Pro Spotlight

OPI Pro Spotlight: @nailsbyemikudo

Meet @nailsbyemikudo, the celebrity nail artist behind some of Hollywood’s most iconic looks.

OPI August Pro Spotlight: @nailsbyemikudo

From the covers of ELLE and Vogue to visionary films like Cruella and Maleficent 2, Emi (AKA @nailsbyemikudo) is the go-to nail artist for stars, stylists, and filmmakers alike. But behind the glamour, Emi’s is a story of sincerity, hard work, and a deep sense of gratitude—all while raising a child and managing a skyrocketing career. She shares how her Zen philosophy influences her work, her fave OPI shades, and why she believes there’s no “secret” to her success.

OPI: Emi, your journey really took off while balancing being a single mom. What were some of the smart ways you managed your busy, often last-minute work schedule with raising your son, and how did that time shape the start of your amazing career?

Emi: I’m so grateful for this question. Supporting my son was the core reason behind my drive, and I hope this interview can support other working or single moms. Since I didn’t have family around me, I had to build a support system I could truly trust. I lived in a city far from Hollywood that offered 24-hour affordable childcare. Many women in that area worked labor jobs—nurses, port workers—so there were more flexible, community-centered childcare options. I chose to commute so that my son could stay on a consistent routine with caretakers, even if my schedule was unpredictable.

I also made it a point to build connections with friends in our community. My son’s friends became part of our extended family. I always showed appreciation when other parents helped us, and whenever I had downtime, I’d return the support by taking the kids to fun events. Eventually, we built strong bonds that helped my son emotionally and gave me the stability to pursue my career.

OPI: You mentioned your background in Eastern Zen philosophy helps you “bring light and peace” to your workspace. How does that Zen approach influence your nail artistry and how you connect with all your clients, especially those big names?

Emi: I was introduced to Zen philosophy by my son’s father, the artist Muramasa Kudo. The Zen story “Empty Your Cup” really resonated with me—it gave me a practical way to center and anchor my energy. I’m naturally a little clumsy and easily shaken, so learning how to observe and regulate my energy became an essential practice, especially when working closely with clients. Many of my celebrity clients are highly self-aware, and that awareness is part of what makes them successful. In my experience, people who are deeply aware can see through surface-level interactions very quickly. To connect with them, sincerity is essential. I believe the key to building lasting trust is showing up with genuine presence every time.

OPI: Being the manicurist for so many top fashion magazines like Vogue and ELLE is incredible! What’s your creative process like for these big photoshoots? How do you make sure the nails are the perfect fit for the overall look they’re going for?

Emi: My biggest focus on set is teamwork. I learned early in my career that being collaborative is the key to longevity in this industry. I pay close attention to how the rest of the team is working, especially the hair and makeup artists, since we share the same glam time. I also stay aware of the schedule, almost like a producer would, and adjust my setup or timing to keep things flowing smoothly. This level of awareness has earned me positive feedback and helped me book job after job. Over time, I also developed a strong eye for style. After years of doing high-fashion shoots, I’m now confident offering input when asked. I can suggest nail colors that enhance and complete the look in a thoughtful way.

OPI: Besides high fashion, you’ve also done nails for big Disney movies like Cruella and Maleficent 2. How is working on a movie set different from a magazine shoot? What unique challenges and fun parts come with doing nails for films?

Emi: The biggest challenge with film work is consistency. I had to create multiple identical sets of perfectly fitted press-ons so actors could shoot for days without interruption. I worked remotely, shipping sets from Los Angeles to London. Sometimes, new set requests would come in at the last minute, no matter where in the world I was. The original molded sets were essential to duplicate the nails accurately, so I handled them with great care until filming wrapped. It’s a different kind of pressure than editorial, but incredibly rewarding when it all comes together.

OPI: It’s amazing that you’ve worked with clients like Angelina Jolie and Janet Jackson for so many years! In such a busy industry, what do you think are the secrets to building those strong relationships with incredible clients?

Emi: I worked with Angie from 2004 to 2024, and I’m still in touch with Janet’s team since 2005.

Janet’s longtime assistant, Jessica, once told me that every time Janet comes to LA, the first thing she asks is, “Can you book Emi?” That meant so much to me. I don’t believe there’s a “secret” to loyalty. I think it’s about sincerity and consistently putting in your best effort. These clients recognized the value of that ethic. I also try to never take anything for granted—I send gratitude to my clients when they come to mind. That energy of appreciation stays with me.

OPI: Your journey to building a six-figure business at the very top of the nail world is truly inspiring! What’s one piece of advice you’d share with other aspiring nail artists who want to achieve big dreams, especially if they’re facing challenges?

Emi: I see success as the result of how you live and work every day, not just something you eventually reach. It’s built on hard work, daily discipline, self-awareness, countless trials and errors—and most importantly, gratitude. No major project happens in isolation. To accomplish anything meaningful, you need a team and people who believe in you and offer opportunities.

The key is to build trust through appreciation and to create win-win relationships. Make sure your team genuinely celebrates your success—that’s how you grow together.

I also carry with me a piece of advice I received early on from the legendary makeup artist Fran Cooper. She said, “Success is only a small part of life. Be mindful to become a good person, and make time to enjoy your personal life.” I still live by those words. I try to stay playful and connect with friends outside the industry whenever I have downtime. That balance adds depth to who I am, and it naturally shows in my work as well.

OPI: Having the right products and colors is so important. How do OPI’s shades and different products fit into your creative work? How do they help you create those amazing looks for your celebrity clients and magazine covers?

Emi: I truly cannot work without OPI. Clients often remember their favorite shades by name. OPI has created some of the most iconic red carpet colors, from timeless neutrals to deep reds and burgundies. They’re my go-to. A large section of my shelf is entirely taken over by OPI shades!

OPI: How does your journey connect with other nail artists and help support pros like you in the industry?

Emi: This year marks 27 years since I earned my manicurist license, and I’m deeply grateful to have found a career I love this much—one that allowed me to support my son and travel between Hollywood, NY, and Europe for work. Over the years, I’ve built good relationships with other nail artists, and when I see them at OPI events, my heart fills with warmth and pride.

It’s like, “We made it. We all made it through. BRAVO!” Some of us exchange personal messages to check in on life and keep each other uplifted. I truly love this industry and everyone who is part of it.