Tom Holcomb’s competition philosophy
By Entity’s Tom Holcomb

Entity’s Tom Holcomb has set the standard for excellence in the nail industry. As eight-time World Champion, and Top of the Universe Champion, Tom has trained five other World Champions. In this article, Tom discusses his key philosophy to winning competitions.

Practice! Practice! Practice!
I have been practicing for 22 years. So it is an understatement to say that I have had a lot of practice. When I first started doing nails, I spent every second of my time working and practicing. At first, it was just to understand how the goop works. I was putting acrylic on anything I could, just to see how it works, even my own nail. You don’t have control of the product until you understand what happens when you use different amounts of liquid to powder, different size brushes, mix and match colors, and different nail shapes.

The Entity line gives maximum control to the artist. Our edge is that we have great consistency, the bead you create with the Entity liquid and powder is very creamy. You have maximum control as soon as you pick up the bead. Once you understand the product, you can become very creative with it. I focused on analyzing and mastering each section of the nail individually. Every section has its own set of quirks and challenges. Once you put them together you perfect your own individual style.

Be in the right state of mind.
I cannot overemphasize how important it is to relax and have fun while competing. When I started doing nails, I already had formal training in sculpting and painting. Working in any medium was fun. I was fortunate when an educator took me aside during a class and told me she would give me some free training if I would go to a program at the local convention center in a few weeks. When we got to the convention center, I realized that it was a competition. Since I hadn’t known I was going to compete, I wasn’t stressed out about it and I ended up winning. While this probably isn’t the norm, it has helped me stay relaxed throughout my competition career.

Now, when I go into a competition I try to remember the last really great set of nails I did. I usually think about who I was working with and how much fun we had. Then I just try to stay in that state of mind and recreate the moment. This method has been really effective for me.

Choose a great model.
I believe that 50% of winning is choosing the right model. It is necessary to choose a model not only with great hands, but also someone with whom you can work closely. Of course, great hands are a plus. When looking for a hand model, choose someone with long tapered fingers, few creases around the knuckles and long nail beds.

Beyond just great hands, you need to choose someone who wants to win. One of the worst situations to be in is having a bored model that doesn’t understand what the competition is all about, or what you are doing to her hands. Your model needs to know how to help you by moving correctly and offering feedback. It is very helpful to use another nail tech as your model. You should use her eyes to give you perspective on how she sees the nail.

Train your model to look at her hand, to get the angles you can’t see. Four eyes are better than two in the case of the competition nail. A great model can point out flaws. In some cases, a great model can be the difference between winning and losing.

Member story: “Entity has completely changed my life”

Advantage member Debbie Milam relocated a little more than a year ago. Although she had previously owned a successful salon, she was now barely making ends meet. And then, in her own words “Entity completely changed my life.”

When Debbie joined the Advantage program in January, she was enthralled by the quality of her acrylic starter kit. Not only were Entity products easier to work with and produced more consistently quality results, Nudité quickly became the product that turned her business around.

After completing a set of Nudité corrective nails on a client with almost no nail beds, the client began to cry. She never dreamed that she could have nails that looked so naturally beautiful. “I don’t know how I can ever pay you enough.” She refused to give Debbie only $50 for her service, and instead wrote her a check for $100. And after Debbie demonstrated Nanovive, she left with $100 in Nanovive products too.

Debbie has gone from low prices and slow days, to premium prices prepaid two weeks in advance, just so clients can guarantee their spot at her table. Entity gave her products that allow her to create truly differentiated services.

But she isn’t keeping Entity to herself. Now that her business is booming, she’s turned her attention to helping others in our profession and the opportunity to earn income through sponsoring other Advantage members. “So many people are not willing to share their knowledge. I’m confidant in my services, and I get so much from helping other nail artists. I needed help, and Entity provided that help – and now I want to share that with others.”

She has sponsored almost 50 professionals since she joined (including Teresa). As Debbie grew her team, she also joined Entity’s Education team, where she is receiving more personal coaching and training.

What’s her sponsorship secret? Her enthusiasm! She finds other local salons through the yellow pages, Internet or in driving by. Nanovive demonstrations are quick and convincing. And showing before-and-after Nudité photos creates a lot of interest in Entity products. “I let the product speak for itself during a demo – but you also have to be excited and enthusiastic, and then they are begging to sign up.”

How can one company change your life? By being committed to your professional success. Just ask Debbie.

I’m interested in becoming an Entity Educator – who should I contact?

We need many more Entity Educators to help us expand our business over the next year. If you wish to develop leadership, artistic and presentation skills, then Entity provides the opportunity to join a team of the best in the industry!

Please submit a letter explaining why you are interested in becoming an Entity Educator along with your resume, photo, and photos of your work to your regional representative.

Being able to enthusiastically present Entity products and Advantage membership is one of the important skills we look for. So the first step to demonstrate your skill is through sponsoring new Advantage members. When you successfully share Entity with others, we know you are passionate about the opportunity to join our education team! If you are not sure how to sponsor a new Advantage member, contact your regional representative for more information.