Mei Kawajiri, a leading nail artist, has made a name for herself in the world of celebrity beauty, enchanting clients like Cardi B, Ariana Grande, and Heidi Klum with her intricate nail creations. Whether it’s 3-D pastry designs or acrylic artistry embedded with jewels, her work reflects a unique blend of creativity and precision that has captivated over 343,000 followers on Instagram.
Kawajiri splits her time between meeting celebrity clients at hotels and working from her cozy home studio on the Lower East Side. Her workspace is ingeniously set up, with nail supplies positioned beside her toddler's play area, showcasing her ability to balance motherhood and artistry seamlessly.
Having grown up in Kyoto, Kawajiri's journey into nail artistry began when she opened her studio in Harajuku at just 23 years old. A pivotal moment came in 2012, when she moved to New York, encouraged by a client’s American friend who believed her artistry deserved a broader audience. Initially, she navigated the streets of Manhattan with her portfolio in hand, asking strangers for their thoughts on her potential move.
Kawajiri's signature aesthetic is distinctly kawaii, bringing which embodies a playful spirit and vivid colors. With her iconic style—characterized by blunt bangs and colorful hair clips—she continues to inspire and innovate, proving that nails are indeed a powerful canvas for self-expression and artistry.
