THE ARTIST
Meet CiCi, Chicago nail artist and educator.
Meet CiCi, the Chicago nail artist and educator behind Vivid Nails. Eight years as a nail technician, three years teaching, and a natural-nail-first approach.
HOW SHE GOT HERE
A career built on structure.
CiCi graduated high school early, in December 2017. Her first job was as a janitor. She was introduced to the nail industry through the Vietnamese nail-shop community, and has worked as a nail technician ever since.
Eight years on, she specialises in nail structure, shaping, nail anatomy, product application and detail — the parts of the work that decide whether a set lasts. For the last three of those years she has also taught.
Away from the table she draws, travels and sightsees, and reads about physics and human anatomy. She links that anatomy interest directly to how she builds a set.
HOW SHE WORKS
Healthy nails first.
The natural nail comes first
Nail health before product. Everything else follows from that.
Prepared, not rushed
Nail bed preparation and care taken to protect the surrounding skin.
A strong foundation
Structure built properly before any colour or design goes on.
Clean between every client
Tools and work areas sanitised between every appointment.
TEACHING
Passing the craft on.
CiCi has taught for three years. Her aim is practical knowledge that outlasts the classroom — sanitation, nail safety, step-by-step application, shaping, design technique, and the business side of the work.
Learn with CiCiVivid Nails recognizes the history and cultural influence behind the nail industry.
