Kirsty Crouch

Head Judge 

I have been doing nails for 25 years, did my course in 2000, I have owned my own salon for 23 years and taught for 19 years.I placed 1^st in my first ever competition at Sydney beauty expo in 2009, from there I have gone on to win or place 16 times. I have even been on the comp floor with some of my students and feel even prouder when I see them win or place. One of my students has even taken out Grand Champion at a GNDA. I placed 1^st in a tag team event teamed with 2 of my students, a massive highlight for me.I have a love / hate relationship with competitions. The stress leading up to the comps really gets to me, but once I am on the floor, the calm I feel surprises me, because I am doing what I love. Then the rush of winning or placing just makes me want to do it all over again. What I learn, the friends I make, the ability to say I am an award winning artist and charge for it is such a surreal feeling!

Samantha Goddard

Floor Judge 

I've been in the industry since 1989, worked as an educator since around 2011 ( akzentz, ons and nufoh) competed for 10yrs over 30 National and International Awards. Trained with INJA as a Judge, judged here and in the USA and London for Nailympia as well as the local comps. Competition helped me to network and travel, helped me to hone my skills which translated to better salon work. My area of expertise was technical floor comps.

Viv Simmonds

Floor Judge 

Amanda Niarhos

Floor Judge 

Amanda Niarhos has been in the Nail and Beauty Industry for 40 years, successful salon owner for 20 years, educator and multiple award winning nail competitor.

A keen competitor for 20 years, competing nationally and internationally, Amanda has now moved over to the other side of the arena becoming a competition judge. Head Judge for GNDA Australia, judge for Nailympia Australia and Brisbane Hair & Beauty Expo.

Amanda now dedicates her time to educating the next generation of talented nail artists.

Teresa Warman

Floor Judge 

Qualified Nail Artist since 2013, but in the industry for many years before, Director of Elite NailDesign & Beauty Salons and CND™ Education Ambassador, Teresa has entered and won many nailcompetitions, achieving Overall Champion Trophies in Novice, Open then Masters Divisions andreceiving ‘Overall Australian Competition Winner’ Trophy in 2018.She has since judged Australian nail competitions and organised the Oceania Nail Championships forfive years. “I just love our industry and the talent within it. The competitions are the best way topromote your talent and network with like minded individuals”Teresa was also a manicurist at London and Paris Fashion weeks, working alongside MarianNewman’s team, for designers such as Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney.

Desiree Dowling

Floor Judge 

 Jonny Diep Pham

Floor Judge

Jonny Diep Pham is a passionate and highly accomplished nail technician and artisan with over 20 years of experience in the nail industry. He has dedicated his career to perfecting his craft and inspiring others through both his work and his competitions.
Jonny is the Over Champion at Nailympia Australia and First Runner-Up in Next Top Nail Artist, showcasing his exceptional skill and creativity. Along with his sister, Jonny has built and run a successful nail business for over 20 years, where he continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of nail professionals.

As the founder of JDP Nail Products, Jonny has developed a brand known for its high-quality products, designed to help nail technicians and nail artist achieve excellence in their work. His expertise, commitment to the craft, and passion for sharing his knowledge make him a respected figure in the industry.

Cherie Pollard

Floor Judge

I have been a working nail professional for the last thirty five years
My favourite thing about competitions are the innovative thinking competitors show to strive for consistency, the strength to try and strive for excellence
Fortunately my career has afforded me many opportunities including winning numerous competitions being awarded with over twenty industry awards

Kenjai Machail

Online Judge

Kenjai is the West Coast power house behind Kustom Klaws, one of Perth's best and most awarded Nail Studios. Her creative vision and drive to succeed has landed her salon on every top list around including Urbanlist, Perthisok, Refinery 29 as well as feature across multiple media outlets and national TV. With current waitlists of 6 months +, Kenjai is one of Perth’s most in demand Nail Artists.

Kenjai got a taste for competitions in 2018, shortly after qualifying as a Nail Technician. Taking on 2 competitions in her first year (the West Coast Cup Perth 2018 and Nailympia Sydney 2018), winning golds across both. Since then Kenjai has firmly earned her place in Masters division in competitions across the world, winning medals in Nailympia London (online 2021),  Overall Grand Champion and Masters Division Champion at the 2021 Oceania Nail Champions and Overall Grand Champion at the 2025 NZ Nail Championships. 

In 2023, Kenjai became a Judge for the Oceania Nail Championships and in 2025, she was hand-picked to be the new owner of the Oceania Nail Champions Australia. 

Darrell Harris

Online Judge

With over 25+ years’ experience in the nail industry, Darrell Harris is an internationally qualified INJA (International Nail Judge Association) Nail Competition Judge.  Owning and operating her own salon for more than 15 years, Darrell has also been a Mentor and Educator for over 10 years.

Dedicated to the development and enhancement of the nail industry, Darrell organizes and manages the New Zealand Nail Competition.

As well as running an intensive training course and competitions, Darrell keeps herself up to date with latest techniques, by attending workshops and expos  around the world and training with some of the industry's most sought after personalities.

Charlotte Keen 

Event Director