Nail Tech Talk: Meet Melanie Lewendon, Scratch Stars Mixed Media Artist of the Year 2023

Meet Melanie Lewendon, Scratch Stars Mixed Media Artist of the Year 2023, who shares her career story, awards process & tips to success…

Melanie started her nail journey at the age of 33 and after completing her training, she quickly decided she wanted to open her own salon. Since then, she has become a multi-award-winning nail tech, therapist and educator and now runs her own academy.

Now working from a shed in her garden, Melanie also has many other jobs which involve travelling and teaching all over the UK.

“I’m a nail artist through and through, I love anything that involves creating art,” comments Melanie.

“I am known for my ability to create a nail design out of any inspiration that is put in front of me. I love chromes and foils and marble as they are all so versatile and the creativity is endless, but I also love the simplicity of a beautifully painted fine line. I couldn’t do my job without my gel paints and fav brushes.”

Reflecting on the Scratch Stars judging day, Melanie found the experience really calm and lovely to be a part of.

“The judges were great, they interacted with us all the time and made us feel at ease. It was so lovely to see all of my industry friends under one roof competing and judging.”

Melanie had previously been a finalist in the Mixed Media Artist of the Year category four times and took a break last year. After working hard to get her piece to the highest standard, Melanie was elated to win the category.

“When Kirsty announced me as the winner, it was the culmination of all the hard work I had put in and it was so worth it. Winning a Scratch Star has been my career-long dream.”

Since winning, Melanie has launched more courses on her platform and has also arranged a full mixed media two day in-person course.

www.melanielewendonacademy.co.uk