While sorting through some old photographs recently, I came across one that made me smile.

It was taken at the National Nail Technician Competition at the NEC Birmingham in 2008, where I was incredibly proud to achieve second place. I’d also finished second the previous year, and at the time I remember desperately wanting to take that top spot.

Looking back nearly twenty years later, I realise those competitions gave me something far more valuable than a trophy.

They taught me discipline, precision, patience and the importance of paying attention to the smallest details. They also taught me that there is always something new to learn, no matter how experienced you become.

Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career.

Although I started in nails, my passion eventually led me into permanent makeup. Over the years I’ve invested in advanced training, worked with thousands of clients and continually refined my techniques to create natural, personalised results.

Along the way, I was honoured to receive several runner-up awards in the permanent makeup industry before being named Permanent Makeup Specialist of the Year in both 2023 and 2024.

When people see an award, they often only see the final result. They don’t see the years of practice, education, setbacks, determination and continual learning that came before it.

Finding this old photograph reminded me that every stage of our journey matters. The early competitions, the second places, the countless training courses and the thousands of hours spent treating clients all helped shape the practitioner I am today.

One thing has never changed: I still believe there is always room to improve. Whether it’s learning a new technique, studying the science behind skin and healing, or finding ways to make every client feel more comfortable, I’m always looking for ways to become better at what I do.

I’ve taken a break from competitions over the past couple of years, but finding this photograph has definitely made me wonder whether 2027 might be the year to step back into the competition arena.

Whatever happens next, I’m incredibly grateful for every client who has trusted me over the years. Your confidence in me has been the greatest achievement of all.