Apex Student Takes First Place at NC State Nail Competition

Originally published: 2026-03-28

We are bursting with pride to announce that Apex Beauty Academy student Mai Nguyen took First Place in the Nail Art category at the 2026 North Carolina Cosmetology State Competition, held in Raleigh last weekend.

Mai, a second-semester Nail Technology student, entered the competition with an intricate 3D floral nail art set inspired by Vietnamese lacquerware — a design that wowed the judges with its detail, color harmony, and technical precision.

"I put everything I've learned at Apex into this design. My instructors pushed me to be creative and precise at the same time. I couldn't have done it without them." — Mai Nguyen

Competition Results

• 🥇 1st Place – Nail Art (Student Division) – Mai Nguyen, Apex Beauty Academy
• 🥈 Apex also placed 2nd in Updo Styling and 3rd in Makeup Artistry

The academy community celebrated Mai's achievement at a surprise reception held the following Monday. She will go on to represent North Carolina at the National Cosmetology Association Student Competition in Las Vegas this August.

Well done, Mai — you make all of us at Apex incredibly proud!