Pro Spotlight
OPI Pro Spotlight: @nailzzwithannie
Annie, our August Pro Spotlight pick, calls the nail industry home. As part of a Vietnamese immigrant family, she’s been going to nail salons since she was a child–initially to spend more time with her mom, a hardworking nail tech.

Today, Annie is an Atlanta-based nail artist who excels at various styles, which you can see on her Instagram @nailzzwithannie. Ahead, read about her journey, advice for photographing manis, and OPI staple shades.

OPI: What led you on your journey to become a nail artist?
OPI: You have so many gorgeous nail art styles that you excel at! Which style is your favorite to do for your clients?
Annie: I like all sorts of styles including marble, ombre, jewels, swirls, mix/match, and edgy styles. If I had to choose one, I would say minimal nail style. It is elegant and simple without the need to try hard to obtain a sophisticated look. Nude nail polish looks fresh and works for every casual or formal occasion.

OPI: We see that you focus on full-coverage tips manicures. What is your favorite thing about using full-coverage tips?
OPI: Which OPI shades are a staple at your salon, and which are your personal favorite to use?
Annie: I am currently working at Sugarcoat in Midtown Atlanta. We have a huge display wall of OPI polish for our customers to choose from the classic to the newest collection. I personally prefer the nude shade collections, which I always have in my personal cart, so it turns into a canvas for me to do the artwork. Some of the colors include Bubble Bath, Put It In Neutral, Samoan Sand, Do You Take Lei Away, Tiramisu For Two, Machu Peach-U, Mod About You, Funny Bunny, Love is in the Bare, and Baby, Take a Vow.

OPI: We love the quote cards you use on your IG! What inspired you to post those, amongst nail art, on your feed?
OPI: What is the nail industry like in Atlanta? Does being such a big city make your work easier or harder, and in what ways?
Annie: The nail industry in Atlanta is massive. There’s pretty much a nail salon on every corner Atlanta is such a busy city. There is always an event every weekend for everyone to enjoy. Atlanta is home to me and being in a big city does make my job easier. Thanks to social media, I can share my work to the world. I love my local clients and travelers as well.

OPI: What do you see for yourself moving forward in the nail world?
OPI: Which nail art trend do you like doing the most?
Annie: During the summer season, I enjoy creating vibrant and pastel looks. Anything abstract with fun artsy looks with some creativity is what I enjoy doing most.

OPI: Your French nail art, and swirl nail looks are absolutely stunning! Do you have any advice for other pros on advancing their linework techniques?
Be sure to follow Annie AKA @nailzzwithannie on Instagram.
My general advice is: Look at how the experts do it (YouTube, Instagram), play around with a few brushes to see which one fits you best practice & practice to make your own way, and have good lighting - if the salon light is not good enough, get a table light, and take pictures - so you can reflect and adjust to be better.