Global Nail Icons: Part 1

The nail world is bursting with innovation, and some artists don’t just follow trends — they create them. In this series, we spotlight outstanding nail techs from around the globe, those who compete, teach, inspire, and push the envelope.

Bojana Kostka — Serbia

If you’ve seen ultra-dramatic sculpted nails with fantasy curves or architectural illusions, there’s a good chance Bojana’s influence is behind them. As the mind behind Kostka Nail System, she’s developed more than a dozen signature forms (like Dragon, Kraken, EdgeIt) and pioneered an educational approach that emphasizes mastering one perfect nail rather than rushing many.

She’s won 50+ international first-place titles, judged at major global events, and continues teaching and inspiring across continents.

Highlights: 50+ first-place awards, global educator & judge

Instagram: @kostkabojana

Zsuzsanna Fekete — Hungary

Zsuzsanna marries elegance, precision, and competitive excellence. With 7 Hungarian titles, 2 European championships, and a gold medal from Nail Olympics London, she’s cemented her place among the greats.

As a Crystal Nails Elite Educator, her strength lies in making exacting technique visually beautiful and accessible. Her tutorials show how to build forms with balance—something many artists aspire to replicate.

Highlights: 7× national champion, 2× European champ, Olympic gold in nail competition

Instagram: @feketenails

Katalin Szikszai — Hungary

When you hear “world champion,” Katalin deserves to be in the conversation. She’s a two-time World Nail Champion (winning both the 5th and 7th editions), a feat very few achieve.

Katalin’s journey began in 1999, she took on instructor status in 2012, and by 2018 earned Hungary’s prestigious Master Nail Technician title. Her sets are flawless in shape and structure, and her teaching style is calm, clear, and deeply encouraging.

Her work bridges competition-level perfection with real-world wearability—a rare and powerful combo.

Highlights: 2× World Champion, Master Nail Technician, Top international educator

Instagram: @katalin_szikszai

Krisztina Újvári — Hungary

Artistic, warm, and authentic — Krisztina brings personality into her work. Based in Budapest, she’s made a name for herself as a passionate international educator and artist.

Her specialty? Techniques like One Move with gel, expressive freehand art, and blending structure with creative depth. Her students often say she helped them find their voice in nail design.

Highlights: International master educator, authority in expressive art & One Move

Instagram: @ujvari_krisztina

Now four women stand before you, each with a story, a style, and an influence that stretches across continents. From extreme forms and world titles to expressive artistry, they represent how expansive and creative the nail world truly is.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll discover five more nail masters redefining beauty one nail at a time.