Nail Art Revolution: Mei Kawajiri's Journey from Kyoto to Celebrity Favorite

Renowned nail artist Mei Kawajiri creates intricate and personalized nail designs for high-profile clients like Cardi B and Ariana Grande, all while balancing her life as a mother from her home studio in New York.

Mei Kawajiri is a name that's become synonymous with extravagant nail art, captivating the likes of celebrities such as Cardi B, Heidi Klum, Ariana Grande, and Bad Bunny. With her unique creations, she has amassed a following of over 343,000 on Instagram, where her artistic flair is regularly showcased. Kawajiri's medium is as distinctive as her clientele, featuring detailed 3-D designs, hand-painted anime portraits, and elaborate acrylics adorned with jewels and lace.

Kawajiri's journey to becoming one of the most sought-after nail artists began in Kyoto, where she spent her childhood. At just 23, she opened her own studio in the fashionable Harajuku district of Tokyo. Her career took a significant turn in 2012 when a friend of an American client encouraged her to relocate to New York. Upon her arrival, with no command of English, she would trek the four miles to the Plaza Hotel, portfolio in hand, asking strangers for their thoughts on her potential move.

Today, Mei Kawajiri's artistic space doubles as her home, blending motherhood with her creative outlet. Nestled on New York’s Lower East Side, her workspace is strewn with toys and nail supplies alike. Her personal aesthetic—characterized by vibrant colors, blunt bangs, and playful accessories—reflects the kawaii culture that informs her work, making her both an artist and a trendsetter in the realm of nail design.