Meet Ami Vega | Nail Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ami Vega and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ami, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had always had a passion for nails, starting back in my college days. But back in 2011 I started a tumblr account named El Salonsito and it was just a fun place to show off my hobby of nail art. It quickly garnered a lot of attention, which inspired me to go to nail school and pursue this as a career.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Throughout the years, my ability to create tiny works of art on nails has been what’s drawn people to me. I have an open obsession with tiny details. The journey to where I am now has not been easy. I am a single mother who started her career when her child was 2. Balancing that has been challenging. I remember sending my daughter to her grandparents in the Dominican Republic for 3 months so I could go to nail school. But it’s all been worth it, I’ve worked with so many amazing women and brands. My work is recognized all over the world and I truly do get to do what I want.
One of the best advice I’ve learned is to do it afraid, I left my 9-5 to pursue a career I was brand new in and truly did not know of it would take off. And as scared as I was, I took that leap of faith and here I am 12 years later.
I want folks to know that my love of nails and what I do, is way more than the asthetics – it’s about connecting with women of all walks of life and creating a look for them that truly represents their personal identity. It’s about the stories we share, the tears, the joy, the community we built with our clients. Nailart is more than vanity, it’s a tool to connect folks through art.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d definitely start with Clinton Street Baking Co, for some of the best pancakes known to man. The trip would definitely involve a lot of art museums, from the Met to Moma, and everything in between. If the weather permits, lounging on the grass at Central Park is mandatory. I’m big about picnics and charcuterie boards. lol A trip to the Catskills would also be included, because nature hikes are a great way to relax and disconnect from the city.
I’d also have to take them uptown to Washington Heights for some traditional Dominican food.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My brother Gabe, he was the catalyst behind it all. Beside his constant encouragement to follow this. He also was the force behind my signing to a talent agency, getting my first onset job and the making of my own nail art book, published by Penguin Randomhouse. There would be no ElSalonsito/AmiVNails without him.

Website: www.amivnails.com

Instagram: amivnails