Nails Magazine

APR 2017

Magazine for the professional nail industry.

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98 | NAILS MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017 sharing my creativity with everyone. It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. What has been your best NTNA moment so far? Jonny: Making it to the Top 24 was one of the highlights. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face when I read the email from Beth! Then to have won my first challenge was just crazy because it was my birthday week, so it was a lovely present. Making it to the grand finale with Tracey and Liina was just the icing on the cake. I never imagined something like this would happen to me. Who have been your biggest supporters? Jonny: My mum, my family, and my friends have been there for me every step of the way. I've been so fortunate to have my clients and fellow nail techs worldwide support me through the entire NTNA journey. I am very honored and forever grateful to have so many people behind me and supporting me. Honestly, there are too many to be specific and to name, but you know who you are. What's your advice to future NTNA competitors? Jonny: Don't be afraid to apply for NTNA, because it is so much fun and you never know what you are capable of creating until you enter. Once you've entered, and the excitement is there for your challenges, be organized, dedicated, and take risks — but importantly, don't forget to have fun. It is a competition, but I always find that you enjoy an experience more when you have a smile on your face. Finish this sentence: "If I win NAILS Next Top Nail Artist..." Jonny: After picking myself up off the floor, I will take the honor of winning this prestigious competition as the highlight of my career. For someone like myself who has grown up through a lot of turmoil, this would show everyone that anything is possible. All you need to do is believe in yourself. THE NAILYMPIAN: JONNY DIEP PHAM @jonnydieppham It's been three long years since we've had a male competitor in the Top 3. Australian Jonny Diep Pham is one of NTNA's veteran nail competitors, having won Nailympia Australia. He won three of the weekly challenges this season. While he has a distinct skillset including gradient work, he has also proved that he can mix things up and surprise the judges. With an ever-growing social media following, we welcome Jonny and his loyal fan base to the Top 3 and to Stateside nail fame. How does it feel to make the Top 3? Jonny: Initially, I was numb. I had to check and double check as I remember it was 3:43 a.m. Sydney time when the results came in. Then, I felt overwhelmed. As the day went on (I couldn't sleep and was so excited at work that day), I actually started to cry. I felt so humbled. Nothing can quite prepare you for that. Then to see Tracey and Liina make it…I was so happy for them also. What's been your favorite NTNA challenge so far? Least favorite? Jonny: It's difficult to choose a favorite NTNA challenge because each and every single challenge has pushed me to my limits, but if I had to choose, it would have to be the Avant Garde challenge, as it was that one that got me to the finale, closely followed by Timeless Treasure as that was my first win in the competition. As for my least favorite, I honestly didn't have one. I enjoyed all of them for different reasons, whether it be to take me out of my creative box, to push the creative juices, or to just see what I could come up with. What do you think is the greatest strength of each of your two final competitors? Jonny: Liina is a natural at making videos. I love watching her creativity in every challenge because she is always so entertaining, fun, and her personality just shines. She shows amazing new ideas and is the most likely to take risks. Tracey's photography and editing skills are insane, and her hand poses are awesome. She has lots of techniques up her sleeve, and her creativity is endless. Her videos make me laugh too! What has it been like being in the Top 12? Jonny: It has been an amazing journey with many emotional moments. It is such a privilege to be competing alongside so many talented fellow nail techs. I have learned a lot throughout the competition and it has been an honor to be in the Top 12

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