Hello,
I’m Barbara Preil-Kovács, a nail technician, educator and coach with 16+ years of experience in the nail industry.
I created BPK Nails & Academy for nail techs who want more than “pretty sets”; they want strong retention, clean structure, confidence, and a professional method they can repeat on every client.
About Barbara | BPK Academy
My teaching style
I’m very practical. I teach:
Why something works (so you can troubleshoot)
How to do it step by step (so you can replicate it)
and the small details that create a luxury finish (so your work stands out)
Whether you’re a beginner building strong foundations or an experienced tech refining speed and precision, my goal is the same: help you level up with clarity and confidence.
Our vision
To raise professional standards in the nail industry by making luxury-level technique accessible, clear and achievable for every dedicated nail tech.
Our mission
To support nail techs at every stage with training that removes confusion, builds confidence, and turns technique into consistent results.
Experience & credentials
Over the years, I've trained nail technicians through:
1:1 private training
group workshops
and online education (coming soon)
I'm an ABT-accredited nail educator and have received recognition through multiple industry awards (including Ultimate Nail Master (UK, 2019), Nailympia Division 3 (master level), 2nd place for "Runway Nailart").
Competition results:
2012: Budapest, Beauty Forum, 10th place in Nail Design Hungarian Cup, "Pink & White" category, builder gel
2012: Budapest, Nail Selection Hungary, 3rd place in the "La Dolce Vita" designer competition category
2014: Budapest, Crystal Nails Hungarian Nail Cup, 2nd placeinf "Pin-up American wife" in a team with Veronika Gócza
2015: Budapest, Crystal Nails Hungarian Nail Cup, 1st place in gel polish design competition category
2015: Budapest, MOSZI Salon, Sculpting Technique "Pink & White" category, 4th place, acrylic nails
2015: Budapest, Nail Grand Prix 1st plain of gel polish design competition category
2017: London Excel, International Nail Championship, Professional Beauty, 2nd place in "Pink & White" category
2017: Birmingham, UK Nail Tech Competition became UK Top Tech 2017 - 2nd place of Free style nail art, 2nd place of Top Tech Stiletto
2017: London, Olympia Beauty, Nailympia Division 3 (master level),2nd place in "Runway Nailart"
2017: Manchester, Professional Beauty Competition achieved the 1st International Nail Art Master title/trophy - 1st place of Nail Master Heat (fFrench, 3rd place of Nail Master Heat (design), 1st place of One Stroke tip box,
2018: London, Professional Beauty Competition, achievedthe 2nd International Nail Art Master title/trophy - 1st place of Nail Master Heat (design), 2nd place of Nail Master Heat (French), 4th place of Pink & White, 5th place of One Stroke tip box, 9th place of Mixed Media tip box,
2019: London, Professional Beauty Competition, achievedthe 3rd International Nail Art Master title/trophy and became Ultimate Nail Art Master in the UK - 1st place of Nail Master Heat (5 different extreme shapes), 3rd place of One Stroke Tip Box, 3rd place of Photographic Classic Nails "Pop Art theme"
2020: Nail Top Master UK online competition, 1st place in the "Marvellous Monochrome" photo category and Judges' Choice Award
2023: Finalist - Top5 UK Scratch Stars and 2nd place as Gel Tech of the Year
2024: Finalist - Top5 UK Scratch Stars in 2 categories:
Gel Tech of the Year and 2nd place as Nail Stylist of the Year
2025: Finalist - Top5 UK Scratch Stars in 2 categories:
Gel Tech of the Year and 2nd place as Nail Stylist of the Year
Who I work with
My training is ideal for you if you want to:
improve prep and retention
create a strong, balanced structure
get a cleaner finish with less filing
build confidence with a clear, professional system
work towards higher standards and certifications
Where I’m based
I’m based in Nottingham (UK). I offer in-person training locally and travel for group training in the UK and abroad, subject to availability and scheduling. Online learning is available worldwide.
Ready to choose your next step?
Book a Clarity Call (30 or 60 minutes) if you’re not sure what’s best for you
Or explore Private Training, Group Workshops, and Online Courses