Q&A with Ami Vega, Author of Designer Nails: Create Art at Your Fingertips

According to Univision, "Ami Vega is a force of nail art in NYC." Ami Vega is the creator of El Salonsito, the innovative nail art business and blog (elsalonsito.com) that brings art to people's fingertips. She has worked with such major beauty companies as Revlon, Essie, and Maybelline and her work has been featured in national and international publications. She also has a monthly showcase column in Scratch magazine in the UK. Since the launch of El Salonsito, Ami is often called on to provide her signature nail art on high-end fashion shoots and runway shows. She created a set of tutorial videos with Maybelline NY for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and has created nail art for super models, celebrities such as Demi Lovato, Vh1’s Mob Wives, and even art royalty like Diana Picasso, granddaughter of Pablo Picasso. Other clients include Monika Chiang, Donna Karan, and Chado Ralph Rucci. 

With over 13,000 followers on Instagram, it's easy to see why she's a hit amongst beauty bloggers and fashionistas in the trip-state area. 

I recently had a chance to ask her a few questions and here is what she shared:

What have you been up to, Ami? 

Professionally, I've been working on quality nail care and educating my clients on the importance of nail care and how vital it is to showcasing perfect Designer Nails. I'm also working on opening my first full nail studio in Manhattan for 2016. As far as personally, I've been working on getting back into illustration, a passion I've had all my life and the foundation for what I do today with nails. I'll be launching a website for my illustration and prints, which will be for sale.

Why did you decide to publish a book?

My desire to create a book came from my desire to answer many of the questions I get asked via social media. A huge part of my following are girls who are heavily into nails and are eager to learn all the techniques to get perfect nails and nail art. At times I can't reply to every questions, so I felt this book was a great way to address all questions and provide all I know when it comes to great nails and nail care.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I'm inspired from life. I literally look around for things around me, from the pattern of a leaf to a pattern on a woman's dress. I love art as well, one of the key inspirations in my life has been Keith Haring. I'm obsessed with lines and patterns. I'm also in love with the art of architecture, great masters like Frank Gehry truly fueled my love for geometric shapes, lines and forms.

Any advice for young Latinas?

Never lose sight of your goals, and know that the road to success is not a straight forward ride. You're going to hit bumps in the road, so sigue pa'lante and don't let them slow you down! Also, embrace the greatness that is you - as an Afro-Latina woman, I know certain odds are against me - but I work through them and love who I am and you should too!

Follow @Amivnails on instagram and be sure to get a copy of her book!

The day is here! Official release day of my book #DesignerNails! So excited, but more than anything - I am thankful to have been given the opportunity to do this and grateful for everyone who helped make this book a reality. Thank you! The book is available for purchase on #Amazon, #barnesandnoble, #IndieBound and #Itunes! #nailartbook #designernailsbook #amivega #jasonsetiawan #nails #nailart #diy #nailsathome

A photo posted by Ami Vega (@amivnails) on Aug 4, 2015 at 7:59am PDT

White nails with gold accents for my boo @monifclarke. #naturalnails #longnailbeds #gelpolish #metallicgel #handpainted #naillife #ignails #amivega

A photo posted by Ami Vega (@amivnails) on Jun 27, 2015 at 9:46am PDT

Starting this #ManiMonday with some new work for @AmicaMagazine. Shot by: @straulinoalexander Model: @alliexlewis Hair: @enricohair MUA: @ayaminishimura Nails by me. 💅 #editoral #amivega #amicamagazine #editorial #beauty #nails #manicurist

A photo posted by Ami Vega (@amivnails) on Jun 15, 2015 at 9:03am PDT

For the love of #crossfit. #naturalnails #longnailbeds #gelpolish #nailart #handpainted #ignails #naillife #amivega

A photo posted by Ami Vega (@amivnails) on Jun 13, 2015 at 11:19am PDT

Witchy nails on these beautiful #naturalnails. #gelpolish #nailart #ignails #handpainted #naillife #elsalonsito

A photo posted by Ami Vega (@amivnails) on Apr 2, 2015 at 12:24pm PDT