Maxim Titter

I’ve been in the nail industry for well over a decade now. Gosh it seems like only a couple of years. Isn’t it funny when you’re doing something you’re passionate about time seems to almost stand still.
It never feels like work, that’s how I feel about teaching within the beauty industry. It’s one of the most rewarding experiences in life to teach someone a skill that they then go on to master. The thrill of the ladies starting out in their business is like the thrill of watching a child ride a bike for the first time. Emotions surface, excitement and fear at the same time and of course finally, for many, the pleasure of success!!!
It comes easier for some than others but what determines their outcome I have realized is not skill – but sheer determination and attitude. My goal is to conduct the highest quality training around the country for those that want to personally and professionally empower themselves - who want to take their lives and success to their own optimum level of performance.
My passion is teaching and I truly come from the heart with whatever I do and when I teach, share, and connect with others, So if you have a desire to learn how to do beautiful nails and market yourself and would like to be part of our supportive community, please get in touch. I look forward to hearing back from you!

Heleen Hendriks

“Making a difference”, that’s what teaching means to me. The one day in my nail career that I will never forget is when my first group of students graduated. I was so proud of them; they had all grown so much, in many ways. Their newly developed skills, had also given them confidence and self esteem that was truly inspiring. One of the greatest things about this industry is connecting with people and helping them to realize their potential. I made a huge lifestyle change from a very corporate background to enter this industry and would encourage anyone considering this career to TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY.

Lisa Blackman

Over the last 10 years of working within the beauty industry - from beauty therapist to educator, I have come to recognize the value of quality education with quality products. During the last 6 years teaching Beauty Therapy I have seen far too many students slip under the radar, never to become successful in their chosen field. This is a real concern with many spas and salons not being able to fill positions. I am proud to be teaching a proven system that gets real results and feel reassured that my students will continue to have to greatest advantage available to them. Not to mention the continued support during their journey to becoming successful business women.

Nikki Brereton

After having a job in the retail industry for some time, (a JOB means just over broke.) I decided I wanted a career. Something that would allow me to run my own business, work my own hours. I would be in charge of my own pay check!! I had always been interested in the beauty industry. I looked at many different options and decided to become a nail technician, as this was quick to learn and the training was very affordable.
After assisting the tutor Heleen at Cut Above I realised I was passionate about teaching. I then went on to complete all of my advanced educator’s certificates in Nail Technology, so I could give the very best information and skills to my students.
Doing nails has never felt like a job to me, but more like playing, I love the transformation when my clients receive beautiful nails, straight away their body language changes.

Joanna Wang

I originally trained in China over 5 years ago. A lot of emphasis was then placed on Nail Art. I then went on to open my first business in Dalian, China. Four years ago I opened my first New Zealand business in New Lynn, Auckland by myself. There are now 3 other ladies working with me and I am to shortly open my second business. The nail industry in New Zealand is very different from China and I quickly learnt to specialize in Pink and White Acrylic Nails as that was the most popular and where the money was.

With the use of surmanti, my business has really increased. I love teaching the surmanti System to my students - as it is what really grew my business. I am very proud to be part of the surmanti Education Team.

Nicole Raine

I have been doing nails for the last 6 years and I absolutely love it! I find myself to be a very relaxed person and I really enjoy a good laugh.
I started doing nails when I was 19 and just loved the hands on approach and I also loved how it made people so happy. I was hooked. I can’t see myself doing anything else; making people feel beautiful is a great feeling.
After 2 years of doing nails I was asked if I would like to buy the business. I’d never thought about owning my own business…lots to think about. It took the plunge and with the support of my family made one of the best decisions of my life.
People often ask me if I ever get sick of doing nails, I say, no - every person that comes in is different in some way whether they want acrylic nails or toe nails or some art work or even a manicure its just so much fun doing something you love so much everyday.
I would recommend this as a great career to get into.

Haley McMahon

I’m Haley Taura. I have been in this industry for nearly a decade and still find it very exciting and rewarding. I love doing nails and making people look and feel beautiful, I love the change in their confidence when they’re wearing nails.

I used to be a young, single, stay at home mum with 2 children (who were 5 and 1 at the time), with no money and struggling to make ends meet from week to week.
My sister believed in me before I believed in myself and signed me up on a nail technology course. That turned out to be one of the best decisions in my life. Little did I know, years later my nail business would support my whole family when my husband was made redundant. What started out as a hobby became our lifesaver.
Another great decision I made was to accept the invite to become a surmanti educator it seemed the next logical step, to teach nails my first passion and to help other woman realize their dreams of financial independence my second passion.
It’s reassuring to know I can send a client to any nail tech in the world using surmanti products and she’ll receive the same high standard of service that she would receive from me. It’s also very empowering to be part of a group committed to excellence, all following a proven 10 step system that guarantees results every time.
Thanks to the nails industry I now have a stable income and freedom to make my own choices and from here on it can only get better!

Sue Titter

I have travelled extensively to represent New Zealand and pursue my passion for the nails industry... Learning from some of the most recognised leaders in the beauty and marketing arena... The old saying” If you give a man a fish it will feed him for one day, however if you teach him how to fish it will last him a lifetime”, really holds true when it comes to my number one passion… teaching. I feel privileged to be able to share my knowledge and passion for the industry, helping my students fulfil their dreams.

Andrea Billing

Welcome to the wonderful world of "Nails", the opportunities are endless - from a "home" salon, rent a space, salon owner, sales rep or educator.
Nails is a rewarding career offering flexible hours, a great return on investment all this while having fun, meeting new people and building amazing relationships.
Education is my passion and is deep rooted, an educator for 7 years I adore the beauty industry, I love what I do and am recognized for my dedication to teaching, sense of honesty, passion and ability in knowing what will make a nail techs life easier out in the field.
Nothing pleases me more than getting 'down and dirty' with nail techs and passing on my wisdom and tricks of the trade. I am truely blessed to be given this amazing opportunity and ability to share my knowledge.
My advice to you is always seek the best education with a company that backs up its product, offers a factual, relevant and extensive educational programme
Your investment into your education is the "key" along with your dedication to success in this wonderful world of "Nails" and my wish to you with heartfelt blessings is "have a dream and let it Soar on Silver Wings - It will be great"

Michelle Johnstone

I was 16 when I left school with dreams of being a beauty therapist, got a job in a shoe shop so I could pay for the course. I worked very long hours to save the money for the course. Before I could start the course I was offered a new job with better pay and more opportunity, so I spent the next few years working in a clothing shop. When I could no longer be promoted and I could go no further, I gave up my management job with salary and bonuses. and went on to a student allowance. At that stage I wondered if I had made the right decision, I worked hard and passed all my exams, but now I had to start from the bottom again. I started work in a brand new salon. My boss was a Nail Tech and taught me how to make an acrylic nail and sent me away to practice, so I began the journey to becoming a nail tech. I went to all the refresher courses available to me. In 2003 I went to work for studio 31 a well known salon, which I now proudly own, and that’s when I decided to become an educator. I realized it was an opportunity to play it forward - to give back some of the opportunities I had been given, so here I am helping others reach their goals.

Courtney Hill

After being in the nail industry for 3 and a half years I found myself constantly struggling. I was struggling with my nails lifting, my clients weren’t returning and I just didn’t have any support. I loved doing nails and to carry on doing what I loved I unfortunately had to get a second job.
I heard about the opportunity to attend a one day workshop but due to my job I could only attend the morning session. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, and wanted more so I jumped on a plane to Auckland to learn as much as I could in the one day I had. When I arrived back in Christchurch I started to look at things very differently. My business instantly increased 300% and I quit my second job.I began receiving phone calls from other nail techs asking for my help, which I took on happily. I found that so fulfilling I wanted more. Again I hopped on a plane to Auckland this time to attend the 3 day educator programme, and would you believe it, my business grew again with my new skills. Which is why being an educator is such an amazing concept.

Janine Harrison

I’ve always loved the make up and nails industry, and in my previous career as a bank manager was a regular nail client enjoying maintaining and keeping my nails beautiful. As life changes, marriage and family, I had an opportunity to follow my passion..
Well I took to it and loved it, what a fantastic idea of finding something you love doing and making it into your career as well.
Since entering the nail industry I have had experience with a number of product ranges, I have found surmanti to be the best to work with and get the results I can be proud of.
I’m a big believer in always learning and keeping with technology and the latest advances and practices within the industry, I enjoy passing this knowledge on to others. I think I must have the most educated clients in Hamilton.
My next step was to formalize this by further training to become an educator and pass on this knowledge to other that have the same desire and passion.
I run my salon from my home and find from here I am able to keep a balance between family (kids) and business. Over time clients become friends.

Sara Knowles

I LOVE DOING NAILS..........
Nails has become a big part of my life. I have been in the beauty industry now for over 12years – starting off my career as a hairdresser and progressing onto nails. I have been successfully running my own business 'Gloss' for over 4 years now. Working productively in it as a hairdresser and nail tech, as well as being a mum and bringing up my amazing little girl Jessica – never a dull moment i tell you!!
In 2006, with the 'can do, will do' attitude while 6 months pregnant, i trained to become a top nail educator. Now teaching the fantastic surmanti nail system. My passion for doing nails and passing on my knowledge just keeps growing, and i thrive on training others to feel the same excitement when discovering the art of being a nail tech. Can't wait to start training you, call me now to discuss your many training options.

Robyn Levers

After leaving the security of paid employment I entered into self employment to follow my dream of owning a nail and beauty therapy clinic…It was at he time one of the scariest things I’ve done… but when I look back it was also one of the best things I’ve done.. The lessons I’ve learned along the way have been invaluable and character building. A fantastic platform to help others on their journey to becoming successful business women.

Leeza Berghan

After 7 years of doing nails and using just about every other product on the market.. I was introduced to surmanti. It was to be one of the best decisions I’ve made in my nails career. The results were instant my clients love that fact that my salon doest have a chemical smell and that my nails last beautifully from backfill to backfill. I credit the surmanti product for helping me find the passion for my business again. My mission is to help others find the easy way rather than struggling along like I did.

Sue Jacobs

I have been a nail tech and make up artist for 20 years. I started in a Pharmacy at the age of 15 and learnt customer service. I soon discovered my passion was to make women feel great. At the age of 18 I learnt another passion in my life, acrylic nails. At 20 I moved back into Pharmacy and worked as a consultant for 5 years and become senior consultant of the year through my passion and dedication.
At 26 I needed a new challenge and move into the world of self employment, unfortunately it wasn’t the best location. I was then approached to work as a counter manager. It was exciting and challenging. I loved the customer contact and was soon voted top business consultant for NZ. Again I needed a new challenge. That’s when my “Make up and Nail Studio” was born. I knew I could make it work even though I couldn’t swing a cat in my room.
By November 2000 I moved to a perfect little shop in Newtown where I have been for 6 years now. It’s been very challenging, but I love it. Everyday brings new challenges, but with passion and dedication anything is possible. Now I want to pass my passion and knowledge onto others by educating.

Estelle Marshall

From a little acorn an oak tree grows…I m a self confessed nail biter and after 4 decades enough was enough. It was time to do something about it. I headed out and completed a nail technician training course…I practiced on all my friends and family… no matter how hard I tried my nails just didn’t look pretty. Not one to give up easily I signed up with another company…practiced practiced, practised, again with disappointing results. Disillusioned but still not ready to give up on my dream…
I once again paid to complete another course… It lead to employment in one of the busiest salons in Wellington. I worked hard, honed my skills, mastered every possible nail you could imagine… and got my time down to under one hour for just about any thing. It was a very proud day when I became my own boss and opened “Beautiful Nails” my own business. I’m now pursuing my passion for helping others as well as nails by educating with surmanti. A system that you will have to learn only once…
In fact we even guarantee it.

Julie Grant

Hi I'm Julie after being a home maker for most of my life I decided to finally do something for myself......I love meeting people and have always been drawn to the beauty industry. I completed my training and became a nail technician. I opened my own business…3 years later after honing my skills I became an educator. I love meeting people and I love nails. So teaching students how to make women feel complete, dressed and ready to go! It made perfect sense…
My girls enjoy the benefits of having mum as a nail tech. I couldn't be without my beautiful Surmanti nails.