Meet the Co-Founders
At the heart of the Nail Excellence Awards are two visionary leaders whose passion, expertise, and commitment to the nail industry have helped shape its evolution and continue to inspire its future.
Selina Payne-Ferebee
Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland`, Selina Payne-Ferebee brings over two decades of experience and a reputation as a respected authority in the nail industry. Since launching her career in 2002, Selina has owned and operated several successful nail salons, earning recognition both as a creative talent and strategic businesswoman.
A natural storyteller and visionary, Selina is the founder and host of the popular Nails Are a Lifestyle podcast, where she travels the globe interviewing luxury nail salon owners, beauty innovators, and emerging nail technicians. Her mission is to motivate, spotlight, and empower the next generation of nail professionals while raising the standards of the industry.
Selina’s impact has garnered national and local media attention, including a live interview on Nail Talk Radio and a feature on FOX 45 News Baltimore’s Business Spotlight. Originally pursuing a degree in fashion design, Selina found her true calling in nails—a career that beautifully blends creativity, community, and purpose. As a devoted mother of two, her dedication is fueled by her “why,” motivating her daily to build a lasting legacy while nurturing her family. She is a passionate advocate for continued education, committed to helping nail professionals evolve, grow, and bring greater value to the marketplace. For Selina, nails are more than beauty—they are a lifestyle, a culture, and a powerful movement.
Tanaya “Nay” Middleton
With nearly 25 years of experience and over 17 years as a salon owner, Tanaya “Nay” Middleton stands as a true trailblazer in the nail industry. Nay has built a thriving three-story salon and operates a salon suite business designed specifically to empower beauty professionals. Through her innovative vision, she has created supportive spaces where nail technicians can build their own brands and grow successful businesses in a success-driven environment.
Beyond her salon ventures, Nay owns a flourishing online nail supply store that serves nail artists nationwide. She is also a proud mother of three and has had the privilege of working with celebrity clients over the years. As a dedicated educator, Nay has led countless trainings, workshops, and classes, including appearances at major national beauty events. Her mission is clear: to elevate the industry through education, mentorship, and community-building—helping the next generation of nail professionals thrive and succeed.
Our Collective Vision
The Nail Excellence Awards are the product of passionate, seasoned professionals united by a shared commitment to elevate excellence within the global nail community. Together, our co-founders and team bring over 25 years of combined experience across nail artistry, education, and entrepreneurship.
We have witnessed firsthand the remarkable evolution of this industry, and we are driven to celebrate its progress while boldly paving the way forward. The Nail Excellence Awards is more than an event—it’s a movement dedicated to honoring creativity, innovation, and achievement in nail artistry.
Through a dynamic blend of awards, educational experiences, and community-driven networking opportunities, we strive to empower, inspire, and connect professionals worldwide. Our mission is to highlight the artistry and influence of nails in beauty and self-expression, while fostering a culture of growth, collaboration, and legacy-building.
We have created this movement to ignite passion, push boundaries, and shape the future of nail artistry for generations to come.
