ABOUT ME

Hi, I’m Kandice (she/they). I’m a Libra Sun & Moon (Capricorn rising), dog mom, wife, trash TV lover (yes 90 Day Fiancé, no Real Housewives), proud Queer Latinx artist. I believe in liberation for all, Landback to Indigenous peoples, Black Lives Matter, and Trans lives are sacred.

Ok but how did I get into nails?? I started doing my own nails as a hobby to get myself to stop biting my nails and tearing up my cuticles. I got bored with just painting one color every couple days and began trying different designs on myself as far back as 2010.
I’ve worked in customer service, project management, and even had my own wedding planning business, which I loved, but quickly became burnt out on. After that, I wasn’t sure what my next step would be, but I knew I wanted to do something creative while being able to help people.

In 2018 I left my corporate job of 8 years and became a licensed nail tech. I worked at a popular Portland, OR salon that kept me busy and learning alongside some amazingly talented nail artists. When COVID hit, my friends and I were out of a job, like so many others, but with the support of our clients and our community, myself and 3 wonderful artists (and friends!) were able to open our own salon in July of 2020. There I was able to focus on creating a more meaningful experience for my clients and find my passion as a small business owner again. I love the relationships I get to build while being a part of something that makes people feel special, and the freedom and rewards of working for myself.

When I relocated to Hawai’i in 2022, my dream was to bring my art to a new community to help create joy through self expression in a safe, inclusive space. After a year and a half of working in my own private studio, I opened Magic Hour - an inclusive event and community space designed to support and uplift BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ community through authentic connection. Magic Hour hosts community gatherings, pop-up markets, workshops and more, with Nail Stoned studio right upstairs. I believe nails are for everyone- an act of self care and self love. While nail art is my main form of creative expression, community connection is one of my biggest passions as a Queer, Latinx entrepreneur and artist.

Thanks for being here. Let’s make magic!