Nail Polish Chronicles: Unveiling My Unique Personal Brand

My nails have been painted for 6,205 days straight. Even during gymnastics meets and cheerleading competitions, when colored polish was off-limits, I’d flaunt a glossy clear coat—a secret confidence booster. These painted good luck charms became an integral part of my identity, a bold punctuation mark in the story of who I am.

But let’s rewind to that pivotal moment: my mom whisked me away to the nail salon, celebrating my straight-A report card I received in first grade. Little did she know, she was igniting a passion. As I flipped through plastic nail polish samples, I was captivated by the kaleidoscope of colors and intricate designs. My choice? OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark, a deep, almost-black eggplant hue. I remember it well because I initially asked for plain black, but my mom deemed it too edgy for a six-year-old. So, I adorned my fingers and toes with the next best option and added an intricate flower design dusted with silver glitter. It was 2007—a time when nail art wasn’t at its peak, yet I admired it instantly.

That day at our local nail salon sparked a fire within me. I amassed a collection of over 300 nail polishes, begged my dad to buy rhinestones off eBay, and spent hours perfecting my designs. Sundays became my sacred nail-painting ritual, my respite from gymnastics practice. At school, I’d proudly display my latest creations—whether it was hot pink zebra print or a design inspired by my favorite nail artist on YouTube, Julieg713.

My nails, like chapters in a book, evolve with my personal brand. They’re more than adornments; they’re my silent companions, whispering stories of resilience, creativity, and the girl who dared to paint her world one brushstroke at a time.

Though I no longer wield the brush myself, I am privileged to collaborate with my current nail artist, Jane. Her talent knows no bounds; she hand-paints intricate designs that breathe life into my ideas. Whether it’s a Gossip Girl-inspired motif or a portrait of my beloved cat, Ranch, Jane meticulously crafts these pieces of myself that I proudly display to the world.

As I gaze at my nails, each design conjures a memory—a snapshot of a new experience or a glimpse into my life’s mosaic. I remember the audacious first-grader who insisted on all-black nails, defying convention. I reflect on the time I attended a One Direction concert, dedicating four painstaking hours to paint each band member on my nails. And who could forget watching Gabby Douglas soar during the 2012 London Olympics?  My nails, adorned with the Olympic rings, mirrored her grace as our brand-new TV flickered in the living room. That very TV still sits on a mismatched end table in my parents’ home—a silent witness to their unwavering dedication and the sacrifices they made to nurture my dreams. 

Now, as I step into the professional world, I glance back at six-year-old me and offer a knowing smile. She’d be immensely proud that I’ve clung to my passion, using this art form to share fragments of my life. The future remains a canvas waiting to be painted, and I vow to keep telling my stories, forging connections, and making bold choices—even if it’s as simple as selecting an unconventional nail color.