Nail art has transcended traditional boundaries, becoming a medium of self-expression and individuality. Mei Kawajiri is a prime example of how this craft has emerged into the realm of celebrity culture. Known for her intricate nail designs, Kawajiri has garnered a clientele that includes music and fashion icons like Cardi B, Heidi Klum, Ariana Grande, and Bad Bunny, amassing over 343,000 followers on Instagram.
She expertly transforms basic nails into jaw-dropping works of art, featuring detailed 3-D sculptures such as pastries, hand-drawn portraits of beloved anime characters, and mesmerizing acrylics adorned with jewels and lace. By pushing the limits of nail artistry, Kawajiri creates works that frequently become viral sensations.
When she's not jet-setting to glamorous hotel rooms to pamper her celebrity clients, Kawajiri operates her business from her cozy home office in New York's Lower East Side, juggling her craft while raising her toddler. Her nail station is playfully located near her child's playpen, embodying the blend of work and motherhood.
Kawajiri's career took root in Kyoto, where she opened her first studio at 23 in the trendy district of Harajuku. In 2012, she embarked on a life-changing journey to New York City, fueled by a friend's encouragement to showcase her extraordinary talent to a wider audience.
Upon her arrival in New York, she faced language barriers and the daunting challenge of immersing herself in a new culture. Determined to succeed, she often walked four miles to the Plaza Hotel on Fifth Avenue, portfolio in hand, to seek opportunities and advice from passersby about her decision to move.
Her aesthetic, which perfectly encapsulates kawaii culture with playful colors and whimsy, combined with her undeniable skill, has resulted in an impressive rise within the nail art community, transforming the way we view nail design and self-expression altogether.
