Created with love

London-based nail artist, Jade Ford, shares details of her Love is? video series, in which she chats to visionaries about their views on love & creates nail designs to complement

AS TOLD TO HELENA BIGGS ♥ ♥

Photo by Ciaran Christopher (@ciaran.christopher)

What does love mean to you? It’s a question that nail artist, Jade Ford, is posing to fellow creatives in an inspiring series on her Instagram page. “I want to share more of what I’d like to see in the world: more love,” she reveals.

The session nail stylist is renowned for her precision and attention to detail, with work credits including shoots for Hunger and Cosmopolitan, and manicures for celebrities, Lily Cole, Claudia Schiffer and Maisie Williams. Keen to marry the theme of love with her passion for nail styling, she creates a bespoke nail style for her Love is? interviewees based on a treasured feeling or moment.

“The intention behind this approach is to create a meaningful connection between the wearer and their nail art, serving as a constant reminder of cherished memories and experiences of love,” Jade continues. “The idea sparked over Valentine’s season, when I was repeatedly painting hearts on nails. The conversations I had with clients over their heart-themed manis often evolved into deep reflections on the various dimensions of love. I was inspired to transform these dialogues into bespoke nail designs, where every stroke and detail reflects the personal meaning of love shared by the individual.”

Jade reached out to her contacts from the session world to collaborate on the project, and her vision has become a reality: celebrating two successful series. Filmed conversations with her chosen subjects appear on Instagram, and each has enjoyed a photo shoot alongside their bespoke manicure. “Despite having a limited budget, I have been able to bring my project to life through the collective efforts of others who value its goal,” says

Jade. “For the interviews, I contacted people I have met through my work on editorials, music videos and other projects, which is a testament to the strength of my network and the relationships I’ve cultivated over time. Leveraging these connections has enriched the Love is? series and fostered a sense of camaraderie and mutual support within my community. I look forward to creating season three.”

Creativity through connections

During each conversation, Jade uncovers not only her subject’s desired colours or designs, but the feelings associated with their experiences. “The ‘a-ha’ moment, when we both land on the perfect nail art concept, is such a thrill,” Jade smiles. “The holistic approach creates a deeper connection between the guest and the final nail design, and it’s a privilege to witness the depth of emotion and vulnerability shared. Their stories touch the heart: highlighting the power of human connection and importance of creating spaces where people feel safe to open up and be themselves.”

Jade hosted a community walk in June to celebrate the end of series two, bringing fans of Love is? together to ignite connections while enjoying the power of nature. “I hope to continue creating Love is? content, as several talents have expressed an interest in taking part,” Jade shares. “Watching the clips online fills me with excitement, pride and liberation.

“I hope the project inspires people to smile at their neighbours and be kinder with the words they say to themselves. Sometimes the world can feel overwhelming, but we must not give up: love is out there in many forms.”

Scan here to watch our Instagram interview

with Jade Ford

www.jadefordlondon.com

@jadefordlondon

Nyome Nicholas Williams

Model & activist

@curvynyome

“Nyome’s nail design draws from the magic of her first Glamour Awards experience, where she felt warmth and love in the room. Her standout feature that night was a distinctive red lipstick: a choice that radiated confidence and elegance. Inspired by this striking detail, I crafted a delicate and detailed red lip motif on her nails, mirroring the bold yet graceful spirit of the evening.”

Tamera Heron

Cultural producer & digital storyteller

@tamerah

“Tamera’s nail design is inspired by a transformative solo trip she took to Costa Rica: a journey she embarked on to find respite from the hustle and bustle of London. As she sat on a serene beach, watching the sunset and listening to the gentle waves, she found herself in a state of complete peace, where she truly felt the essence of love.

“Capturing the tranquillity and beauty of this moment, I created a marble effect on her nails to emulate the movement of the water. This design reflects the calming waves and the profound connection she felt with nature, bringing the serene beauty of Costa Rica to her fingertips.”

“I’ve never worn marble nails before, and I love them so much. The swirls remind me of the water and being on the beach.”

Cassianne Lawrence

Model, radio jockey & MC

@officialcassianne

“Cassianne expressed the overwhelming love she felt when she became a mother. During our heartfelt discussion, we decided to create a nail look to reflect her relationship with her daughter. The bold nails are a vibrant celebration of the love Cassianne feels as a mother.”

“I’m obsessed with my nails, which feature bright shades. My daughter’s favourite colour is pink and mine is yellow. The nail style showcases her bold personality.”

Team credits for Nyome, Tamera and Cassianne’s shoots:

Manicurist, creative director & producer: Jade Ford

@jadefordlondon Creative director & video editor: Dionne Reid @dionnereid Production assistant: Yan Nagaya @yansight Photographer: Chantel King @chantelkingphoto Make-up artist: Brooke Vela @facesbyvela Videographer: Ethan Odle @ethannottino Studio: Camp Productions @a.camp.productions>>

Samuel Douek

Film director & entrepreneur

@samuel.douek

“Samuel’s midnight blue nails, featuring strokes of gold chrome, capture the essence of an unforgettable journey touring Europe with friends in a navy blue campervan. This wasn’t just any road trip; their campervan was a creative hub, packed with various props and equipment to transform their space for performances. One particularly striking feature was a large gold awning.”

Ebele Tate

Writer, producer & director

@ebeletate

“Ebele’s nails were inspired by her enduring love for her grandmother, whom she fondly describes as ‘an English rose’. Her grandmother’s garden features roses in abundance: in pastel hues, soft pinks and pistachio greens. These delicate and serene colours became the muse for Ebele’s nail design, reflecting the beauty and grace of her grandmother’s cherished garden, while celebrating the tender and timeless bond they share.”

Ruti

Music artist

@rutiiiiiiiiiiii

“Ruti’s nails capture the vibrant joy of a night filled with dance and connection. They cherish a particular memory when, amidst friends and strangers, the dance floor became a space free from judgment, where everyone moved together in pure enjoyment. The colours and patterns mirror the outfit and make-up Ruti wore that night.”

“The intention behind this approach is to create a meaningful connection between the wearer and their nail art, serving as a constant reminder of cherished memories and experiences of love.”

Team credits for Samuel, Ebele & Ruti’s shoots:

Manicurist, creative director & producer: Jade Ford

@jadefordlondon

Creative director & video editor: Dionne Reid @dionnereid Production assistant: Yan Nagaya @yansight Photographer: Ciaran Christopher @ciaran.christopher Make-up artist: Moomal Moghul @moomalproartist Videographer: Tia Griffith @teegvisuals Studio: Camp Productions @a.camp.productions