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Meet the judges - Maya Abbedissen

23.06.2021

Maya Abbedissen also responded to the invitation to become part of our judges for the categories Manicure, Pedicure and Design Manicure. Here is what she told us about herself and her professional path.

Introduce yourself and tell us about yourself. What do you like to do in your free time?

My name is Maya Abbedissen and I have been in the beauty industry for more than 20 years. I love my job and I love working in a team with people. Maybe that's why I focused in this area - beauty. I went through everything from A to Z - from an ordinary manicurist at home on the kitchen table to one of the most famous salons in Paris. I have worked with MTV, magazines and other media. I had the opportunity to work on many famous actresses, singers, athletes and last but not least guitarists (they also need 1-2 acrylic nails, so the sound of the guitar is better, they say). I have helped many brands in testing and implementing new products. I have worked with many competitors and I am very proud when they win. I have won, organized and judged many competitions.

I now live and work in Norway. I am the owner of the most famous and oldest salon in Bergen. I try to work less with clients, and the rest of the time I indulge in family and hobbies.

Often on the weekends you can see me playing golf, so I unload (gather my thoughts) and plan for the future and present. A year ago, the idea came to me that my salon should be a sponsor of the golf course and we have our own hole with our logo. I'm always on the principle of Think out of the box. As a matter of fact, I have never seen a beauty salon sponsor a golf course.

What would impress you the most in the work of a participant in the competition in short?

I love clean things, well thought out and composed. I advise everyone to pay attention to the details, this will distinguish 1st place from 3rd. I'm always looking for the different, for a work that stands out. Everyone can as long as they have the opportunity and desire.

Advise the participants what to pay attention to when preparing a model for participation in the competition.

First and foremost, choose a model that you feel comfortable with and that can take time for you. It is preferable for this model to have the most beautiful hands / feet possible with uniform and suitable nail plates for the design you have chosen. The skin should be without visible injuries and fewer wrinkles, spots and absolutely no visible tattoos. Be sure to consider the skin color and color range you have chosen.

What are the small details that you will pay special attention to in the competition works of the participants in the Annual Awards EMILY 2021?

I am a technical judge - the one who always and above all makes sure that the shape is the same, the length, the varnishing and the cleanliness. There is no way a beautiful hand with a perfect nail plate can look beautiful if one nail is longer and oval and the other is square or lacks an edge. Composition and design.

I love seeing things that are unique. They stand out, they talk about the one who created them. Think differently, be creative and don't copy!

What inspires you in your work? Tell us how one of your working days usually goes.

I am definitely inspired by my colleagues, clients and the people I interact with.

Over the past year, when everything was closed and we had no social life, I realized how important we are, how important it was for our clients that we are there, that we are open and give them a little happiness in this period. Their gratitude inspired me a lot and now I try not to make the days in the salon routine, to always do our best.

Otherwise, my day always starts at 7:00, the child is in kindergarten at 9:00 and I am at work at 9:35. I review the schedule, which is usually full at least 2 months in advance, but I never start working with clients or meetings before 10:00. I need to have a coffee and tell myself a story with my colleagues. I work until 14:00, during which time I have already accepted 3 or 4 clients (depending on the service). After 14:30 I review the tasks for the next day, I like to have a plan and I follow it. I also don't miss online upgrade courses, as they inspire me a lot. I am now on the wave of maximum score for minimum time for each service. We must always strive to increase our knowledge.

What are the most important qualities that can be acquired by participating in competitions?

I have said many times that everyone who has signed up and participated in a competition is already a winner. You are one step ahead of your competition, which is very good professional, but not as brave as you. Imagine that the competition is an emotional journey and the ultimate goal is not so important. What is important is the path you will take - choosing and preparing the model, the design of the manicure or pedicure, then the photos, the anticipation and finally the prizes. Each step will make you a better professional and with every detail you will get something new. And if you win, it will bring you better income, you will have many more customers than before!

I wish success to all participants and let the competitions open as many new doors as they opened for me!