Educators & Brand Ambassadors
Debbie Taylor - Boss Lady
Hey there, I'm Debbie Taylor, the brains behind NZ Nail Academy Ltd and Vamp Nail & Beauty. I've been rocking the nail scene for a cool 27+ years - longer than some of you all have been breathing, ha!
Not only have I been sharing my nail wisdom and supplying top-notch products across NZ, but I've also been part of the judging panel for the NZ Nail Tech of the Year Awards for the last three rounds.
It's a real nail-biter seeing so many DIY lovers facing allergies due to shady products. With unqualified sellers flooding the market, it's like a polish apocalypse out there! But fear not, I'm on a mission to set things straight. Everyone deserves killer nails without the drama, right?
And voila! Enter Vamp Nail & Beauty with its fancy Press on Nails and HEMA Free Gel Polishes and Nail Kits, bringing that salon-quality bling right to your doorstep.
Jill Roberts - Head Educator Ambassador New Plymouth
Jill Roberts from Nail Design Ltd began her career in the Nail industry in 1999, and achieved a Masters in Nail Technology and Artistry by 2005. Jill has been an educator both nationally and internationally, and has worked with some amazing top brands and Nail artists within the industry over the years . Jill has won and placed in many Nail Competitions and courses both nationally and internationally, receiving over 100 certificates for her efforts and achievements Jill has been part of the judging panel for the NZ Nail comps in 2015 and 2023. After 24 years in the industry , and owning / directing her own business ( Nail Design ltd ) , Jill still feels extremely passionate about all things "Nails" .Jill is also one of the two co- founders/admins of the Nail Central Facebook group developed as a support group for nail techs throughout NZ. Jill is also one of the co-founders/admins of the Nail Central Nail Expo NZ, an expo for all distributors across NZ to exhibit their brands, supporting comraderie within the industry . Jill is in charge of our Education Team both here in NZ and Australia , and we are very proud to be working alongside Jill.
Jamie Armstrong - Educator/Ambassador Sth Island
Hi everyone,
My name is Jamie Armstrong and I represent the beautiful Canterbury area in the South Island. My journey into this fabulous industry started when my youngest was still cooking in my belly. I completed a correspondence course through Broadway Nailz in 2007 and that was enough of a taste to know this was my path in life. From there in 2008 I enrolled with Ezflow Nail Systems and completed two courses covering Natural Nail care and Liquid/Powder Enhancements.
And while I learnt a lot through Ezflow I was hungry for more so 2009 I signed up with CND Creative Nails System and completed a Masters Course in Liquid/Powder.
With 2 children under 5 I somehow managed to open a successful Beauty Salon in the heart of Hokitika on the WestCoast of the SouthIsland where I beautified woman for 14 years.
Within those years I furthered myself in a variety of training courses that covered a wide range within the beauty industry but nails always came first. They were and still are the backbone of my success.
2022 My children and I relocated to Canterbury specifically Kaiapoi for a fresh start and better education for my girls, not to mention there may of been a certain someone over these ways as well (wink wink)
And so became the birth of Beauty HQ. 16 years I’ve been fine tuning my skills and keeping up with the latest trends. I’m a big advocate for social media and have found platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest have really taken the nail artistry to the next level.
I’m passionate about teaching people tips and tricks that only come with many years of experience. It’s been a great way to interact to the public showcasing the latest and greatest and how enjoyable this great industry is.
And now, I have the amazing opportunity to do it for you lovely ladies. I’m so excited to be coming on board as an Ambassador/educator and share my experience with you
Amy Groot - Educator Online Nail Art Courses
Hi, I’m Amy and I trained with NZ Nail Academy in 2017. I opened my own business in Putaruru shortly after and have never looked back. I absolutely love what I do and feel extremely lucky to work in a job that excites me daily. I have also been Internationally trained with Sarah Elmaz from Get Buffed and Erin Eng from Trinity Beauty USA.
I live in a house full of males (my husband & 3 boys), so I get my girly fix by doing beautiful manis on my clients.
Ive always loved art, so I find my passion in the industry lies within nail art and unique designs in my work.
I’m so excited to be part of the NZ Nail Academy Education team and being able to help others along their journey.
Amy is a contributor to our Online Nail Art courses through Online Nail Academy.
Serena Wilkins - Brand Ambassador Hawkesbay
Hi, I’m Serena and my nickname is ‘Pinky’! I love all things pink, sparkles and nails!
My passion for nails turned from a hobby into a full-time career! I am an internationally trained, award winning published nail tech who is passionate about all thing’s nails!
I started out doing my own nails in 2013 after being a client for the previous 10 years. My passion for nail art grew quickly, and I started doing nails part time in 2016, whilst working a full-time retail managers job.
In March 2017 I became qualified in gel polish, during the year I would take time off my regular job to go and do nail courses around the country!
One day in October 2017, I was at a nail course in Wellington and it was at this course that I decided I was going to quit my full-time job and do nails full-time!
In November 2017 I went full-time in my home salon, “Glitter & Gloss Nail Art Studio”. And I’ve never looked back since – taking that leap of faith was scary at the time but it’s been oh so rewarding! In 2018 I travelled to Canada to complete a week-long course with top educator Suzie Moskal. I have also done training with other top international nail artists/educators including Sarah Elmaz, Viv Simmonds, Max Estrada.
In June 2020 I co-founded the Nail Central Facebook group for Nail Professionals, which is a support group for New Zealand and International Nail Technicians and Professionals. In 2022 we held our first stand-alone Nail Central Nail Expo with huge success! We are currently planning the next one for 2024, and plan to hold these regularly in the future! I live in Hastings, Hawkes Bay with my husband and 2 gorgeous Burmese Cats. We have 2 adult kids that live in Hastings, who we see every week for family nights!
I can’t wait to have lots of fun working with the amazing NZNA team!
