SUBMITTED PHOTO
Medicine Hatter Olga Khazova stands between CND lead sales manager Jennifer Mather and Contessa Awards top makeup artist Giancarlo Intini earlier this month after being named Canada's top nail artist.
mcranker@medicinehatnews.com@MHNmocranker
Olga Khazova put the spotlight on the Hat earlier this month.
The Hatter was recently named Canadian Nail Artist of the year at the Contessa 2020 Awards – something she has been working toward since beginning her career.
“Every year you can submit three entries online,” she said. “I’ve been working with nails for about 10 years – I took the courses before I came to Canada. This is something I have always hoped to win.”
Khazova flew out to Toronto this month for the awards ceremonies, she says it was a pleasant surprise to hear her name called in front of roughly 1,300 people.
“It didn’t feel like the truth – you never expect them to call your name,” she said. “I wasn’t nervous this year, I’ve already been a finalist a couple times and I didn’t want to go thinking I would win.
“It’s hard to explain what I felt.”
Khazova’s submission into the contest was three sets of nails she did specifically to enter the Contessa 2020 Awards.
“The entries usually need a theme,” she said. “This time I did nails that are suited for different hats.”
Khazova has lived in the Hat for nine years, beginning her career at Plush Salon and Spa before starting her own business, European Standard by Olga.
“I eventually opened a studio at my house,” she said. “I will for sure keep submitting entries every year for the award.”
Khazova teaches courses for people looking to become nail technicians and says she hopes to continue to grow her business in the Hat.
