Melissa Samuel, a 41-year-old nail artist based in Brooklyn, runs the brand Finesse Your Claws from her private studio in Bushwick. She specializes in creating bespoke 3-D nail sets for a select group of clients, including celebrities like SZA, Lil Yachty, and Justine Skye. Originally from London, Samuel moved to New York in 2015 and worked at nail salons before pivoting to designing nails from her apartment during the pandemic.
Despite being a one-woman operation, Samuel credits influencer Alani Figueroa, also known as “Wuzg00d,” for helping her gain recognition. When Figueroa wore one of Samuel’s custom sets to a Moschino photoshoot in 2020, designer Jeremy Scott requested more. This gave Samuel the confidence and funds to open her own studio in June of that year.
With a waiting list for appointments, Finesse Your Claws has become a sought-after destination for those seeking unique and high-quality nail art in Brooklyn. Samuel’s journey from working in salons to running her own successful business highlights the resilience and creativity of small business owners in the face of challenges like the pandemic.
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