Meet Natalie Minerva | Celebrity Nail artist

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

Hi Natalie, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I actually believe the entire beginning of my career was one giant risk because when I began 15 years ago, nail art was not what it is today. It had humble roots and at the time the general population hadn’t caught on. So when I told my parents I was going to quit college and pursue becoming a nail artist, they were deeply weary. But, I had a clear vision of what it would become and how I would do it, and the honest truth is the bulk of my vision came true.

Starting Nail Swag, my first company, was very much a calculated risk as well. That investment in myself was one thing, but then I had to take the risk of training and trusting others to offer nails that were fitting for my audience. They all superseded my hopes. I was so lucky to have such talent beside me. None of that would have been possible if my business partner Paizley Lee hadn’t taken her own risks in believing in my capabilities either.

I think if the belief in yourself and in your art or passion is strong enough, the risk is worth it because you just simply won’t quit until you reach the heights you aim to achieve.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My day job is a nail artist, and I can truly say it’s one of the coolest and most fun jobs in the world. My entire career has been a whirlwind of adventure and creativity that managed to be showcased globally.

My roots began in nightlife funny enough. I worked at A Club Called Rhonda in Los Angeles doing event production with them. It is an iconic club, and is still going strong today. We were a bunch of young people who cared deeply about music and having a good time. We dressed very eccentric, and part of my schtick was pairing nails to my night out fit. Many stylists, hair and make up industry folks went out there, and soon they had asked me if I could do their clients nails. My first client was Carmen Electra from a friend I met at Rhonda. Soon, I was doing Paris Hilton and Hilary Duff. It quickly snowballed from there.

A huge part of my career, I was with Ariana Grande. I toured the entire world with her. I was with her for almost four years straight. It was an incredible time in my life, and looking back I look back on it so fondly. We did so many cover shoots and music videos, including Thank You, Next which to me was such an epic era for Ari. I just loved it.

I would say my most proud accomplishment was being able to do all of the nails for Euphoria season 2. It was a dream project for me. I thoroughly enjoyed diving deep into character development, and I just loved expressing my art on such a large scale project. It was honestly life changing. I felt so elated that the public had responded to my nails the way I had hoped they would. Seeing your art being mimicked by fans is just such a crazy and awesome feeling!

Getting to this point was not easy, but I can honestly say it was almost always fun. I think because I did and still do my job with pure authenticity, that to me is the root of joy in a job. I am not trying to be someone else. I am not trying to fit myself into any kind of mold.

People come to me because they know I’ll give them the best set that’s meant for them individually. It’s a very personal connection that I make with my clients, and I think that is probably the catalyst for my success as well. Being able to receive people in any emotional state (happy, sad, anxious, etc) and make them feel seen and heard while giving them art that’s so specific to them is the most unique part about my job.

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.
So I’m an east side girl through and through. It is rare to catch me west of Vine.

First and foremost, I’m going to take them to some bomb meals. Bestia is my favorite place to take friends from out of town. The bone marrow spaetzle is out of this world.

Jon and Vinny’s is a very delicious little lunch, but only on a low key weekday so it’s easy!

Perhaps we will do an obligatory Erewhon smoothie stop since it’s in my neighborhood.

Alfred’s Matcha Lattes for a little afternoon pick me up.

We will definitely go to the Silverlake Farmer’s market and I will cook for them because I love hosting and making meals for people: it’s my love language.

For activities, they will certainly have a night out with me at A Club Called Rhonda because legit it’s the most fun party in LA.

For a calmer daytime activity, I love to go to the Huntington Garden in Pasadena. I have a membership there, and it’s just simply my happy place.

I also love doing a lap around the Silverlake Reservoir during golden hour. I’ll bring my dog Butter and we can have a little exercise with a lot of beauty around us.

If they are dying to go to the west side, I will do it under one contingency: we have to go check out the roller skaters in Venice. I just love watching them.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, thank you to my parents for believing in me through not just my career, but my entire life.

To my old business partner Paizley Lee for having the faith to jump head in first with our company Nail Swag. Without those years of hard work and exposure, I would not be the artist I am today.

And to my boyfriend Loren for constantly inspiring me and supporting me on becoming the best artist I can be.

Website: https://www.forwardartists.com/manicure/natalie-minerva-portfolio

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalieminervanails?igsh=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Rhonda photo: Glen Han