I am a celebrity nail and jewelry designer. I created the art of BellaGemaNails with the idea of fusing two things I love, intricate 3D nail art and jewelry design.
My fascination with nails started when I was a little girl. I was born to mother that had the most beautiful hands. She grew naturally long and healthy nails. As a little girl, I would beg and plead that she paint her nails with endless coats of red nail polish. I was a sharp little girl! I had figured out that if the countless layers of red nail polish got thick enough, she would very easily be able to peel the polish off and keep the shape of the nail intact. I loved the idea of an instant, nail polish, press-on!
I started asking her very often to polish her nails with coat after coat. She most lovingly agreed each time. The polish would "eventually" dry. She would wear them a few days and peel them off to give to me as press-ons. Her nail beds were much larger than mine; however, that didn't stop me from gluing them on with school glue, and prancing around with long red fingernails.
My mother's willingness to sit there for hours until her nails dried just to fulfill my request, is a very fond memory I have, one that has stayed with me my entire life. It is this memory that continues to fuel my love of nails.
I have been commissioned to design for many people. I have designed for touring musical artists, fashion designers, red carpets, music videos, TV appearances, editorial shoots, fashion shows, art shows and fashion installations. My designs have been seen on Ricki Lake, Chef Roble & Co., and many others.
I feel fortunate to do what I love. I will keep designing, so long as you keep inspiring.
Bella Gema is Spanish for beautiful gem. This name perfectly describes my creations and who I am as an artist. I do not set, sculpt nails or use any acrylic powders. I sketch, hand-paint, design and bejewel nails.
I believe my designs can create a little world of their own for your fingers; my themed nails are proof of that! From "Farfalle Paradiso" where I bring a butterfly exhibit to your fingertips. To "Cleopatra's Reign" where the richness of the piece shined with effortless splendor by the use of rings, crystals, mosaic tiles, golf leaf and chains.
The art of 3D nails is over a decade old; I didn't create the art, I simply made it my own!
"Even the smallest canvas can have great potential at being called a masterpiece." -BellaGemaNails
My passion for creating art doesn't start or end with nails. As an artist, I create a world of art from most anything that inspires me. One of the things I take most pride in is exhibiting my art of nails. In 2011, I had my very first nail art exhibit, where I was able to bring the forefront of nail design to a swanky Downtown Los Angeles location; all with the help of an organization called Raw Artists. I was their very first artist in a nail design category to exhibit in the history of all their shows. My show was a wild success! Many people came to see what the BellaGemaNails' buzz was all about. Friends and fans alike clambered to take an up close and personal look at these little masterpieces. I still design many exhibit pieces, some for art shows, editorial shoots, and others to be simply admired behind a glass case.
I enjoy creating an art of nails, not nail art. There is a difference. And, in my world, that difference is what sets you apart.
Here are a few of my BellaGemaNails' exhibit pieces to right.