Pro Spotlight
OPI Pro Spotlight: @rosenambasa
Who says simple has to play it safe? For UK-based nail pro Rose Nambasa (@rosenambasa), minimalism is anything but boring.
From iconic french tips to trending polka dots, Rose is redefining the clean-girl aesthetic with her luxurious, polished style. She talks about creating the perfect home studio, her autumn obsessions, and her secret to the perfect minimalist mani.
Rapid Fire:
1. Location: Norwich, United Kingdom
2. Years as a nail tech: 2 years
3. Favorite OPI shade: Got The Blues For Red
4. Bold or neutral: Neutral 100%
5. Short or long nails: Short
6. Bubble Bath or Put it in Neutral: Put it in Neutral
7. Favorite nail art style: Minimalistic, french tips all the way
8. Favorite fall trend: Gold polka dots on neutral-based nails
9. Favorite nail tool: Staleks Loop Pro tool
10. Signature style: Neutral russian builder manicures
OPI: How did your digital media degree set the stage for your career as a content creator and a nail artist?
Rose: I’ve always loved social media and creating content since having a blog at age 14. During COVID, I took creating lifestyle content more seriously. While doing the digital media course, I started to work with brands and niched down to nail content as a DIY nail girlie, giving advice and inspo looks for people. I got a 9-5 job as a social media executive and did content 5-9. Then I took a leap and did a nail tech course to get my qualification. Fast forward to January 2025, when I went self-employed as a nail technician and content creator.
OPI: What's your secret to making simple swatches and minimalist looks feel so luxurious?
Rose: Practice, practice, and more practice. It’s definitely been a journey finding my style, but it 100% reflects me as a person. For clean swatches, it’s all in the nail prep and application to keep it clean.
OPI: What advice would you give to other nail pros who want to grow their brand?
Rose: Consistency is key and analysing your analytics. Find what you enjoy and what works with your audience, then repeat it creatively. Always ask yourself, “What can the viewer gain from my content?” Is it knowledge, inspiration, joy, relaxation, or something else? That will always ensure you are adding value to the viewer.
OPI: How do you translate your signature clean and chic aesthetic into autumn looks?
Rose: Autumn colours are the only colour palette I love. I’m a neutral girlie at heart, until I can whip out my darker, moody colours. I love dark reds, browns, blues, and more. I’m so excited for chromed darker colours, I definitely think a chrome khaki nail could trend this year.
OPI: You’re also a powerful advocate for Sickle Cell Disease. Can you share a bit about what this means to you?
Rose: My advocacy for my chronic illness is extremely important to me. It allows me to use my voice to help educate people. I want people to know that if they have any conditions, they aren’t alone, and they can still follow their dreams. I want to be a voice for my younger self as well. When I was little, I was told I couldn’t do certain things. So proving them wrong and also the stigma of chronically ill people not being able to do much has to be changed.
OPI: What is it like being an official OPI creator?
Rose: First of all it is a dream to be a creator for OPI. I remember the day vividly when I screamed that you guys followed me! When making content, I love to understand the vibe of each collection and how it can align with my content. I ask myself if it relates to any social media trends or current nail trends. It’s also amazing to partner with the team at OPI. Everyone is so lovely and allows me to still be my true creative self.
OPI: What message do you have for other aspiring artists who are just starting out?
Rose: My honest advice would be to truly be yourself. The beauty space can be quite toxic and traumatising; as a Black British woman, I’ve had my own negative experiences. However, I’ve never allowed it to get to me or my work. I made the transition to work for myself in my own home studio, and it was the best thing I could do for my physical and mental health.
OPI: How has having your own home influenced your creativity and your client experience?
Rose: I adore my home studio. I’m such a homebody, so creating my own creative, comfortable space to work in is such a blessing. I’m incredibly grateful. It’s allowed me to offer a luxury safe space for my clients that is tailored to my key business values. One piece of advice I have for people aspiring to have their own space would be to focus on your personal business values and style. Create a workspace you would love to be in, as well as your clients.
Head to Instagram to follow Rose Nambasa (@rosenambasa).
