Melanie Lewendon Nail Artist & Training

Since announcing my retirement from competitions last week, I’ll admit… the nerves really hit.

I’ve competed for 16 years. It became such a familiar part of my career, and there was a little voice in my head asking:

If I stop competing, will people still see me? Will I still be recognised? Am I walking away from something I still need to prove?

And then this week happened.

I’ve pretty much filled my entire remaining 2026 course diary, just 3 dates left, which are already potentially filled.

I’ve received countless messages, reviews and incredible feedback from students about both my online and in-person education.

My podcast is reaching people all over the world. I’m being contacted by listeners in Australia, New Zealand and America, which still absolutely blows my mind 🥲

And there’s something HUGE coming in the next few weeks that is already in the bag, that I’ve had to keep completely secret… and it is KILLING me 😂

It’s made me realise something.

Walking away from something familiar is scary, even when you know you’ve outgrown it.

For years, competitions gave me something to work towards. They pushed me, shaped me and helped me prove to myself what I was capable of.

But I don’t need to keep proving my worth. When is the right time to stop ?.

I’ve already built the career., I’ve already put in the years, I’ve already done the work.

Sometimes you have to stop putting yourself in the background and trust that what you’ve built is enough to carry you into the next chapter.

And funny enough, when you finally step in the direction you know you’re supposed to be going, other doors start opening.

Call it the universe, timing, hard work finally paying off, whatever you believe in.

My advice is, Trust yourself. Trust your abilities. Trust the career you’ve built.

Leaving something familiar doesn’t mean you’re disappearing.

Sometimes it means you’re finally making room for what’s next. ❤️

For all educational booking a please contact direct ❤️

I think it’s finally time to say this properly…

I’m officially retiring from competing ❤️

Competitions have played such a huge part in shaping my career. They pushed me technically, built my confidence, improved my work and introduced me to some amazing people along the way.

But over the last few years, I’ve realised my career has taken me in a completely different direction.

Education, writing, course development, product development, technical work, consultancy and mentoring are where my passion sits now.

I also don’t feel I need to keep proving my worth as a nail technician or educator through competing anymore. If anything, it’s started making me criticise myself more than it inspires me, and that’s not what I want competition to be for me.

So I’m closing that chapter and putting my energy into what comes next ❤️

I’d still encourage anyone thinking about competing to do it. The experience is invaluable and taught me so much.

There have been so many wins, runner-up places and finalist positions over the years that I couldn’t possibly list them all here, but I’m incredibly proud of every one of them.

Competition shaped me, strengthened me and helped make me the technician and educator I am today.

But I think I’ve taken everything I needed from that chapter now.

I’m ready for the next one ❤️

Mel x

This weekend, I spent two brilliant days with a group of incredible women, learning new skills from the amazing master educator, 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗡𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗟𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗢𝗡 𝗨𝗞

I also got to spend time with some old industry friends, laughing and learning together. It was exactly what my soul needed! ❤️

Day one focused on builder in a bottle using American Creator® Products and a completely different application technique. I’ll admit, I was sceptical at first. Builder is builder, right?

Wrong!

I already use several different application methods, but this introduced a completely new one to me. We also covered Justyna’s signature efile manicure and wow, I absolutely loved both the technique and the finished results.

On day two, we covered forms, three salon shapes and French. Once again, despite my many years in the industry and all the education I’ve completed, I was shown something new. The modern almond shape goes against almost everything I was taught during my 20 years in the industry, but it is absolutely beautiful. I was so pleased with the work I created.

Someone asked me why I still attend training when I’m already an educator.

This is exactly why.

There is always something new to learn and always someone new to learn from. As an educator, I believe it is my responsibility to continue with my CPD, develop my skills and keep my knowledge up to date.

If you are an educator, be responsible and keep learning. Being an educator does not make you uneducatable.

I’m incredibly proud of the work I created and also thrilled with the photos Justyna managed to take of my chubby little hairy sausage fingers! 😂😂

Now I want to book even more training. In person education really is the best! ❤️

Be gentle with yourself.
People may see your smile, but only you know the weight you carry inside. Take care of the person who stays with you through everything — you. 🤍

Where simple lines speak the deepest
feelings.🖌️
Follow Line Art | Emotional Sketches👈
Follow Line Art | Emotional Sketches👈
Follow Line Art | Emotional Sketches👈

If you’re a nail tech feeling confused by all the conflicting information in our industry, my podcast is for you. ❤️

You’ll find straight-talking, educational episodes that break things down into plain English, helping you understand the why behind what we do and feel more confident in your knowledge.

Building a well-educated community, one episode at a time. ❤️

If you enjoy listening, please leave a rating, follow the podcast and share it with your fellow nail techs. Your support helps these conversations reach more people, and it means so much to me!

🎧 Listen to Nail Tech Society on Spotify

The Nail Tech Society Podcast · Melanie Lewendon · The Nail Tech Society is a space for nail technicians who want real understanding, not just trends. Each episode explores the why and how behind technique, products, and building a successful career in the nail industry. Honest conversations, brand neutral education, a...

After almost 20 years spent crouched over a nail desk, the past four years have taken my career in a completely different direction, and I absolutely love it.

Advising, educating, writing courses, blogs and articles, filming content, and learning about social media and new product development has been such an amazing experience for me . I’m still learning, growing and discovering new sides to an industry I’ve dedicated most of my working life to.

Today, I had the best time supporting an event at Sally Europe Beauty HQ in Bracknell with the brilliant 2AM London teams. Midweek Manis, Flexi, networking and pancakes, what more could I ask for?

A good friend and fellow nail tech said to me recently, “Let people know who you are and how much knowledge you have.” She’s absolutely right.

No more shrinking myself to fit. I’m here, I know my stuff, and I’m unapologetically proud of everything I’ve achieved throughout my career, and excited about where it’s taking me next. ❤️

If you don’t follow my podcast, why not?! 😂

It’s full of useful information for nail techs at all levels and totally FREEEEEE!

Today’s convo started off quite civilly, with TPO in mind… but it escalated pretty quickly into HEMA and I just let go! 😂

Sometimes letting go in a constructive, educational way matters! It’s also very good for the soul!

So, if you want to hear my Derbyshire tones in your ears, head over to The Nail Tech Society Podcast, give me a little follow and let me share my knowledge with you. ❤️

There’s plenty more to come! 🎙️

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3J45ukLdOYWXWvWcWrIgLh