Meet Imani: A NYC based Nail Tech creating Memorable Art With Nails as Her Canvas
Women have always found unique and innovative ways to express themselves, one being through getting our nails done. For many of us it started as a monthly tradition to cater to our self-care and beauty needs, but it has morphed into a movement. A movement that embodies creativity, art, and expression. You may have seen her designs down your timeline, or saved on your Pinterest mood board; Virginia born manicurist, Imani is surely paving the way for nail artists everywhere. We chatted with Imani as she shared with us her journey as a full-time nail artist, leaving her 9-5, and how she established a lane of her own in the beauty industry.
Tell us alittle about yourself. Who are you?
Imani: My name is Imani! A black creative from Virginia Beach, VA. I’m currently based in NYC living my passion of being a nail artist. I specialize in GelX and top tier manicuring services.
Can you tell us your earliest experience with the nail tech industry? Was it something you were always interested in?
I: Growing up, I was raised to make sure I always looked presentable and well put together. My mom used to tell me, “don’t ever look like you struggle, keep yourself tidy.” With that mindset, I automatically associated that with keeping my pampering up to par. My hair, my outfits, my makeup, and most importantly, my nails; stayed done. It was the consistency since the age of 15 that got my mind obsessed with all things beauty related. I tried the lashing industry but soon realized I enjoyed talking to people and usually with lashes, clients love to sleep so I made the decision to stop doing them as I felt it didn’t fit my personality. That was back in 2018. I took a break and began tapping into my 9-5 lifestyle of working in finance. Which was great by the way! Taught me a lot of adulting, managing credit, banking, and all the ins and outs of the finance industry. I started my nail journey during the end of quarantine in 2020. It was a thought I considered from earlier during quarantine but I had no urge due to my previous artist making house calls to see me monthly. It was a luxury. I loved being in my own home to experience self care. It was around October when I realized I needed something different in my life and I needed to take another avenue with my creativity. I ordered about $600 worth of nail products off of impulse towards Halloween timeframe. I officially began my journey on November 8, 2020. Not realizing that day would change my life, forever.
Your nail art has become very popular on social media. Where do you draw your art inspiration from, and would you say you have a specific approach to nail design?
“Always a one of one, never duplicated.”
I: Everyday I’m so blessed to see my impact on social media. So many support my journey. It’s been several individuals who have been here since the very beginning to now and I’m so grateful for everyone who acknowledges my hard work. It keeps me motivated tremendously. My goal is to inspire as many people as possible. To be honest, I can’t draw outside of a nail. I feel that bigger canvases sort of can be intimidating and it doesn’t bring the same mental process of working with a smaller canvas. Most of my designs, approximately 96% are freestyles, meaning it’s what comes to my mind at that exact moment. I can count on one hand how many clients bring me their ideas. It’s usually, “Mani, do whatever you want, go crazy!!!” And I do my best to deliver every single time. Fashion, gallery art installations, in person texture/objects inspire my way of designing. I like to design things that can easily be noticed once a client walks by you. A lot of my work is associated with the “if you know, you know” perspective. It works better that way, making my art style catered to each specific client. Always a one of one, never duplicated.
How did you make that transition to being a nail tech full time? Was that an easy decision to make?
I: Making the transition was both hard and simple, if that makes sense. Hard because I was leaving my job of 4 years, being a Senior Account Manager at Capital One. I loved my job. My team was great. My manager was similar to a father figure to me. The environment and benefits were also worth it. Growing up in a single mother household, I feared not being financially stable. I prayed about my journey, I got support from my inner circle, as well as my manager, Allan. It was May 28, 2021 when I made the call to him to let him know I needed to take the leap of faith and bet on myself. It became an easier thought when I realized how I can be more available for people who are wanting to get serviced by me. A bunch of clients needed earlier availability during the day so it all made sense to me to just take a chance and see how far I go. I’ve never been more proud of a decision in my whole life.
How has your experience been as a nail tech? What was your most fulfilling moment?
I: My experience has been so fun. I wouldn’t change a single day for anything. Everyday is a day to create a masterpiece. Seeing smiles and hearing the excitement from my clients confirms this was a journey I was supposed to embark. I’d say my most fulfilling moment was moving to NYC from VA to do my passion in the busiest city ever. Securing my nail suite felt like a dream come true. And just to think I made it happen in one year is mind blowing. I started building my clientele monthly in NYC since June 2021. So moving here, I already had approximately 30 regulars who came to see me every month. It all worked out for the best. My clients have doubled since my official move in December 2021.
It is so amazing to see Imani’s progress because I literally remember her documenting her transition via Instagram and look at her now. It goes to show how the creative route can truly pay off if you want it bad enough.
What is your creative process like when doing nails? Do your clients normally know what they want, or do you add your own touch to each design?
I: I’m very big on the aesthetic and vibe of my client. I get to know each person throughout consultations and appointments. One appointment is all it takes for someone to rebook for the next month. I pride my business in being authentic in a way of creating sets that are memorable. My clients trust my designs 100% of the time.
The key is memorability. Imani has a way of telling a unique story through her nail designs. That is the distinction that makes it art. It is cool when you can make out someone’s inspirations or personality by their nails.
How do you want your clients to feel after they get their nails done?
I: My goal with each client is to provide top tier satisfaction. Social media is powerful. When clients let me know continuously that they’re excited for content and how they’ll take their nailfies is always a good feeling. My Instagram account is also very unique, my content is all the same aesthetic! Having this specific look to my portfolio allows me to remain consistent and unique. My clients love seeing their nails posted!
What nail design or look are you the most proud of?
via @imanicurist on Instagram
I: I’d say my “Bubble Bath” is my top favorite. It resonates with my design style or working with 3D objects to intensify a look. I did those recently! Check out my reels to see how I achieved the iridescent pearly greatness!
What does an average work day look like for you?
I: My days consist of starting bright and early! I have about 4 clients a day. Starting at 8AM. They’re about 3.5 hours apart, giving me about 30 minutes to 1 hour breaks in between each client. I often use my breaks for content editing, eating, talking to my friends via FaceTime or simply just praying to thank God for putting me into this position. I technically work 12 hour days. But I only work Wednesday-Saturday so my work life balance is healthy and comfortable with having 3 consecutive days off a week. I’m blessed that I get off work around 830PM and NEVER feel overworked or even slightly tired. I have the best schedule, to me!
What is your favorite part about being a nail tech? Has your profession changed or expanded your outlook on the beauty industry?
“I’d love to keep seeing more black creatives tap in! There’s so much we have to offer that we need to revolutionize the industry completely. We are the blueprint.”
I: My favorite part is testing my limits and seeing what my hands can create. Nothing is ever too complicated or overwhelming. I trust myself and my process of designing and I’ll do anything that expands my portfolio. I also enjoy each and every session with my clients. Being able to spin the block on what we talked about last is always nice to see reactions; I remember everything. My clients feel special. My outlook on the beauty industry currently is, I’d love to keep seeing more black creatives tap in! There’s so much we have to offer that we need to revolutionize the industry completely. We are the blueprint.
When the pandemic happened there was definitely a rise in millennials choosing to start their own businesses, and establish something of their own. Over the last few years I’ve seen more Black women nail techs in bustling cities. Just imagine what will happen in the years to come. We can truly takeover. It is inspiring to see how much the beauty industry has shifted in just a few short years. People are taking their self-care more seriously and making it less of a hobby and more of a nonnegotiable.
What is one word of advice for people looking to start their own business in the nail industry?
I: Nothing beats a failure but a try. Trust your own process. Focus on application and being authentic. The clients will come, focus on building your brand identity so that your clients are returning and are loyal to you. Never, ever, force it. Never, ever, sell yourself short. I believe in you.
How do you keep yourself balanced while being a manicurist (finding time for yourself/self care)?
I: Having a consistent 3 days off, Sunday-Tuesday, allows me to recharge every week. I do still work on my off days but it’s not the nail artistry type of work. I do things administrative to keep things perfectly together. Luckily that’s not everyday, I like to plan for one of the 3 days to be admin days and my other 2, are all to me. With living in NYC, there’s always things to do for self care. I’m getting into massages, acupuncture, and personal training soon to keep things even more aligned. Traveling is also something that’s mandatory. Unwinding in a different area to experience something else for a few is always appreciated.
Who is someone you’d love to work with or service? Why?
I: I’d love to work with Rihanna’s team. Although her aesthetic is more on the simple side, being the nail artist for Fenty and Savage would be a manifestation come reality. Rih’s team is so creative. I feel as if every project would be unique.
Any upcoming projects in the works?
I: Let’s just say, 2022 is going to be the year that sets me up for a higher calling going forward. Imanicurist will be legendary. I can’t wait for everyone to see what’s cooking up!
Imani’s story is a true testament to trusting in yourself, and your talents. Your faith will outweigh your fear in all that you do. Sometimes as creatives it can be disheartening to navigate your passions in a world that praises tradition; with faith, consistency, and hard work you can make it work if it is your true calling. Be sure to check out Imani’s socials to stay connected and see more of her nail art.
