Ukrainian-born, Miami-based nail artist, educator, and entrepreneur Olha Khlomova knows how to make a statement — sometimes on ten tiny canvases at a time.
This week, she claimed the title of MISSUS CLAWS 2025, securing more than 2,100 votes in the Championship round of American Salon’s holiday nail art competition.
The contest showcased 20 talented nail pros competing with fabulous looks across four themed categories — Winter, Festive, Holiday, and Characters. Khlomova’s ethereal clean-girl Winter entry, “Snow Queen,” emerged as the top vote-getter after two energetic voting rounds.
She faced fierce competition in fellow finalists Aleah Gierlach, who won the Festive category, Jaelyn Engelbrecht, who won Holiday, and Naomi Azuaje, who won Characters. All received prizes from contest sponsor Le Chat Nails.
As part of her grand prize, Khlomova also earned two free passes to the Be+Well | Beauty and Wellness Show in New York in March 2026. There, she will serve as a judge in the on-site Global Talent Beauty Cup nail competition.
What makes Khlomova’s story especially compelling is she never set out to build a career in beauty. “I was simply doing my own nails and my friends’ nails with regular polish, treating it as a hobby,” she says. “In 2012, one of my friends asked me, ‘Why don’t you go study to become a nail technician?’ That question became a turning point and led me to explore a career in the beauty industry.”
From the beginning she gravitated toward design, detail, and originality. Khlomova immersed herself in the work of popular nail artists online, studying their techniques and pushing herself to meet their standards. Nail art became her creative language.
Khlomova has faced serious obstacles in her journey. After establishing herself in Ukraine and owning/ operating her own nail studio, the outbreak of war led her to relocate to the United States three years ago. “I had to start over from scratch as a nail technician,” she says.
“What helped me overcome this challenge was the team I joined. Their support has played a major role in helping me adapt and continue growing professionally.”
Working at the Nailslab salon in Miami, Khlomova found stability and community. “Miami became a place of safety and new opportunities for me,” she says. “Here, I was able to continue developing my career, adapt to a new environment, and grow professionally.”
That includes flexing her competitive muscle. While MISSUS CLAWS 2025 marked a major milestone, it's not Khlomova’s first foray into nail competitions. Earlier this year, she entered her first in-person contest, Nailympia, preparing intensely for a month with consistent training and meticulous attention to the rules.
The effort paid off: she walked away with three prize-winning placements, cementing her reputation as a serious contender and fueling her passion for competition. She has since entered, and judged, other nail contests.
Khlomova’s style is elegant and intentional, blending modern visual interest with wearability. Inspiration for her work comes from “everything I see around me,” she says. “It can come from architecture, people, the energy of the city, and everyday details.”
She keeps a close eye on trends and evolving aesthetics, but filters them through her own sensibility.
Perhaps the most meaningful part of Khlomova’s career these days is education. Teaching other nail professionals — sharing techniques, refining skills, and watching students evolve — has become deeply fulfilling. “The most rewarding moment for me is seeing artists grow,” she says. “Knowing that my expertise helps others elevate their skills brings me great satisfaction.”
For aspiring nail artists, Khlomova’s advice is refreshingly straightforward: “Don’t overthink it and don’t put it off,” she says.
“Go for it, invest in learning, and give yourself a chance. Sometimes a simple decision can lead to a career you never even imagined.”