Yarrawonga nail artist Katrina Lefevre has had a remarkable entry into the world of competative nail art with two gold medals.
Katrina Lefevre put more than 30 hours into one intricate nail design, and just 45 minutes into another, but both delivered the same remarkable result for the Yarrawonga nail technician; first place.
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In an outstanding debut on the competition stage, Katrina claimed two first-place awards at the Global Nail Design Awards Nail Expo and Competition at the Novotel Preston Melbourne last month.
Even more impressive, Katrina entered the Novice category after working as a nail technician for just two-and-a-half years and went into the event never expecting to win.
“I honestly didn’t think I was going to do any good because the talent there was absolutely incredible,” she said.
Her first winning entry was in the Flat Art category, where artwork had to remain completely flat while still creating the illusion of dimension.
Katrina spent more than 30 hours perfecting her intricate witch-inspired design.
“I’m very spiritual, so it was very close to my heart,” Katrina said.
“I have black cats, so I really wanted to run with that theme.”
Katrina at the Global Nail Design Awards at the Novotel Preston in Melbourne last month.
Her second first-place finish came in the Runway Mystery Set, where competitors were given an image on the morning and just 45 minutes to create their design.
Katrina drew Rihanna’s dramatic Met Gala outfit and had to quickly translate the fashion and style into an original set of nails.
“I feel like I had the most difficult one, to be honest,” she said with a laugh.
The competition featured internationally recognised judges, along with online judges based in America.
Judge Viv Simmons spoke with Katrina following the competition and praised what she had achieved in such a short time in the industry.
“She said she was very excited to see what I do next and that I could potentially go international in years to come,” Katrina said.
“That was empowering to hear from someone so well-known in the nail industry.”
Katrina has lived in Yarrawonga for 10 years, and is married with four children, including twins.
For her, doing nails is about far more than creating beautiful designs.
“I love making women feel amazing about themselves,” she said.
“Sometimes my clients can walk in sad and walk out a happy, bubbly person.
“It’s more than just nails; it’s therapy, connections and friendships.”
Katrina’s winning designs impressed the judges who were wowed by how much she’ achieved in a short time.
Katrina is passionate about proper training, nail health and hygiene and hopes one day to open a larger salon where she can employ and train other nail technicians.
Already inspiring young women interested in entering the industry, she is particularly proud that her own daughter now wants to follow in her footsteps.
“I’m so glad I took the risk,” she said.
“It was a huge risk, and I am really proud that I did it.”
With two first places from her first competition, Katrina now has her sights set on competing in New Zealand next May and returning to the Global Nail Design Awards in Melbourne next year.
