Jayde Kruskopf, of Abbotsford, placed first in the poster natural and second in the poster art novice categories in this year’s New Zealand Nail Competition.
The 24-year-old nail technician and beauty therapist said she was shocked by the results and was jumping up and down ‘‘like a little kid in a candy store’’.
‘‘The 13-year-old me who started out in her parents’ garage painting display nails ... would be so proud of where I am today,’’ Miss Kruskopf said.
‘‘If someone had told me back then what I would be achieving now and having my own business and winning competitions, I think I’d be pretty gobsmacked.’’
There were more than 50 competitors overall and more than 100 entries from across New Zealand and Australia.
This year’s theme was ‘‘teddy bears’ picnic’’.
Miss Kruskopf’s entries, a single colour set of nails and another using multiple mediums, came with the extra challenge of photographing the nails magazine-style with a backdrop that matched the theme.
She chose to match her nails to a red and white, gingham picnic scene — complete with red velvet cupcakes, a picnic basket and two teddy bears courtesy of her mum.
‘‘I was very picky and I had a strong vision in mind.
‘‘It honestly came out perfect, I couldn’t be more happy with how they came out.’’
Miss Kruskopf established her business, Beauty By Jayde, nearly three years ago.
As well as nail services, she provided beauty treatments including waxing, facials, massages and lash and brow treatments.
Her interest in nails began as a teenager playing around with display wheels in her parents’ garage, after being gifted nail polish by a family friend for Christmas one year.
She would buy nail polish from H&J Smith so frequently that the staff began to ask her what she was doing with it all.
She showed them photos of her work and was offered work experience and later a job in cosmetics.
Miss Kruskopf said her award-winning performance still felt like a ‘‘pinch-me moment’’.
‘‘It’s easy to forget about sometimes, but it’s quite humbling to think about it and just be super proud of where I’ve come.
‘‘It’s something I’ve always dreamt and wanted to do and I’ve done it.
‘‘I’m just glad I took the leap of faith and had the courage to give it a go.’’
