READERS GALLERY

Leicester nail art specialist, MIKA JOHN, highlights her favourite creations, career ambitions & go-to techniques

Name – Mika John

Age – 28

Business name – Contoursbymika

Location – Leicester

Time in nails – 19 months

Trained with – I qualified online with Next Step Beauty and have since completed several nail masterclasses, as I believe you can never stop learning, growing and improving.

Favourite products – I offer a variety of services, therefore use a wide range of nail products. However, Home Of Nail Art (HONA) products are staples in my kit. My top picks are the brand’s Detail Paints, Pure Foundation hybrid gels and Hard Gels. In addition, HONA’s recently launched E-file and tool range support my creations from start to finish.

Favourite nail technique – I love adding bold, 3D embellishments to nails, which I create using builder gel, nail clay or L&P acrylic. I also enjoy encapsulating art and working with chrome pigments. Pairing these techniques adds depth to styles and transforms nails into wearable art.

Favourite nail design – Nails are a great form of self-expression, and I enjoy creating mix ‘n’ match styles. I love that I get to create a design based on the person in the chair: something bespoke that brings them joy. The happiness on my clients’ faces when they see the nail art I’ve created for them makes me feel energised, and I often use hand-painting and sculpted techniques to meet their requests.

Career ambition & vision – I want to build a bold, inspiring nail brand that encourages people to express themselves through adventurous nail art. I would really like to create a welcoming community, where nail enthusiasts feel confident to explore unique styles, colours and learning techniques.

Who do you admire in the industry? The nail realm has so many talented people within it, but the creators I admire most are Megan Heppinstall (@msk.nails.uk), Devin Strebler (@nailz_by_dev), Lê Đại Phát (@phatnailart) and Rebekah Pritchard (@rebekahxpritchard).

E: contoursbymika@gmail.com /Contoursbymika @contoursbymika @cbm.nails