Pro Spotlight
OPI Pro Spotlight: @chuenails
Meet Sarah Chue, aka @chuenails, a Detroit-born Asian-American artist known for her trendsetting nail designs.
From sculptural 3D nail sets to “less is more” designs, Sarah’s unique style has landed her on the covers of magazines, red carpet events, and A-list talent. She shares her advice for aspiring Artists, how her Asian-American heritage influences her work, and the legacy she hopes to build through her craft.
OPI: Your journey from Detroit to becoming a sought-after LA nail artist is truly inspiring! Can you share what sparked your initial passion for nail artistry and how those early experiences shaped your path?
Sarah: I've always had a knack for the arts—the feeling of freedom that comes with it, the endless forms of being able to express and explore with creativity—it's a language all its own. I owe it all to my Dad, who was the igniter of this journey. I had no idea it would go this far. At the beginning of my senior year in high school, my Dad geniusly came up with the idea of going to nail school. He thought it would help me be independent as I transitioned into my college years and beyond. Honestly, it didn't become a passion of mine until I moved to LA and started to work for myself, building my own career.
I took with me 7 years of experience working at my Godmother's nail salon in Detroit.
I thank every one of those years as they helped me build experience in the craft, relational skills with clients, and just plain ol' discipline in showing up and being on time. I wasn't perfect, but I eventually got it together when I started taking matters into my own hands and scheduling my own clients, as there was a sense of responsibility to that. I sometimes wonder why I didn't move to LA sooner, but I am content with the fact that I needed those early experiences to help get me to where I am now.
OPI: You've worked with top artists in music, film, fashion, and more, creating unforgettable looks. How does collaborating with these diverse talents influence your creative process and nail art designs?
Sarah: After assessing and hearing out the client's thoughts, I like to adapt to their tastes and bring it to life.
I also like to do my research to get a feel for who they are as an Artist and get a sense of their style. When there's space for my own creativity, I like to let it flow naturally, especially once I have a solid understanding of who the client is.
OPI: Your expertise spans from simple chic nails to intricate 3D nail art. How do you balance and maintain such a wide range of skills, and what's your favorite style to create?
Sarah: My favorite style to create is minimal chic nails! The 'less is more' look.
I love its simplicity to say, "Hey, I'm here. If you see me, you see me." Instead of waving down, "Heyyy! Look over here!" It's modest. It's subtle, but when you look hard enough, she's cute lol. I think for me, maintaining and balancing a wide range of skills comes down to staying curious and being open to change, new trends, and products. I dedicate time to practicing new techniques and refining the basics. It's also about keeping both eyes out to see what the industry is evolving into.
OPI: From magazine covers to red carpets and A-list events, your work has graced countless high-profile platforms. Is there a particular project or moment that stands out as a defining highlight in your career?
Sarah: Wow. I think the collective of ALL events has brought me to my one constant defining highlight of my career: the present moment.
I cannot begin to express how honored and grateful I am to have worked with so many talented and genuine souls, in front of or behind the camera. In the Industry and even out of the Industry.
OPI: What advice do you have for aspiring nail artists who are navigating different hurdles in their careers?
Sarah: Trust the process and stay committed to your growth!
Every Artist faces hurdles but it's how you handle it. Stay in Faith that everything is working out and have no doubt. Don't compare your journey to anyone else's. Be authentically you! Stay inspired, keep practicing, and remember why you started. The power is in your passion!
OPI: Your courage to push boundaries and your unique style truly sets you apart. Where do you draw inspiration for your innovative nail art designs, and how do you stay ahead of trends?
Sarah: I draw inspiration from fashion, nature, art pieces, your everyday random sightings, my feelings or emotions, just about anything and everything!
To stay ahead of trends, I like to tap into social media mainly to see what's moving. Pinterest is also a lovely place to pull ideas from, but I also believe in reinventing these ideas to my own tastes and liking.
OPI: As an Asian American nail artist, how do you incorporate elements of your heritage into your work, and how do you celebrate your culture, especially during AAPI Heritage Month?
Sarah: As an Asian American nail artist, my cultural background plays a delicate yet meaningful role in the designs I create. Growing up, there was an unspoken importance of craftsmanship and precision. I think these influences naturally found their way into my nail designs, from intricate patterns to the thoughtful use of colors. During AAPI Heritage Month, I like to reflect on how far I've come and the influence that my roots have on my artistry. This is a time to celebrate my identity and honor where I come from, embracing the beauty of diversity. I hope this also encourages others to embrace their own culture and celebrate it over and over, all year!
OPI: There have been so many significant changes in the nail industry since you've been in it. In what ways do you believe the nail community can further promote diversity and inclusion, and what role do you see yourself playing in that?
Sarah: That is one thing I am really loving to see in this industry: the steady rise of diversity in this nail community!
Though, as we know, there's still room to celebrate all backgrounds and cultures! The community could further promote diversity and inclusion by giving visibility to Artists of different ethnic backgrounds and genders, creating space for authentic expression. Launching a global collaboration or workshop to connect and learn different techniques and the use of local products from all over the world, building an even bigger web of community, I think, is a cool idea as well. As for my role, I strive to lead by example by staying true to my identity, and continue to show love and support to my fellow Artists!
OPI: OPI's Summer collection is all about Jelly Nails. As a trendsetter in the nail world, how do you see these colors and trends fitting into your summer looks, and what will be some of your favorite ways to incorporate them into your work?
Sarah: I love a jelly nail! Especially over OPI Gelevate Soft Gel Tips because jelly gels have a semi-translucent color, and when polished over see-through clear tips, it enhances the transparency, resulting in a super glossy-glassy look!
The best part is when it gets hit by natural light! One of my favorite ways to use them is to top off the jellies with a translucent chrome, creating a dreamy, fairy-like effect. Another way I love to use them is to layer them, creating dimension and depth between each layer!
BROWSE GELevate™ Soft Gel Tips
OPI: With your vast experience and dedication, what are your future aspirations for your career and the nail industry as a whole? What legacy do you hope to leave?
Sarah: I would love to of course, be in constant growth, forever expanding my clientele, connecting and collaborating with different brands, working on really cool projects with film/television, campaigns, the list goes on.
Not only that, but I also hope to inspire those who dare to dream—that anything is possible with passion and perseverance! I wholeheartedly believe in creating something out of nothing. Equally, above all, I hope to leave Love along the way, always bringing good energy and leaving a trail of positivity that resonates behind.
Meet Sarah Chue, aka @chuenails
Head to Instagram to see more of her amazing work!
