My Passion for Nail Art: An Act of Care for My Community

A truly magical moment in my work is witnessing a client transform into their most fulfilled self and experience self-realization in real time. This feeling is one that many beauticians (whether professional cosmetologists like me or older sisters and cousins who have always been the family hairstylists) can easily understand.  

To my clients, I’m Keeks. To my friends and family, I’m Kiera. I’m a 26-year-old independent nail artist in New York City, specializing in unique and personalized nail art. My clients range from ages 18 to mid-40s, students, corporate girlies, new moms, small business owners, and other artists. But what unites them is the role beauty plays in their self-expression. Beauty is more than a surface-level indulgence—it is an ancient, instinctual form of self and community care. It is a timeless act of suiting up to bravely face the world. Throughout history, beauty has been a communal event, and for Black women, it has always been a place of solace. We all have a role within our community and through our talents we ensure that everyone is seen, honored, and cared for. 

For generations, Black women have cultivated a deep sense of belonging through beauty rituals, such as rolling or wrapping our hair at night, a spray of our favorite perfume or reapplying our lip gloss for confidence, a quick glance in the mirror before a big moment. The spaces where these rituals take place have always been safe havens where we can shed the expectations placed upon us and simply exist. I believe this creates an energy of empowerment and trust, allowing us to ask and receive what we desire and need. For Black women especially, I believe that reclaiming safe spaces through beauty rituals is revolutionary in its healing powers.  

At one point in my career, I questioned whether my work truly mattered. But then I thought about the women who return to me, month after month, not just for nail art but for the ritual of self-care. Their nails are more than decoration—they are conversation starters, reflections of their personalities, and even symbols of healing. I’ve had clients cry unexpectedly in my chair, come to life-changing realizations, receive incredible news, and even grieve breakups. These experiences have taught me how to be more welcoming and how to create an environment where people can simply exhale. No matter what they’re going through, I make sure my clients leave feeling better than when they arrived. Sometimes, that care is more important than the masterpiece we create together.  
 
I am a nail artist. But I've learned that I am also a confidant, a coach, a mirror, and a hand to hold. My work requires that I gracefully see my clients and recognize what they need in that moment. This work is delicate, intuitive, and deeply personal. The exchange of care is what binds me to my craft—it connects me to my community and the larger collective of femininity. This is something that I really hold close to my heart. 

 
Nail art was once seen as niche but has now become a global phenomenon, and it’s no coincidence that working-class Black women spearheaded its rise. Long, intricate nails are now symbols of reclaimed power, confidence, and individuality across all races, classes, and gender expressions. There is something mesmerizing about the way a person moves when they feel beautiful, and when they take up space unapologetically. With advancements in gel technology, the creative possibilities are endless, and I am proud to be part of a movement that continues to push artistic boundaries. 

Collaboration and creation are at the heart of being a Black woman. I could not be prouder to belong to a lineage of women who have shaped the world of self-expression. Across the globe, Black women are leading conversations about the importance of beauty and self-care, recovered time and energy that has so often been given away without replenishment. These discussions are vital because we are among the most overlooked and undervalued individuals globally. It's really cool to see how nail art is playing a role in the reclamation of self-expression. The culture is always changing and growing with more knowledge and shared understanding.

Self-care is not frivolous—it is a radical act of self-preservation. When we participate in self-care, we reinforce the idea that we matter, and the more it becomes an intrinsic truth rather than a forced affirmation. While doing this, we complete the most important facet of self-care which is keeping our word to ourselves. When we care for ourselves, we are better equipped to care for our communities. We show up more fully in our own lives, and that impact ripples outward. 

I am proud to be part of a collective that prioritizes well-being. Meeting my clients with kindness, compassion, and intention goes further than I could have ever imagined. I hope all service providers feel called to show up in this way. And to anyone reading this—I encourage you to cultivate a self-care routine that protects and replenishes your energy, so you can share it with the world intentionally and gracefully.