Nail Luxury with Press-On Artistry
For Vanessa Lawrence,
Nail artistry isn’t just a career, it’s a calling born from passion, resilience, and an eye for innovation. A 34-year-old licensed manicurist and proud boy mom from Southern California, Vanessa’s journey began in 2020 when she started doing her own nails. What started as a creative outlet soon grew into a full-fledged career path, leading her to earn her license in 2021.
After gaining experience in traditional nail salons, Vanessa quickly realized the salon environment wasn’t the right fit for her long-term vision. Everything shifted in 2023 when she discovered the world of luxury press-on nails. Inspired by a YouTube video featuring a successful press-on artist earning six figures, she recognized both the opportunity and the flexibility this niche offered, especially while balancing her day job. That spark led to the birth of her own press-on nail business on Etsy, which she’s now been running for over a year.
With her growing brand, authentic voice, and commitment to redefining nail luxury, Vanessa Lawrence is proving that press-ons aren’t just a trend—they’re the future.
Despite entering a saturated industry, Vanessa has managed to carve out her space with determination and authenticity. With over 50 Etsy sales and consistent five-star reviews, she has built her reputation on high-quality, reusable press-ons that give women the confidence to feel polished and powerful from the comfort of home. “Luxury press-ons are meant to make you feel sexy and beautiful in the comfort of your own home,” she says. “You no longer need to sit in a salon for two hours hoping for the best, you can get exactly what you want, every time.”
Her achievements are even more inspiring when viewed alongside her challenges. In 2021, Vanessa was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation and Hydrocephalus, conditions that required a shunt placement surgery in November 2024 to relieve debilitating headaches. Rather than letting her health struggles define her, she chose to keep building, creating, and inspiring others. Her perseverance reflects her belief that “Nailcare is self-care” and that beauty can be a powerful form of healing.
Vanessa draws motivation from seeing other thriving Black nail artists in the industry. “There’s not that many of us out there,” she notes, “so it’s incredibly inspiring seeing other artists that look just like me making a name for themselves.” By sharing her journey openly and creating products that boost confidence, she’s not only making an impact on her customers but also paving the way for other aspiring artists to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
