Dear Diary - Recertification

We all have to re certify, and although I am an independent educator, I like to make sure my skills are up to the job. I feel it is a case of having your peers ‘judge’ you, and in a way it keeps you on your toes, making sure you have updated your education and are in touch with all the current trends.

I recently re certified for IBD, and achieved my Elite educator status, which I was thrilled with.   I wanted to achieve the same with Ez Flow, this was the brand that will always be my first love for acrylic, and although I now no longer work for them full time, I do occasionally represent them around the world and in the UK.

The educators re certification was held at the beginning of February, just three days after my return from my road trip in the states.  I tell you it is no mean feat, with a massive amount of preparation before the 4 day event, which includes producing 10 nails in acrylic and gel both pink and white and ten design nails which runs along a theme; this year it was 'theatre'. I did my nails based on swan lake. These must include a step by step and details of how they where achieved.

The class is demanding each day covering a massive amount of information, and then are set homework in the evenings. For 4 days your sapped of every single amount of energy, to get you ready for the final assessment and theory. The assessment  utilizes all the Ez flow application techniques, the theory is on the full range of products, and then a presentation is required.

My Homework

Our tutor was Brenda Skermont, who had travelled all the way from the USA. I am really lucky to have worked with Brenda before, and I loved spending some time with her. Especially as her passion is design and art. Brenda has the ability to explain the nail, break down the application process and she weedles out where you need improvement and where your strengths lie. Not only that she is so approachable. Because I was away in the USA, and I had only just been in Brenda’s shoes in Korea, holding the re certs there, I was able to forgoe most of the training, and attending the final assessment day, and I am happy to say I have passed with flying colours and am now an International Educator for Ez Flow Nail Systems. 

are you a Winner?

Needle Pens

These are not ordinary pens, but instead these are something even better. A perfect tool to add that little bit extra to your design nails. Use with gel or acrylic these are amazing for marbling and swirling your gel colours, creating detail to your art work, and pressing ultra thin veins to your leafs. I can’t tell you how many times you will use this pen, your only problem to deciding which colour to choose.

It works like a pen with a clicky end,  which when pressed releases the needle to what ever length takes your fancy. They are just 14cm long without the needle, the needle extends another 3cm  approx. Available in Pink, Black, silver and Blue for just £7.50 shipped worldwide. 

to buy visit; http://www.sambiddle.co.uk/needle-pen.html

Dear Diary - Cornish skills

On the 16^th February I was invited to help Judge at the Cornish skills challenge  in Truro college. This would be the third time I have been part of the judging panel, and I am always keen to be involved. It is so refreshing to watch the new generation of nail technicians, these girls are part of the future of the industry, and I feel it is important to help and support them.

I watch on and see budding nail guru’s and artisans emerge, and I remember what I was like. I didn’t do my learning in a college but I was still very wet behind the ears when I entered my first competition. Full of expectations and aspirations to be the best. Lucky for me I was, and won my first photographic and came second in the fantasy!

 I have been involved with the College skills championships for some years now, and I can say hand on heart the level of competitors has grown. With the help of the world wide web, short films on you tube like my fantasy ballerina; nail technicians are able to learn in the comfort of their own home. Some people tell me it is the downfall of education, creating a new culture of e learning, but I think it promotes independent learning, it helps to create a new breed of nail technicians who can only rely on their own creativity to find a solutions.

Don’t get me wrong you can’t beat going to a workshop, and I think you should make it part of your continueing learning to include at least two further education classes per year into your portfolio. But to combine this with the indepependant learning and self styled creative moments can only go to make this industry bigger, better and stronger. 

NEW USA road trip - 2 dates

USA New Date

I am returning to the USA this June for another, bigger & better

 2 Day Design workshop

2nd & 3rd June 2011

ORLANDO, FLORIDA

Hilton Grand Vacation Suites at Sea World International Center, 6924 Grand Vacations Way, Orlando, Florida 32821 (407) 239-0100

Time: 9 -5 daily

I know some of you will want to register no matter what the topic. To register for these classes pay class fees at paypal under carla_collier@yahoo.com put Sam Biddle in message line.

 This is the second American Be Inspired workshop. Bringing nail technicians something that little bit different, something which you can use in your salon, and delight your clients. I will bring you some amazing new ideas and share with you some great tips, trick and trade secrets to make your nails beautiful and award winning.

Working along side you each step of the way, this really is a hands on workshop.With some competition insights from Carla Collier Head Judge for Nail pro championships, this workshop is a must if your thinking about entering the competition arena.

June 1st - Advanced Acrylic Design & Fantasy

June 2nd - Salon Viable Gel Designs

You have a choice of booking both days for just £375 or if you prefer one day for £200. Class size is limited, as Sam wants to give everyone the same level of attention, so don’t delay book your seat today.

TO BOOK email Carla Collier at carla_collier@yahoo.com  Or call 661-203-0143

CAN'T MAKE IT IT FLORIDA?.....

well we have put only another 3 dates in the Midwest.

 3 DAY DESIGN & FANTASY WORKSHOP - ILLINOIS

8TH, 9TH & 10TH JUNE

COST - $350 per day

 BOOK 2 days for just $325 per day or save more money and Book all 3 for $300 per day

Advanced Acrylic Design 

Advanced Gel Design

Salon viable designs

 a full day of Fantasy... 

..... and much more. I have so much to share with my American Nail friends....come and join me by emailing info@sambiddle.co.uk.