Meet the judges
Check out the esteemed judges of the Scratch Stars Awards 2025 who will be deliberating over finalist entries to reward a winner in each award category.
The judges for the 2025 event comprise expert educators put forward by sponsors, guest judges, those who have achieved Hall of Fame status and specially selected industry personnel covering all facets of the nail sector.
Key Dates
1 Feb - 10 March: Entry open
18 April: Finalists announced
19 May: Judging commences
6 July: The Scratch Stars Party
JUDGES: Practical tech categories
The following judges will be assessing finalists in the below categories:
L&P Tech of the Year | Gel Tech of the Year | Polish & Paint Artist of the Year | Mixed Media Artist of the Year | Gel Polish Stylist of the Year | Natural Nail Specialist of the Year | Nail Stylist of the Year | Pedicurist of the Year
KATIE LOU
Representing Hara Professional
Katie has over 20 years’ hands-on experience in the nail industry, and has built her career around a deep passion for nailcare, artistry and education. She has worked with hundreds of clients and students in her roles as a nail technician & educator, and champions healthy, beautiful nails and high standards in salon practice. She is excited to celebrate the skill, dedication and creativity in her role as a judge for this year’s Scratch Stars Awards.
JOJO WICKENS
Representing Light Elegance UK
@lightelegance.uk & @jojowickens
Jojo is an award-winning nail professional & educator, known for her creative vision, technical expertise and unwavering commitment to the nail industry. With multiple Scratch Stars Awards to her name, Jojo’s work has been recognised at the highest level for both artistry and excellence. She is Light Elegance University’s dean of students & co-owner & head of education for Light Elegance UK. Within these roles, she shares her in-depth product knowledge and passion for education with professionals worldwide.
DENISE SPRAGG
Guest Judge
@denisespragg & @thesanghahouse
Denise spent 26 years as a criminal and family lawyer before she and her husband set up a Tai Chi and yoga retreats company in 2005. This sparked an interest in holistic and beauty treatments, and Denise has been practicing manicure and pedicure techniques since 2011. She is trained in an advancedSCSCAR pedicure technique, is an accredited Footlogix practitioner and was the legal and financial director of the Federation of Nail Professionals. Denise runs health and wellbeing centre, The Sangha House, in Somerset, with her husband, and in 2023, won the SOS Beauty Award for Footcare Practitioner of the Year.
CATRIONA LEITH
Hall of Fame guest judge
Catriona is a salon owner, award-winning nail artist & educator with over 17 years’ experience in the nail industry. She is passionate about providing nail services backed by quality, safe products and expertise, and is trained in all aspects of nailcare; from UV gel enhancements to manicures and pedicures. Catriona has scooped the Scratch Stars Gel Tech of the Year and One Stroke Artist of the Year three times, and entered the Hall Of Fame for both categories in 2024. She also won The Great Scratch Shoot Out photographic nail competition in 2016. In 2019, Catriona joined the Hazel Dixon Nail Artist Academy Education Team as a HD Professional & Akzentz nail educator for Cambridgeshire. She was promoted to head of education in 2024.
JIAK HING
Hall Of Fame guest judge
Jiak Hing is a bespoke nail artist from Bolton, Manchester. She specialises in
unique, illustrative nail art under the business name, Jark Nails, and has scooped multiple industry awards, including the Scratch Stars Gel Polish Stylist of the Year accolade in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Jiak is committed to producing innovative and intricate nail art, and credits gel polish for offering creative freedom. The versatility
of the medium allows her to experiment with a spectrum of colours and bring her artistic visions to life.
CHILLA CZENTYE
@glitterbels & @zara.nails.chilla
Born in Hungary, Chilla qualified as a nail technician 20 years ago, and has been living in England for 18 years. She has been an educator since 2020 and is part of the award-winning Glitterbels education team, which she credits as being ‘amazing’ and ‘supportive’. Chilla thrives on helping students reach their goals in the nail sector.
BETH DAVIS
Representing The GelBottle Inc
@the_gelbottle_inc & @bethdavisnailartist
Senior educator for The GelBottle Inc, Beth Davis, began her beauty industry journey in 2019. She fell in love with nail styling, and immersed herself in the sector, training to offer a variety of services. The GelBottle Inc has been part of her journey from its beginning, and her passion for its products evolved into a desire to educate and inspire others.
SCARLETT SENTER
Guest judge
Norfolk-based salon owner, Scarlett, started her nail industry journey 15 years ago. She has since scooped over 70 awards, including three Scratch Stars Awards, and has won the most photographic competition titles of any nail competitor in the UK. Scarlett is passionate about the growth of the nail industry and helping other pros to gain confidence and improve their skills. Her work has been featured on the cover of numerous trade titles, including Scratch, Nail Couture and NailPro. Scarlett is a regular judge of industry competitions.
JENNIE NIPPARD
@glitterbels & @jenniennails & @gbtraininghertfordshire
Hertfordshire-based educator, Jennie Nippard, boasts 30 years’ experience in the nail sector and has worked as a session nail stylist and international judge. She is a co-founder of the annual Nail Safari education event and has taught nail skills to NVQ Levels 2 and 3. Jennie is deputy head of education for Glitterbels, and scooped the Scratch Stars Educator of the Year award 20/21. She loves helping students to develop their skills and flourish in the nail industry.
GEORGIE SMEDLEY
Representing Gelish / Nail Alliance UK
@gelishofficialuk & @georgiesmedley
Georgie Smedley is a dynamic and accomplished nail professional with over 30 years’ experience. She was the MD of Hand & Nail Harmony UK (later Georgie Smedley Group) where she successfully launched Gelish in the UK in 2010; distributing its products and offering training. She is known for her dedication to excellence, expertise and passion for continuous learning. Georgie has worked closely with chemists who have enabled her to grow her technical and development knowledge, and with industry leaders such as Marian Newman BEM and Danny Haile. Georgie continues to provide a positive influence to her students and customers and is digital education developer at Nail Alliance UK.
KAYLEY CAIRNS
Hall Of Fame guest judge
Kayley Cairns is a nail artist & educator based in Billericay, Essex. She provides education for beginners through to advanced skills as part of the multi award-winning HD Nail Artist Academy. Having been in the industry for 13 years, she has won a multitude of awards and competitions, including Nailympia London’s Winner of Winners title and five Scratch Stars Awards, including three for Nail Stylist of the Year – which propelled her into the Hall Of Fame. Kayley’s passion lies in nail artistry and she adores the flexibility that working with L&P acrylic allows.
KYM MOODY
Representing HD Professional Nail Systems
Kym has worked in the nail industry for over 30 years and is an educator for Hazel Dixon Nail Artist & Academy. She is in the Scratch Stars Hall of Fame, as part of the HD Pro Nails Nail Team of the Year, and enjoys delivering courses for beginners in manicure, pedicure, L&P, gel and nail art. Kym has worked as a salon owner and gained an NVQ Level 3 in both beauty and nails, as well as a PTTLS teaching qualification.
JADE BARBER
Guest judge
Jade Barber has won over 100 nail competition titles internationally, including Scratch Stars L&P Tech of the Year, and boasts 11 years’ experience in the sector. Her journey has been fuelled by passion, dedication and an unwavering drive to succeed. Jade is committed to sharing her knowledge, helping others grow in skill and confidence, and guiding them to achieve their full potential. She is founder of Nail & Beauty Excellence (NBE), a brand dedicated to delivering premium quality products and training.
KIRSTY MEAKIN
Hall Of Fame guest judge
Kirsty Meakin is recognised globally for her nail artistry, and has over 100 nail accolades - including Scratch Stars Nail Artist of the Year 2012, Scratch Stars Ultimate Social Media Star and UK Nail Professional of the Year 2010. She has also been nominated for awards including Nail Artist of the Year at the American Influencer Awards and is an ambassador for Booksy. Kirsty has been honing her skills for over 20 years, and her creations have been exhibited at the Victoria & Albert Museum art gallery in London. She is passionate about education and has her own product range, which includes gel polish, acrygel, nail tools and merchandise.
CHARLOTTE LOWE
@opinailsuk & @charlotteloweopi
Charlotte is an experienced nail professional & OPI field educator with over 15 years’ experience in the industry. Since 2020, she has delivered in-person and digital education for the OPI brand, and her career highlights include working on various nail teams for London and Paris Fashion Weeks. She was part of the Scratch Stars Nail Team of the Year in 2023 and is an Educator of the Year finalist for 2025.
ASHLEIGH KIRBY
@sweetsquared.nails & @ashleigh_beautynails
Liverpool-based CND™ education ambassador & salon owner, Ashleigh Kirby, has great passion for the nail sector and has mentored numerous professionals, built a business she loves, and champion the creativity and dedication that make the nail world special. She welcomes the opportunity to judge the Scratch Stars Awards and ‘celebrate the talent, innovation and artistry that nail technicians bring to their work every day’.
SEAN O'SULLIVAN
Guest judge
Sean has over 25 years' experience in the nail industry, with teaching and motivational expertise. He holds qualifications in all aspects of nailcare and delivers nail technology training and assessments. Sean has been involved in managing and judging national and international nail competitions, and is the lead nail judge for WorldSkills UK and a scoring manager for Nailympia Competitions.
JACQUI O'SULLIVAN
Guest judge
Jacqui has enviable teaching and motivational expertise and vast experience delivering training and assessments in nail technology, customer care, nail art and procedures within high pressure settings. She holds a degree in Education and Scratch Star for Services to the Nail Industry. Jacqui judges at and administers a number of nail competitions, including Nailympia and WorldSkills UK, and has worked with awarding bodies in the education sector. She has also helped develop training courses and nail products.
SARA PINTO
Representing Andreia Professional
@andreia.professional.uk & @sari_s_pinto
Sara has been working as a nail specialist since 2008, and is a master & international educator. She was a brand manager between 2011 and 2017, before moving on to work with Andreia Professional. For the last eight years, she has worked as product development manager the brand, and as its academy manager; responsible for its team of educators. Sara is an experienced judge of nail competitions and been lending her expertise to competitions worldwide since 2016.
VIVIEN CARRICK
Vivien has worked in the hair and beauty industry since 1998. A former celebrity hair extension stylist, she has worked on key figures for events such as the Oscars and travelled widely in her role. Through her travels, she became interested in the beauty industry and re-trained, gaining beauty and nail qualifications. Viv teaches the Level 3 nail course at LCBT and has taught all levels of beauty since 2011. She is also qualified to offer Level 4 aesthetics, including micro-needling, chemical peeling and blemish removal.
JODIE CUNNINGHAM
@sweetsquared.nails & @jodie_cnd_ea
Jodie is a CND™ education ambassador & salon owner from Plymouth and shares that judging the Scratch Stars Awards has offered an opportunity to celebrate the creativity and passion within the nail industry. She is proud that she has grown a strong salon team and helped students to develop their skills, and feels that every set of nails showcase love, care and creativity. Jodie believes that nails are more than beauty; they enable connection, expression and joy.
TINA BELL
Representing Pure Nails / Halo Acrylic +
Tina found her love for nails at the age of 16 and her career journey has since taken her all over the world. She is head of education and product development & technical support advisor for Pure Nails. Tina is passionate about Halo products and education, and balances her role alongside running Totally Polished Nails, Beauty & Training Academy in Newcastle Upon Tyne.
JUDGES: Business, education & media judging day
Lending their knowledge to our remaining categories are the likes of industry specialists and representatives from industry bodies. Each will be assigned up to two categories from the below list to assess in order to determine a winner in each:
Educator of the Year | Online Educator of the Year | Nail Salon of the Year | Nail & Beauty Salon of the Year | Home Nail Salon of the Year | Mobile Nailist of the Year | Nail Team of the Year | Social Media Star of the Year | The Shooting Star Award | Services to the Nail Industry
ALEX FOX
Editor-at-large, Scratch co-founder & Nailympia Competitions global director
Alex has over 26 years’ experience in the nail industry, beginning her journey in 1998 as editorial director of the UK’s first trade nail magazine, Nails Plus. During that time, she hosted the Nail Championships at Earls Court, London. In 2003, Alex co-founded Scratch magazine and helped create the Scratch Stars Awards to celebrate UK nail talent. She launched Gloss, the first consumer nail magazine, and Scratch Middle East in 2014, while living in Qatar for a decade. Now the global director of Nailympia Competitions, Alex oversees its international expansion, fostering a platform for nail artistry worldwide.
CAROLINE LARISSEY
Chief executive of the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF)
@caroline_larissey & @nhbfsocial
Caroline has spearheaded the development of apprenticeship standards and National Occupational Standards for the hair and beauty sector for over two decades. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she served as the sole technical advisor to UK governments, authoring the award-winning industry guidance that became the sector's primary reference resource. Boasting 37 years’ experience in the hair and beauty industry, she champions sector recognition, quality frameworks and the development of standards.
DENISE WRIGHT
Salon owner, educator & international judge
Denise is a 13 times international nail champion with 30 years’ experience in the nail sector. An esteemed international judge and competition director, her other roles include salon owner, training provider, UK Habia Skills team member and examiner for City & Guilds and VTCT. Denise works with nail brand, NSI, on product development and is an international education team member. She was presented with the Scratch Star Award for Services to the Nail Industry in 2019.
GEMMA LAMBERT-LEWIS
Multi award-winner & nail brand owner
In 1997, following a 24-week nail course, Gemma earned a distinction in manicure, pedicure, silk, gel, L&P acrylic, sculpting and basic nail art. She went on to work on a mobile basis and rent a nail desk in a salon before becoming a manager of a nail bar at the age of 20. A year later, she opened her own salon and began competing in national nail events. She also trained with Antony Buckley and became an international educator. Gemma boasts 12 UK nail champion titles and has won three Scratch Stars Awards, including Services to the Nail Industry in 2016. In 2007, she set up The Nail Team to offer teaching, products and advice, and in 2018 she launched her own product range: Gems Nail Systems.
AMELIA BLACK
Head of brand & marketing at ABT Insurance
As head of brand & marketing with over nine years’ B2B industry experience across the beauty, hair, nails, health and wellbeing sectors, Amelia delivers creative campaigns and commercial collaborations for ABT Insurance. With the company’s various international brands and UK membership magazine, Beauty & Hairdressing, she works continuously to support its growing membership base, made up of students to professionals, salons, trainers and academies. Amelia builds on commercial client relationships and provides support via consultative methods with event and marketing packages.
KATIE GODFREY
Business strategist, author & podcast host
At just 19 years old, Katie opened her first salon and quickly learned powerful lessons in marketing, leadership and how to succeed in business. She went on to build a seven-figure beauty brand and open multiple award-winning salons and training academies. Katie launched a professional product line and mentors beauty, hair and aesthetics entrepreneurs worldwide, to help them build thriving businesses. She is the author of Get Off The Tools, a tome for industry professionals ready to scale beyond the treatment room, and she shares straight-talking advice and success strategies via her podcast, The Life of KG.
KATY POTTLE
Award-winning nail artist & educator
Katy Pottle, or Katy P, has been a mobile tech and home-based salon owner and has an unwavering passion, creativity and commitment to helping others thrive. In 2023, she claimed the title of Scratch’s World’s Star Nail Artist, an achievement that led to a Scratch magazine column and judging opportunities at Nailympia and North America’s Star Nail Artist. Katy is founder of the Sparkle Squad, a vibrant online education platform for independent nail techs. Her mission is to empower self-employed nail techs to build confidence, master salon-friendly nail art and grow businesses they love.
KIM FORD
Beauty industry consultant & trainer
Kim has worked in the beauty and education industry for over 30 years and in over 50 countries, across private and public education establishments, spas, salons and retail businesses. She has extensive experience as an international examination officer, EPA and IQA for awarding organisations and has been a chairman for BABTAC and CIBTAC. As the VP of CIDESCO GB, Kim sits on global industry boards as a director or trustee. A former Scratch columnist, Kim has won awards for education and business and is a regular speaker at industry events. She owns Beauty Enterprise Solutions, Consultancy & Training, specialising in aiding industry education establishments to gain accreditation or endorsement, and runs aesthetic and beauty business, Just Entre – Nous.
KIM
Nail tech & social media specialist
Kim is a nail tech, social media mentor & luxury manicurist dedicated to helping fellow nail pros understand how to use social media to grow their businesses. Through her mentorship, she strives to empower nail techs with the tools and knowledge to achieve their business goals and take their brand presence online to the next level. Kim is co-founder of Meeko.Media, a company that specialises in short-form content creation and strategy.
LESLEY BLAIR MBE
CEO & chair of BABTAC & CIBTAC
Lesley holds teaching, assessor and expert witness qualifications from CIBTAC, ITEC, IHBC and City & Guilds, including Level 4 Advanced modalities. She is an accomplished CIBTAC examiner and belongs to and contributes to a number of industry groups, campaigning on issues that matter most to the beauty industry. Lesley is committed to championing professionalism and fit-for-purpose qualifications. Throughout, the pandemic she worked tirelessly on government taskforces and inclusively with colleagues, industry bodies, competitors and media alike for the greater good of the industry. She was awarded an MBE in the 2002 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
LEYSAN BASHIROVA
Nail content creator
Leysan holds a master’s degree in Graphic Design and a background in PR and social media management. Alongside a career in design and communications, she has spent over eight years working as a home-based nail artist. A creative storyteller, she began focusing on her social media presence after becoming a mum, and honed video skills. Leysan works full-time as a content creator, collaborating with beauty brands to produce dynamic, high-quality visuals. She specialises in product videos and AI-enhanced videography; blending design, storytelling and innovation to help brands stand out online.
LIZ MCKEON
Salon business expert
Liz helps hair, beauty and spa businesses to reach their full financial potential. Internationally renowned, she is a successful author, business coach, speaker, mentor & trainer. In 2007, she launched Salon Business Expert, offering training and workshops to a global audience. From large chains to huge multinationals, Liz excels in growing businesses and streamlining them for fast profitability - from retail sales through to management.
She offers programmes for owners, managers and teams, a training and coaching opportunities for salon distributors. Recognised as an authority within the industry, Liz is a regular contributor to trade magazines and a regular speaker at events.
MARIAN NEWMAN BEM
Nail industry expert, educator & author
A nail professional since 1987, Marian has worked in every aspect of the sector: as a salon owner, brand educator, teacher, developer of occupational standards for the UK Industry Authority, product developer and more. She is the author of The Complete Nail Technician, and co-writer of multiple industry textbooks. For over 20 years, she worked as a session nail technician; with her work featured in global magazines and on runways, in music videos and on celebrities. For her services to the beauty industry during Covid-19, Marian was awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s 2020 Birthday Honours List. She was presented with the Scratch Star Award for Services to the Nail Industry in 2013 and Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021.
IAN ARCHBOLD
Beauty industry show director & consultant
Ian established the Olympia Beauty trade show with his business partner in 2005 and travels to events all over the world to seek out new and exciting nail and beauty companies. He works as a consultant for the Professional Beauty Group, following the sale of Olympia Beauty to the company in 2023. Ian has been working in the beauty industry for over 25 years and has struck up long-term relationships with brands and key personnel within sales roles. He works on the Scratch portfolio and has launched magazines, events and online initiatives across various markets.
METTA FRANCIS
Multi award-winning mobile nail artist & session tech
Scratch Stars Ultimate Mobile Nailist, Metta Francis, has been in the nail industry for 15 years. Her mobile nail company, Nails by Mets, serves private clients across London and has provided pop-up nails for nationwide events and global brands. A regular on set as a session manicurist, Metta has worked on campaigns for Space NK, Augustinus Bader, Wunderbrow and her work and nail advice have been published in numerous trade and consumer publications.
MODI LIU
Co-founder of Umia Beauty
Modi is the co-founder of Umia Beauty, the company behind an AI-powered nail system that delivers intricate art directly onto nails. Positioned at the intersection of technology and creativity, Umia is bringing AI into salons and offering next-generation tools for nail professionals. Modi's mission is to merge artistic sensibility with innovation to build an ethical, sustainable solution that elevates the global nail ecosystem. As a strong advocate for fair compensation for nail artists, she is dedicated to championing creativity throughout the industry. Modi also serves as an art instructor at the SDC Foundation, where she supports inclusive and creative expression for children with disabilities.
NERGISH WADIA-AUSTIN
Founder & CEO, PHAB Service Stars
@nergishwadiaaustin & @phabservicestars
Nergish is an expert in increasing service and retail performance, offering tailor-made online and in-person courses for leaders, managers and salon professionals who want to improve operations and boost revenue. She has an exceptional ability to identify business gaps, with a no-nonsense approach to raising salon and spa profitability. Nergish is the founder & CEO of PHAB Service Stars, the only performance-based benchmarking system for the hair and beauty industry. She's a well-respected business training guru, known for her high level of expertise and proven results.
PAOLA TAYLOR-RIDDICK
Co-founder & director of VODEX Ltd
Poala is co-founder & director of VODEX Ltd, a company that specialises in the distribution and manufacture of extraction products to remove fumes and dust from breathing zones. VODEX is a popular UK brand for salon extraction products, and the SalonAIR® Range evolved following Poala’s personal experiences within the salon environment. VODEX launched podiatry product, the ChiroPOD UVC® in January 2024.
RICHARD MCCABE
Salon business mentor
Richard McCabe, known as The Lifestyle Salon Coach, is a highly regarded salon business mentor. With over 25 years owning salons across the UK and Australia, Richard now helps salon owners to build profitable, freedom-focused businesses. His nine-step system delivers a 30% increase in turnover in just 12 months by focusing on team, clients, and systems. Based between NSW, Australia and the UK, Richard shares his wisdom through online coaching, courses and SAAMM – his AI-powered salon automation tool.
STEVEY POWELL
Beauty business mentor
With nearly two decades of experience in the beauty industry, Stevey is a multi-award-winning professional known for her entrepreneurial vision and customer service skills. Her journey from hands-on beauty expert to global business mentor has been driven by a passion to elevate the industry from the inside out. As the founder & mentor behind The Collective Co., Stevey empowers beauty professionals to step confidently into leadership, equipping them with the tools, mindset and strategy to build sustainable, profitable businesses.
SUE DAVIES
Nail industry veteran & podcast host
Sue is a nail and beauty industry veteran and has been in the sector since 2002, having worked as a mobile therapist, home salon, freelancer & owner of an award-winning salon. She has been an educator, competition director, judge & advocate for industry professional standards. Sue now shares her experience on her podcast and online platform, Inspiring Salon Professionals, and is founder of Salonpreneur magazine. She is a Scratch Stars Award-winning salon owner, writer and recognised industry advocate and scooped the Scratch Star for Services to the Nail Industry in 2017.
SUSAN ROUTLEDGE
Beauty industry speaker, consultant & author
Susan Routledge is an award-winning beauty and aesthetic clinic owner, industry speaker, author and member of numerous beauty industry steering groups. In 1979, she started a beauty business and grew it successfully; quickly becoming a pillar of the local community and model for entrepreneurial success. She is recognised on a national level as an advocate of independent beauty businesses and owns Finishing Touch Clinic in County Durham.
ZAARA KING
Beauty business & mindset coach
Zaara is a beauty business success & mindset coach, supporting self-employed professionals. She has over 13 years’ experience in the beauty sector and has worked on a mobile basis, in a salon and from home. Zaara founded The Beauty Build community: a space for pros to access free training, support one another and stay motivated. She also hosts The Beauty Build podcast and is passionate about helping professionals to earn more, work less and establish ambitious and motivated mindsets.
ZOYA MAC
Nail content creator
Zoya is a content creator based in Sussex, with over eight years’ experience as a nail technician. She works with nail brands to create eye-catching content that highlights sparkle, texture, and detail – often using close-up shots to showcase products in beautiful and authentic ways. Zoya also teaches content workshops, helping nail techs learn how to create scroll-stopping videos and showcase their own work with confidence.
