![isis-nicole:
Manicures are now more fun than ever, and Patty Cakes of Cake Nail$ wants everything to do with it. Rocking a chest piece tattoo, nerdy oversized frames, cat liner, and dyed bangs, Cakes puts her art background onto print and pattern hungry fingernail canvases. Known to her clients as a mother and craft master, Cakes stirs up her mobile nail business throughout LA. She started designing nails in 2008 and recently expanded her business to providing manicure services at fashion events in her city. Her technique includes use of a 10/0 art brush, dotting tools, toothpicks, OPI lacquers, and craft paint for better control and flexibility over the nails.
According to CND Grand Master Educator and ONYX Beauty Systems Laura Merzetti, craft/acrylic paints are safe and easy to use for quicker drying and less smudging - as long as applied thinly.
“When I use nail polish it dries up and it clumps really fast but with craft paint I can work with it longer,” says Cakes.
In a research by Scratch, trending OPI lacquers for summer 2012 are copper colours, rich indigos and clay shades including ‘Dutch Ya Just Love OPI?’, ‘Gouda Gouda Two Shoes’, and ‘Did You ‘ear About Van Gogh?’
Cakes Nails$ specializes in a variety of tribal pieces as well as pop art themes including Andy Warhol, Beavis and Butthead, and Hip-Hop counterparts ranging from $25-$35. Cakes has since attracted the attention of MTV Style and even gained demand from women’s streetwear Dimepiece Designs, Kelly Love of Dripped Fashion Soiree and Trunk Show, and rapper/dancer Rye Rye, all due to her natural knack in design, knowing what each client wants.
“The start [of working with Dimepiece Designs] was really cool,” says Cakes. “I was actually really surprised. Ashley Jones [Co-founder] turned into me their press packet and from there I got all the inspiration and just transferred all of their designs onto the menu, the nail board.”
In January 2012, Cakes had recreated the Dimepiece S/S 2012 collection ‘The Drug and The Dream’, incorporating sunset ambiance, lipstick, and pills. A rather fascinating preview of the brands lookbook before it was released to the public at the beginning of this month.
Earlier, at the end of summer in 2011, Cakes set aside her shy qualities and referenced herself to rapper Rye Rye via Facebook, sending a nail design she thought she might have liked.
“After that she was like ‘where were you last week when I did my video shoot, I need these nails in my life’ and I was like oh my god! A few weeks later she texted me if I could do her nails for her Jay Leno appearance. It was a very fun experience. She’s really down to earth,” says Cakes.
Today, Cakes preps herself early morning for her next appointment with Rye Rye in the afternoon. The rapper/dancer turning actress has a red carpet event for the action comedy ’21 Jump Street’ which she and singer Esthero made the theme song for. “She’s going to be in the new ’21 Jump Street’ movie, that’s what I’m doing nails for today!” says Cakes.
Outside of her experiences with branding Cake Nail$ online and getting her name out by word of mouth, Cakes gives a great amount of her careers success to her services at events.
“I think without my events I would just be sitting at home trying to get clients to come to me which is really hard,” says Cakes. “But when you’re out there people get to see you and get to know your personality instead of just looking at pictures online and coming in. It’s kind of scary. You don’t know what you’re going to get when you meet people online so events I feel definitely help with my branding and everything.”
But even with her confidence in her nail art performance at events, Cakes still has yet to answer what she would say has been her most game changing take on the nail industry. Instead she finds pleasure exploring what other nail artists are doing to add refreshment and inspiration to her own craft.
“I always watch what Nail Porn is putting out,” says Cakes. “It’s so dope! I have kids so I never really get a chance to be online too much so it’s really helpful to me to see what’s new.”
Some of Cakes web surfing has led her to seeing lots of crazy takes on nail art, the most alluring to her taste being 3-D.
“I’ve seen some crazy 3-D shit! I don’t really do too much, I just stick to art but it’s kind of like wow!” says Cakes.
Just as Cakes has dabbled in 3-D, she has also dipped into past entrepreneur ventures designing tees back in 2005. “Cakes” was her 6 piece collection that she promoted through events in LA with the help of her Myspace friend turned real friend Kelly Love. But “Cakes” faded away, and Cakes Nail$ was born as soon as she decided nail art had to be a major part of her life.
“When she [Kelly Love] started up again with Dripped she asked for my help. I told her I didn’t really have anything to offer with clothing but I’m doing nails and she said it would be cool. That’s where I got started, because she asked me to come to her events,” says Cakes.
“Patty is distant for great success as an artist, as a mother and as a business woman,” says Kelly Love. “I have been privileged enough to have seen Patty’s work from the very beginning and it keeps progressing and that’s why I go back for more. Every time I see new work I get very excited.”
Sidenote: When Patty Cakes spoke with me over the phone she misheard one of my questions. Phone reception will do that to ya! So to answer what has been her most game changing contribution to nails she says it was her A Tribe Called Quest nail tribute that she did after watching Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels Of A Tribe Called Quest. Herwork ended up caughting the attention of director Micheal Rapaport and he actually made it his default on Facebook, “I was and still am on cloud 9 about that,” says Cakes.](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m171b8EZiA1qzwhpyo1_r1_250.jpg)
![isis-nicole:
I’ve been curious about nail artist Madeline Poole ever since my eyes got hooked to her blog. I was like, ‘who is this mystery woman with all these phenomenal designs?!’. Poole be getting hella reblogs, like literally thousands, in just a couple hours. ‘I must interview this b***h!!!!’—-was all I could repeat. And sure enough, the worldwide web linked us together and I felt ever so grateful to have gotten a closer understanding of who Madeline Poole is. She discusses her inspiration from Kandinsky, opinion on nail art buzz, egg dioramas and more. Madeline is a creator to say the least. And a humble heart, I say, with the utmost sincerity as a tipsetter to another. Peep my interview (well q&a) with Maddie after the jump.
Name: Madeline Poole
Hometown: Baltimore, MD but now living in Los Angeles. Age: 25Blog: http://madelinepoolenails.tumblr.com/Most Known For: Nail art?Unknown For: I make egg dioramas and drawings.
Favorite blogs: Manishtama, my ultimate most favorite blog http://manishtama.blogspot.comSo tell me a little bit about yourself (aside from nails because we’ll get into that as we go): I moved here [Los Angeles] a few years ago and started off looking to work in fashion. I wanted to design clothes. I’ve been doing a glorified couch surf and finally found a place. I guess I really live in LA now and I’m trying to find my way here.
You just changed your blog layout! It looks good. What brought on the change? Isis! You really are the the quickest to notice every time! I’ve been wanting to change it since day one… And I’ll hopefully be changing it again and again and again until it satisfies me.
Do you have background in music or a sort of routine you need in order to start designing? I like looking at other-non-nail-related things, looking at art, record covers, old books, rocks, clip-art, egg dioramas, botany charts, runway shows or even other peoples closets and apartments to see collections of patterns together. Sometimes I plan out designs on nail wheels or sketch them with pencil.When did you start doing nails and why? Not long ago… I always painted my own nails but I didn’t start getting experimental with it until a year and a half ago. And even then it was just an occasional getting-dressed-up-crazy-accessory. It didn’t start taking over my life until about 5 months ago when I started my blog and started documenting what I was doing. What’s your favorite piece of nail art you’ve coined or created? I don’t know that I’ve coined anything… maybe the combination’s I choose are my own. But everything’s been done before, I can only really reinvent. The outlined nail and negative space nails are some of my favorite and most original.
I love your artistry and detail. You got skills girl. Is this a gift (like you just woke up and could do this sh*t) or much practiced? Thank you. I’ve had a long history with painting. I worked with my mom since I was a kid, she’s a muralist and faux-finisher, she taught me how to paint fake marble and wood grain and leather. And I’ve got to give credit to my old job in Baltimore at The Poster Repair Company, where I spent several years restoring vintage posters, mixing colors and reconstructing missing pieces of lithographs with extremely small paintbrushes. I learned how to mix color and match color very quickly.
Why do you think there is this new found buzz around nails? It’s an easy way to be expressive and change your look constantly without having to buy a bunch of new stuff. I’m not sure why there’s such a buzz, maybe it’s that when you have no extra cash but you still want to be fabulous, you can always paint your nails.
Just as there are crazy good designs, there are also some bad bunches floating around the bloggyverse. Any nail trends you wish to see leave? Hmmm. Sure, theres a lot of garbage but I sort of like it all. I did notice this fan shaped nail and that is fascinating me at the moment. Have you seen that? [Dang, I don’t think so…maybe?!]
How do you set yourself apart from other designers out there? I don’t do anything intentionally, but I’m usually designing with a bit of my intuition.
What does it take to be successful and motivated in this business? As soon as I decided I was dedicated to nails as my livelihood, I started feeling like I could actually find some success. It feels right to me to be doing this, so I naturally feel motivated.
What’s your biggest challenge so far?
Waiting for nail polish to dry.
What’s your most prized accomplishment(s)?
Leaving Baltimore and moving to a city where I knew barely anyone.
Do you have any pop-up events or nail tours for your fans outside of LA? I would like to of course! I hope to be doing a nail party in NY around the new year.
Can your press-on’s be ordered? And do you take nail art requests?
Sure, no one’s ever ordered them but I wouldn’t be opposed! I’m working on developing a limited edition series of press-ons for this mysterious “brand” a friend of mine is starting… As far as requests go, I do take them but only if I think that I can put my own spin on the idea in a way that I’ll be happy with. Are there any upcoming projects you’re working on that you’re open to share?
There are some projects in the works, some I have to keep a secret. But the press ons I mentioned, and I’m working on an album cover. Who, besides a family member, do you find inspirational and why? Maybe this is a boring answer but most of my close friends are artists and they have a major influence on me. Also Kandinsky and people on the street.
If you could design anyone’s nails who would it be?
OH BOY. Prince.
Have you got in touch with Lady Gaga yet? Naomi Yasuda could make some room for collaboration or competition!
No! Sadly, no Gaga. Working with Naomi would be a dreamy. I could stand to learn some things from her. Can someone convince her to read this?What’s the craziest nail request you’ve had from someone?
My friend Janine wants me paste some of her dogs fur onto her nails, which I plan to do.
Any advice to aspiring artists?
You really have to self-promote even though it feels weird. Otherwise, no one will ever see what you do.
Additional: how to book apptments, service menu
Email: Madelinepoolenails@gmail.com](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lvxlneA1cK1qzwhpyo1_r1_1280.jpg)
It's More Than Just Manicures: Nail Art Interview with Hasani
Written by Isis Nicole
Nail art has gone far beyond salons and straight into fashion shoots, music videos, parties, retail shops and galleries.
Let’s face it, manicures aren’t just about a simple polish these days. It’s the “nail art” that accessorizes fingertips into phenomenal fashion statements.
I got a chance to catch up with celebrity manicurist Hasani or “Sani Macc” to discuss her success in the nail business, as well as her inspirations and challenges today. Based in Los Angeles, Hasani has worked with Dawn Richard of P. Diddy’s “Dirty Money,” Tae Heckard of “The Game”, Draya of “Basketball Wives of LA”, and a list of other entertainers. Her designs are high-key, super glossy and often full of embellishment. When I see Hasani nails I think lavish femininity; in other words, BLING BLING!!
Name: Hasani
Hometown: Los Angeles
Blog: Saninails.tumblr.com
Most Known For: Nail Art
Unknown For: I love to do itineraries when I travel.
The Interview:
GlossMagazineOnline (GMO): Who gets the best gossip, the hairstylist or the nail artist?
Hasani: Hairstylist
GMO: When did you start designing nails and why?
Hasani: One of my good friends sent me a tutorial on cheetah nails. I watched it and said to myself “I can do that.” I’ve been designing ever since.
GMO: What’s a day in the life of a celebrity nail artist and how has your creativity matured from this experience?
Hasani: ON THE GO! Being a celebrity nail artist, you have to stay ready because you never know when you’re going to get a call to work. Creatively, being a celebrity nail artist pushes you to always be at your best. You have to know how to do all the latest trends.
GMO: Who have you designed for?
Hasani: Dawn Richard of [music group] Dirty Money, Tae Heckard of ”The Game,” Eve, Raina of ”Next Top Model Cycle 14,” Draya of ”Basketball Wives of LA,” and a host of models.
GMO: What’s your favorite piece of nail art you’ve coined or created?
Hasani: My Swarovski Crystal Bow. Everyone that comes to me wants that blinged-out bow!
GMO: Any nail trends you’d like to see die?
Hasani: French Tip
GMO: How do you set yourself apart from other nail artists out there?
Hasani: I don’t try to set myself apart from other nail artists. I believe that’s there more than enough out there for any and everyone to have a great career. I love what I do, and I think that loves comes across in the quality of my work.
GMO: What’s your biggest challenge so far?
Hasani: Being shy. I’m not the most outspoken person at first, so I gotta get out of that!
GMO: What’s your most prized accomplishment(s)?
Hasani: Getting my manicurist license is one of my prized accomplishments. I stuck it to the man, quit my job, went to school, let go and let God, and what a great journey I am on!
GMO: Do you have pop up nail art events around LA or outside of it?
Hasani: Not as of yet, but I would so love to be apart of one!
GMO: Since you’re an established nail artist do you feel like you pretty much know the ropes, or are you at times outside of your comfort zone?
Hasani: ”Know the ropes” (laughs). For me, everyday is a learning experience!
GMO: Are there any upcoming projects you’d like to share?!
Hasani: I wanna start doing tutorials and a day in the life. So look out for a Youtube channel from me soon.
GMO: You’re freaking Money Makin Sani Macc! What’s your secret to success?
Hasani: Faith. I have faith in my talent and my career. I only allow myself to think positively.
GMO: Who, besides a family member, do you find inspirational and why?
Hasani: My mentor Naja. She has taken me in and taught me so much. She has had a lot of success and encourages me to do my best. I’m also inspired by Sophy Robson and Kimmie Keys.
GMO: If you could design nails for anyone, who would it be and why?
Hasani: Beyonce! She’s fly and a trendsetter, and I would love to create fly nails for her!
GMO: What’s the craziest nail request you’ve had from someone?
Hasani: I once had someone ask for paper! They wanted all kinds of paper hanging off the nail. It was crazy but, nothing is too bizarre for me.
GMO: Any advice to aspiring artists?
Hasani: My advice would be to follow your dream! I know it seems a bit cliché but when you do what you love you’ll be so happy! Oh, and whenever you have the opportunity to learn and grow…take advantage of it!
Find Hasani:
Twitter: @SaniMacc
Located: 8000 Sunset Blvd. Suite 36
Los Angeles, CA 90046
For appointments: Hasani.nails@gmail.com
