factors. Jonny's work is always meticulous and gorgeously executed. Liina can blow me away with her "out-of-the-box" creations and has a phenomenal video and social media presence. What has it been like being in the Top 12? Tracey: Being in the Top 12 has been a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Like any journey there are hills and valleys, however when you finally get to your destination, it is all worthwhile. What has been your best NTNA moment so far? Tracey: If I had to choose an absolute best it was the challenge from THE TEACHER: TRACEY LEE @traceyleenails Editorial hand poses have become a calling card for Netherlands-based competitor Tracey Lee. Not only can Tracey create out-of-the box videos and nail art, she also travels throughout Europe attending shows and teaching techniques. A former competitor and judge, it's no wonder Tracey's talents won her the most challenges this season (four, to be exact). Catch up on the competition at ntna.nailsmag.com