GIGI

isis-nicole:

Lili K is a refined concoction of sorts. A little bit of Jazz and spritz of soul, hence a new age vintage product of rare Milwaukee finds tired of that ‘good for a white girl’ shit. Yes, steezy bitches DO exist in the midwest! And Lili K has got the voice to prove it (ahem, she opened for DWELE…). But forreals, as someone always drawn to the gems who standout on campus, it only made sense to squeeze in an interview, so when Lili K agreed my eyes lit up! Check out our discussion on music, nails, and inspirations after the jump.

Name Lili K
Hometown MilwaukeeAge 20 Blog lilikjazz.tumblr.com Most Known For Sangin Unknown For Photography & graphic design So way back when, like at a ‘Big mouth’ open mic series, I was introduced to you. Everyone’s reaction was like, ‘damn this white girl can sing!’. Is that the usual reaction still, or have they dropped the white girl shit?!(Laughs) “Damn this white girl can sing” has been people’s description of me my whole life. Part of me loves it, part of me hates it. Like, people never expect me to sound how I do, and I love the looks on their faces when I open my mouth, but I really wish race didn’t have to be a part of establishing who is and isn’t cold. So yea, the white girl shit is still the typical reaction… that’s just how it is I guess.
When and why did you start to take your interest in music serious?Singing is just what I do. I love it, it makes me happy… so I knew it would always be a focal point in my life. But once people started to react to my voice… that’s when I realized that I could actually make a living out of it. I started writing original material when I was 10, recorded and released my first song when I was 15 (laughs), it was sooo R&B! After that, I started singing plenty Hip-Hop hooks and doing gigs with Jazz combos. So I’ve been recording and writing for about five years, but it wasn’t until I moved to Chicago when I was 18 that I really started to polish my sound of this Jazz/Soul/Hip-Hop fusion and seriously pursue a career in music.
How would you describe your style, voice and fashion included?Man, I’m all over the place. Jazzy and vintage are the main components, but just like I throw some Hip-Hop in my music, I’ll throw a pair of Jordans on with a vintage sweater; or my Timbs with a blazer. I’ll wear my hair curly one day, bun on top of my head the next, or a random head wrap if I just don’t feel like doing my hair at all. And on top of all of that, I have all these tattoos and piercings that just throw people off… like “Wait, she’s not a rock singer?” All of these different fashion elements translate perfectly to my sound as well; a little Jazz, a little Latin, some Soul, some Hip-Hop, bits of Electro. It all comes together cohesively though.
You have a nice voice by the way, smooth and lovely! Are there any routines that help get you inspired to be all jazzy?Thanks lady! Routines? (Laughs) I don’t know. I memorize Ella Fitzgerald and John Coltrane solos. I sometimes pretend my voice is a trumpet, I listen to Hip-Hop and steal rhythmic ideas from Andre 3000 and Q-Tip, I listen to Stevie Wonder and and try to copy his runs… those are things I do vocally. Just being around people I love also inspires me. If I’m relaxed and chillin with people who put me in a good mood, my voice sounds better. If I’m all stressed and shit trying to record a happy song, I’m just gonna sound like a liar. I don’t really know if those are routines… but they’re things I always do, (laughs) Oh! And tea, I drink PLENTY tea with honey.
Speaking of routines, let’s talk nails! When did you get into nail art?To be honest, fairly recently. I was one of the girls who started getting fake nails after I got my first job. Those fat, square cut, long, french manicured, swirly Asian designed nails. Then I stopped because I realized the fakes were ruining my nails, and started only getting random manicures. I did Biggest Mouth at Columbia last year in the Spring, so of course, I had to get my nails done. When I did, I just remembered how much I missed keeping nice nails, so I decided to keep them up from that point on. I’ve been really into nail art and have been growing out my natural nails since then.
I know that Spifster is the visionary behind your manicures! How did you two end up meeting up?
GIRL! Spifster is ridiculous. We had a couple mutual friends who kept telling us about one another. So we finally used Twitter to get our beautiful friendship (cheesy, yet oh so true) poppin. I was getting my nails done by another nail artist at the time, and she’s very talented, but Spif is a little bit more my style. After she did them once, I was addicted.You had this heartbreak nails I reblogged on Nail Porn. Seeing that particular design while listening to ‘Refreshing’ it’s so hard not to ask, is romance a subject your all too familiar with?
THAT PICTURE OF ME IS HILARIOUS. WHY DID I EVER PUT THAT UP?! I really just got those nails to match the album artwork for A Prelude To Hello. I had a release party for it on my birthday, so I just wanted to match my project. I mean, we’re all familiar with love. We’ve loved hard, we’ve been heartbroken, we’ve moved on… I just write about it. I’m a big fan of concept albums, which is what ‘A Prelude To Hello’ is. It’s the story of the end of one relationship, the recovery, and the beginning of a new relationship. Nothing on the EP was actually about any one person in particular, I just looked back and recalled the emotions that I was feeling at those points in my past relationships. If somebody had recently broken my heart, I’m sure the EP would have had an angrier tone to it, as oppose to the optimistic one that it had, (laughs).What’s been your favorite design this far?
The Love Riot Nails that Spif did for me! Ahhh, they were amazing (Video, Photo, Photo2). Saturday Youth (Chicago based record label) has a concert and party series called The Love Riot, so I got my nails done for the one that I performed at. I just went to the salon and told Spif “The name of the show is The Love Riot, give me some nails to match that.” And clearly, she’s a genius.
Why do you think that there is this crazy buzz around nails, especially in Chicago?Nails are just a huge trend right now, I don’t know when or how that happened, but I’m glad it did. We’re lucky to have amazing nail artists here, so a lot of attention is put on nail art in our city, it’s something we can pride ourselves in. I also really think Tumblr has a lot to do with it. People copy everything off Tumblr; style, music, and now, nails. You know this! But I’m cool with the whole nail aspect of Tumblr, because I think it’s a beautiful thing when a lady keeps her nails done.
Any nail trends you wish to see leave?Square nails, like the SUPER square nails. Subtle, more natural looking ones don’t bother me. I prefer rounded, very natural cut. I’m cool with the pointy nails too. But the square cut ones just remind me of high school prom. Ugh.
Maybe you can create a song about nails!Ehh, I’m not too sure about that one, (laughs). Maybe I’ll throw a nail reference in a song soon. If I do, you’ll get a shout out for the idea!
3 closing words of encouragement using your lyrics onlyOnly 3 words!? Hmm… “Refresh my soul.”
@lilikjazz

12 ♥ / 3 February, 2012

get it!
isis-nicole:

So last night I went to illroots launch party w/ friends and got my #illamerica nailsdid by @astrowifey for the event. I had lots of fun, especially when the beers became free. I also got to meet a few new faces and catch up with Darnell. Best moment: when my nails got called FRESH. Unfortunately people didn’t really break out of their circles, but I did get to hand out a few biz cards. Even learned that Chiddy Bang was in the building. That DJ should have played ‘The Good Life’ from that Taco Bell commercial cz that songs a hit!

26 ♥ / 30 January, 2012

29 ♥ / 15 January, 2012

isis-nicole:

i mean ladies be chatting up about wanting their nailsdid but is you really tryna tip$et?! LULZ! but on a serious note, i appreciate all of you ladies and your creative minds & designs. nail lovers united xx @AstroWifey @MPnails @sophynails @NaomiNailsNyc @SaniMacc @PicaSoNaiLs @Ashyee_sade@LURKDAT @kati_elliott @cakes_nails@nailporn
madelinepoolenails:

The great Nour Mobarak

642 ♥ / 12 January, 2012

It's More Than Just Manicures: Nail Art Interview with Hasani

isis-nicole:

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

7 ♥ / 6 December, 2011

isis-nicole:

@Astrowifey and her team member Paloma will be doing nail art from 5-8pm for Olivia Palermo’s Holiday Style Event at TOPSHOP Chicago. Scheduled for the evening: complimentary drinks, makeovers, nail art, music, and exclusive gift selected by Olivia when you spend $100 or more. I don’t plan on doing any spending since this month has been hella tight BUT I do know I will be in there like nose hair to support my girl. WERK!

8 ♥ / 6 December, 2011

isis-nicole:

My nailsdid by @astrowifey. Those gold Versace coins are too cold! I love my diamonds too.

85 ♥ / 24 November, 2011

isis-nicole:

My Dimepiece x MTTM nails did by AstroWifey

77 ♥ / 7 November, 2011

37 ♥ / 1 November, 2011

40 ♥ / 1 November, 2011

skreature:

isis-nicole:

Aw snap @Astrowifey big time now. Here’s her snapshot of her first full spread in a publication….Scratch UK that is, and I’m so happy for her. We still have yet to actually party party. If you’re in the Chicago area yall better make them nail appointments. I’m telling you she’s a gem.

Chicago has a legitimate nail art scene? Who knew?! When I have some extra scratch and my nails aren’t three different lengths, I think I’ll be indulging in a little of what AstroWifey has to offer. Probably nail wraps. Or maybe something understated, with lots of glitter?

13 ♥ / 1 November, 2011

Sophy Robson x Nail Icon Kreayshawn

isis-nicole:

Sophy Robson giving the girls shout outs (mind you i felt like a gem being mentioned) & bringing back the nail icon posts, this time its celebrating Kreayshawn. On a nails did note I just gotta say thank you Sophy for giving me a place to share the things I love with you. And also thank you for sharing your work with the world. And once again, to The Boobs (and former BB$), yall ladies did a number on me, gave me confidence and a lesson on how to and not give a f**k.

3 ♥ / 31 August, 2011

isis-nicole:

Yo, i can’t wait to meet AstroWifey and get my nails did in Chicago. These half moons are super clean. I feel like I have so many options and ideas running thru my mind. I’m sure she’ll be able to hook me up with something nice. Mo nails mean mo posts mean mo betta mean mo love.
sosoflynails:

Nails by AstroWifey

19 ♥ / 31 August, 2011