Nail Tech Talk: Meet Jiak Hing, Scratch Stars Gel Polish Stylist of the Year 2023
By Rebecca Hitchon | 30 August 2023 | Feature, Tech Talk
Scooping a second consecutive win in the category, Jiak Hing became the Scratch Stars Gel Polish Stylist of the Year 2023 in July. Here, she shares her competition story, career beginnings and favourite part of her role…
Jiak, based in North West England, has a passion for nail art that shines bright, as does her infectious personality. A companion to many in the nail industry, she describes the Scratch Stars Awards 2023 live competition day as ‘special’ because she was able to compete with friends. “Growing and learning alongside such passionate people who share my approach and goals is so inspiring,” she says.
The talented pro tells Scratch that despite pushing herself out of her comfort zone for this year’s competition, her win was unexpected and she was overwhelmed by emotion upon receiving the award. “I am honoured to win the Gel Polish Stylist of the Year title for the second year in a row – words can’t describe how it felt to hear my name called at the Scratch Stars Party. I have been working hard to improving some of my weaker areas from last year, so it was great to be able to measure that progress.
Jiak was reduced to tears when accepting her Scratch Star for 2023.
“Someone once told me ‘putting yourself in uncomfortable situations leads to growth’, and I try to live by this. This competition puts us all in a wonderfully uncomfortable situation and is an all-round valuable experience; I will definitely enter the Scratch Stars Awards 2024,” she comments.
“The Scratch Stars Awards has boosted my confidence, supported my growth in the nail industry and opened up many opportunities.”
Why was gel polish styling Jiak’s category of choice? “Gel polish affords flexibility to paint without limitations and so many forms of nail art,” she explains. Her favourite nail art style is realistic painting at present, but the award-winner loves making her clients’ days by achieving their differing style preferences. “I have a range of clientele varying from 20 to 80 years of age, and I will take on any challenge from them,” she continues. “I love to do case studies on each client, to understand them. Hearing positive feedback from them is the best part of my job.”
“I had an exciting nail art request the other week: a realistic tapas-themed design. I truly enjoyed painting this set,” shares Jiak.
Creating nails to be proud of doesn’t stop at her clients; Jiak wowed the Scratch team at the Scratch Stars Party 2022 when she sported a nail design featuring a cat catching a star. And she did not disappoint for 2023, with a fish-themed set, which she shares the meaning of: “The fish represents me: a little fish in an ocean full of others. The fish spotted a beautiful star and was determined to catch it, swimming as hard as it could. On my thumb, the fish caught the star in its mouth, representing how dedication and hard work can lead to you achieving your dreams. It has been my dream to win a Scratch Star and this has come true.”
Jiak’s Scratch Stars Party 2023 nail look.
But a nail role wasn’t always on the cards for Jiak. “My first career was in a local pharmacy, where I was a counter assistant and progressed to become a pharmacy dispenser,” she reveals. “This job gave me a lot of satisfaction and confidence, while providing me with valuable customer service experience, and I also helped out friends running a takeaway shop.” But with a fascination for nail art and nails a long-time hobby for Jiak, she began enrolling on nail courses, including with CND™, Fereida Lydiate of Hazel Dixon Nail Academy, three-times Scratch Stars Awards winner, Virag Timar and realistic painting specialist, Anna Kozlowka.
So, what does the future hold for the two-time Scratch Stars Gel Polish Stylist of the Year? “I would like to share my knowledge and skills with others, and encourage them to step out of their comfort zones to compete – like I did. I also have various projects arranged with other nail techs and plans to run my business in a more efficient way,” she says. “But best of all, I can’t wait to paint many more amazing nails!”