Nail art is on the rise, so many people are looking for social media to get daily nail inspiration. Fortunately, Denver people have a large number of creatives with artistic talents who live by the best things they like and do.
Thanks to Ashleigh Owens, one of Denver’s innovative black nail artists, we understand the importance of collective support and celebration of black nail artists. So we talked with five famous artists who are acting in the nail scene in Colorado to learn more about the genius behind their extravagant designs.
Timia Knox: My name is Timia Knox and I am 27 years old. I am a self-taught manicurist and have been in nails for 12 years-with a 9-year license. I own Prissy Bee Nails and Esthetics in Colorado Springs, and an online nail supply shop for beginner nail artists. After visiting the nail salon with my mother countless times, I became interested in nails. I also have a background in visual art, so nail art has become a great way to combine my love for nails and art.
TK: For me, it’s very important to celebrate local black artists showing our passion for craftsmanship-each set of nails is a completely unique masterpiece for each client. For a long time, people have been accustomed to going to nail salons, going in and out, and leaving with mediocre and boring nails. Black artists have completely subverted the nail industry and proved that nails are art and should be taken seriously.
TK: At this moment, I’m really happy to see artists remix iconic styles of the 90s, such as classic French techniques, and recreate them with a modern and up-to-date feel.
Book with Knox by texting (330) 631-4423 and add it to her waiting list. Learn more about nail art on her YouTube channel.
Indigo Johnson: Nothing too crazy. To be honest, I can summarize it as being in the right place, with the right people and at the right time. On Valentine’s Day in 2018, I was appointed as my current tutor Rachael Bowen for nail trimming. Rachael Bowen is the owner of Acronychous (a bespoke nail shop) and all-round badass nails, located at five o’clock. We are both hot Gemini women, we drove it away immediately, she persuaded me to go to the nail school and work with her in her shop. She taught me almost everything she knew, and then taught me some knowledge. Now, a year later, I still love Acronychous’s life, but now I lease “nailmamì” as an independent booth myself. Just draw the tiny designs of lil to make them look as bold as possible while helping to make all baby’s nail dreams come true.
IJ: I think it is so important to celebrate black nail technicians, creators, trendsetters and artists in general, because people have not celebrated black people for so long. Just because of the color of our skin, our voice becomes soft, ideas are stolen and ignored. Honestly, it’s not cute and can’t fly anymore. Black nail technology needs to be recognized, praised and compensated for all the excellent work it has done and done for our industry. [Important] Thanks to the right time and the realization that this bisque trend used every day is derived from black techniques such as airbrushing, nailing and long, sculpted nails. On this topic, I feel nothing but the love and support of the community, which is really great.
IJ: I have joked with many customers and friends about my “aesthetic” or “ambience” and narrowed it down to “boys in the 90s” tie-dye, checkerboard, and bright neon lights. But, my favorite design all the time is the flame-black, metal, flash, neon ombré flame. There are no wrong answers, I like them all. Low-key, if I do these things with each client every day, I won’t feel a little frustrated. It’s also gold. Resplendent.
Cora Sokoloski: I moved to Colorado alone when I was 18 years old, until I became homeless around 2013, and then graduated from a beauty school in 2014. I started working in a nail salon in 2015, but before hiring me at that salon, before the census report forced the company to become more diversified, I was turned away.
CS: I think it’s normal to see black people improve each other’s goals and achievements.
CS: I always wear drapes and piercings on my nails, but I really like granite marble [trend], it’s best to use powder.
AlisaMarie: My dream and goal is to go to the police academy and then turn to killing. I applied for three consecutive years, but I was not admitted. One day, I raised my head and said, “I am almost 30 years old and have done nothing. How can my baby be proud of me?”
AM: As a manicurist, I have been doing top-notch nail work-bright colors, sparkles, etc. However, I did French tricks for the first time and fell in love! It will always be a classic! I also like two different styles of hands.
Breonda Johnson: I became a professional manicurist in 2018. I started when I was 14 (in the beauty industry) through my mother’s hair salon.
As a client, I always go on appointments very hard. What almost made me anxious was that I sat down opposite a new manicurist, trying to explain what I wanted to get after being turned away, asking not to come back, slapped my hand and told me that I was too picky. I was finally disappointed by the service. I [decided] to go to school and go all out. I awakened something in my heart on the first day of class, and I have been in a state of climax since then. Not only do I have a strong passion for nails, but I also hope that everyone who makes my nails feels that they have met the right nail technician for them. I want to make their dreams come true through my fingertips.
BJ: I think it’s very important to recognize and appreciate all our local African American nail technicians, because the industry has been led by others for many years. Many people do not realize that the creativity and artistic methods of the nail industry have been influenced by African Americans. It’s time to admit this.
BJ: I personally like to customize all my suits for customers. I find that having a short conversation and really understanding what the client wants to achieve makes me the absolute most creative person in the space they give me. Acrylic resin with pigments glows in the dark, and the glitter effect combined with the crazy chrome rhinestones and aluminum foil design is always a plus. If I can, I want to push the limit.
_bnc19303 Magazine303 Magazine Beauty303 Magazine FashionAcronychousAlisaMarieAshleigh Owensblack artist denverblack manicurist blacknail techblack black beauty-owned black business DenverBreonda Johnsoncocolee747Cora Sokoloskidenver manicurist Denver manicurist Elizabeth Mehert Abfingerspice666Indigo Johnson mainstream nail nails
Elizabeth (Elizabeth) is a fashion intern at 303 Magazine and is absolutely obsessed with the beauty, health and fashion of all things. When not writing, you will find her belly dancing, practicing Pilates/yoga or just enjoying nature outside. Find her on Instagram @elizabethmehertab.
Initially started with the parking lot pop-up window, it will now take over Colorado. Los Angeles’ @daveshotchicken recently opened their first CO location on South Broadway and plans more. Go to the link in bio to learn more about #hotchickenhype. .