In this MEGA exclusive, Stephanie Stone unveiled the reality of working on the global scene and her life as a nail artist in Los Angeles
It was in the year of the twenties when the beauty sphere entered a new monumental period. In fact, its cultural significance was felt in full force. The new age opened the beauty gates in more ways than one, which refined a more personal approach to makeup, hair, and nails. And as the beautyverse continues to evolve, it signals to be more expressive and experimental with every category of beauty. Case in point: Nail designs.
RELATED: The Nail Files: Introducing the Newest Nail Trends of the Season
“With what technology is today, trends are born so differently than they used to,” celebrity nail artist Stephanie Stone shares as she reflects on what the nail department would look like in the future. “It makes it very hard to predict where the trends are going because anything could be the next big thing at any given moment. I think my takeaway from [it] is that this new generation and we as people are much more tapped into what we like authentically versus being influenced by a fashion house or celebrity.”
LA-based Filipina nail artist Stephanie Stone is making waves in the global beauty scene. Over the years, her passion and hardwork made her one of the most exceptional personalities in her field. Below, we explore her beauty beginnings, her love for her craft, and her impact in the industry.
Meet Stephanie
Stephanie Stone is one creative that is hard to miss. Her impressive eye for nail design and expertise turned her to become one of the best talents in the nail art industry. Aside from her title, the artist’s humble beginning is worth shedding light on. “I had always loved painting or crafting growing up, and a childhood friend who knew that was working in the nail industry at the time knew that,” she shared. The artist also reminisced about how her friend introduced her to the beauty sphere, “She told me ‘I think you would be really good at this—you should come to give it a try!’ I assisted her on a few shoots before, thinking it would be a great outlet to channel that creative side.”
It’s a given that the creative nail artist is taking over the global scene. However, like most of us, Stephanie enjoys the comfort of her own home. “It’s funny—as time goes by, the way I like to spend my time has changed so much. I love staying home, which sounds so boring!” she laughs. “I’m a mother so a large part of my life is spending time with my family. Doing the really mundane things you don’t share online.” Stephanie also shared how her priorities shifted over the years. “I’ve really prioritized spending quality time with friends and chosen family as well. I think I realized the importance of cultivating a community of friendships with people that you can be vulnerable, feel safe with, and see who you are as a person!”
As we continued our chat, she also unveiled the list of her favorite things. “Picnics, Sanrio, eating, crafts, anything cute, spending time outside, and recently taking classes for things I’ve never tried before. I’ve been taking a dance class for the past few months and I’m terrible at it, but having a great time.”
On her craft
Her passion for nail artistry is beyond notable, but her hardwork and determination led her to where she is today. “I enrolled in nail school to get licensed, and after that, I continued apprenticing [with] other artists. Before I knew it, I was working on my own and building my own clientele.” Stephanie also gave us an exclusive look at the reality of her field. “The photoshoot world is very different [from] the salon world in that when you’re a freelance artist, there is no structured schedule. You have no guaranteed work so getting started in that industry can feel mysterious and chaotic at times. You really have to be flexible and willing to go with the flow.”
She continued, “Realistically, when I was first getting started, set work was not consistent enough to pay my bills so I had to work other jobs to supplement my income as well. Once you build a reputation and portfolio, it’s easier to stay booked and busy! There’s lots of work to go around!”
On her life as a nail artist
The life of a nail artist is easier said than done. “My daily routine as a nail artist can look very different every day,” Stephanie opened up. “When I’m working on a set, that means I’m going to do nails on a photoshoot or commercial. Even those days can look different from each job to the next.” The artist also candidly shared what a day would look like from her perspective. “I would normally get a call sheet, which tells me when and where I need to be at work, as well as who I’m working with. I have a mobile kit I bring with me that includes hundreds of polishes and gels to choose from. I’d normally set up in a trailer or glam room alongside hair and makeup so we can all get the talent ready at the same time.”
We normally have about an hour and a half or so to finish all three so we have to be very conscious and respectful of each other and work as a team! Sometimes, I stay for the entire photoshoot to do nail changes, and other times, they will let me go as soon as the nails are dry. Every time is different!
Stephanie Stone on the reality of working as a nail artist
Aside from her life as a celebrity nail artist, Stephanie also makes time to create content. “A lot of what I do is also creating nail tutorials and video content at home. I like to use a lot of natural light to shoot those so I like to start early in the morning and fit in a few a day. Those are many different days than going on set because when I work at home, I can do it all myself painting on my own hand. I shoot a few videos and then edit them all after!”
On making her mark
Stephanie Stone’s impressive portfolio can’t be left unnoticed. Fans of her work include celebrities and influential personalities like Miley Cyrus, Tessa Thompson, Kristen Stewart, Keke Palmer, Hunter Schafer, Emma Roberts, Lili Reinhart, Sydney Sweeney, and so much more. It’s a given that she is a force to be reckoned with. However, she confessed that she is not sure how to describe herself as an artist. “I think I like to leave space to evolve. My taste right now will likely be different than next year and is definitely different from when I first started.”
She expressed, “I think right now, my own personal style is more minimalistic, but when I think of my favorite nail looks I’ve ever done, they’ve come from when I had a more elaborate challenge or something to be inspired by.”
“It’s important to work together, be kind, and keep the energy positive and relaxing. The glam room is how these stars start the day, so you want it to be a positive experience for everyone.”
Stephanie Stone on working with celebrity clients
As we continue to look back at her work, we delved deeper into that life-changing lesson she learned from working in the industry. “I think when working with any celebrity, the main trait you have to embrace is being a team player,” she began. “On any celebrity’s team, there are lots of people working to get them red carpet or photoshoot-ready—not just you.”
On her favorite nail look
Despite having a long portfolio of creative nail designs, Stephanie Stone named the bloody drip nails as her favorite. “These nails were originally a request from Tessa Thompson and we collaborated on ideas for how she wanted them to turn out,” she recalled. “A lot of the inspiration came from her mind and it was fun to execute it and see it come to life.” The nail artist shared that they actually changed the look last minute. “The bloody drip nails didn’t work with the new look as a whole. We ended up doing something equally as amazing on her, but I still loved the bloody nails so much that I had to photograph them on my own hand.”
On her relationship with beauty
As mentioned previously, a delve into one’s beauty relationship is as beguiling as knowing their top-shelf products. It’s always different for everyone, but it’s a shared concept of feeling good inside and out. “My lens of beauty has also changed the older I’ve gotten as well. For me, beauty has much more to do with who you are on the inside versus your actual physical attractiveness. If you’re kind [to yourself], it glows from within.
I also think beauty is confidence. Beauty is feeling comfortable in your own body. And subscribing to the rituals that make YOU feel good—not what other people think you should be doing to look a certain way.
STEPHANIE STONE ON WHAT BEAUTY MEANS
She also added, “If it makes you happy to do your makeup and nails, go for it. If it doesn’t make you happy, don’t do it. You’re beautiful without it anyway! Something that isn’t your thing might make someone else feel great. We can all do beauty differently without judging each other.”
The conversation became more personal when asked when she felt the most beautiful. “Most of my life, I have not felt confident or beautiful,” she opened up. “With age, you look back in photos where you felt awkward and ugly and think ‘oh my gosh I was so young and cute then!’ And wonder why you didn’t feel good about yourself then, while simultaneously still not feeling good about yourself now.” However, as time went on, her mindset toward beauty improved. “Every few years, I’ll see old photos of myself and have those thoughts to the point where I just have to tell myself [that] maybe I’m not as bad as I think I am after all. Maybe I’m being my own worst critic and the key to feeling beautiful is just embracing yourself exactly as you are.”
Take it from the pro
As we concluded our chat, Stephanie Stone shared a short yet impactful piece of advice to anyone who wants to pursue a career in beauty: “Invest the time in perfecting your craft. Don’t feel embarrassed to self-promote, and believe you’re going to succeed. You’ve got to be your number-one cheerleader! Lead with kindness.”
Photos from STEPHANIE STONE
