Pro Spotlight

OPI Pro Spotlight: @yodeebs

Some call her the Nara Smith of nails. We just call her Adeeba. 

Meet @yodeebs, a Chicago-based nail pro who’s built her following with friendly, approachable nail tutorials. From a viral TikTok to the face of OPI’s GELement™ campaign, she shares her journey to nail artistry, her fave OPI shades, and what it’s like watching her dreams come true. 

OPI: You've built an incredible online presence around your passion for nails! Can you share what initially sparked your interest in manicures and nail art, and how that hobby evolved into a thriving career?

Adeeba: It’s funny—painting my nails was something I did after a good day or bad day! It was my therapy. During covid, I started posting random TikToks just for fun. Had a feeling TikTok was going to be big. One day I posted a nail video that went viral and the rest is history!

OPI: Your journey to becoming a successful content creator wasn't a straight line, from biology to finding your passion in nails. How did that perseverance and exploration shape your approach to your nail artistry and business today?

Adeeba: Can’t believe it led me here! I was in my junior year of college, wishing I had majored in marketing. But it felt too late to switch. Then it all happened so fast—I graduated during peak covid, got let go from my job, and was working as a receptionist while applying for jobs post-grad. I wasn’t sure where things were headed. During this time, I was also posting on TikTok. One nail video changed everything. I wish I could say this all happened out of nowhere, but I’ve always had these moments on my vision board. I’m so grateful for the people who spoke my name into rooms when they didn't have to. Even now when I create, I go with whatever I’m feeling at the moment. Come as you are and make what you love!

OPI: Congratulations on working with us for OPI's new GELement™ collection! What are some of your favorite aspects of it, and what excites you most about its accessibility to a wider audience?

Adeeba: Thank you for working with me :’) This felt like such a natural next step for OPI. What I love most is how personal OPI is. Everyone has a story tied to a shade. Maybe it’s their wedding color or the one they wore all through high school (Lincoln Park After Dark). With GELement™, it’s like they’re bringing that nostalgia home...maybe with the new-but-familiar shades, we’ll create some new memories too <3

OPI: You've mentioned that opportunities like attending the SZA concert with OPI felt unbelievable. How has your relationship with OPI and your love for nails opened doors to unexpected and exciting experiences?

Adeeba: If anyone asks what the coolest thing I’ve gotten to do since starting TikTok (besides GELement™ project) being invited to the SZA concert is a crowd favorite. It’s wild, I still have old IG photos showing my nails to like my 50 followers. I grew up with these colors, which is probably why it feels so personal. Getting to work with a brand I've admired for so long feels full circle.  Little me wouldn’t believe half the things I’ve gotten to do. Seeing my name next to OPI in the videos…that’s when it started to feel real.

Adeeba: Nothing beats the OG OPI colors. I love that I can say Funny Bunny or Bubble Bath and people know what I’m talking about. Lately, my new go-to is Love Is In The Bare… dare I say I love it more than Bubble Bath?

OPI: What are some of your go-to OPI products or tools that you find essential for creating your stunning nail art and flawless manicures?

I've been into a year round dark nail, Lincoln Park After Dark, It’s a Grand Avenue and Got The Blues For Red come to mind.  TMI but I used to be a nail biter. OPI Nail Envy was my holy grail for growing out my nails and that’s actually when I started posting nail videos on TikTok!

OPI: Now that you’ve worked with us on our OPI GELement™ collection, how do you envision using your platform to inspire both aspiring nail artists and everyday users who are excited to explore gel nails at home?

Adeeba: My most requested videos are step-by-step tutorials! Maybe it’s because they’re beginner friendly or maybe it’s the voiceovers. Someone once commented that it feels like Nara Smith for nails, and I haven’t let that go since haha! I can’t wait to show how easy it is to grab your iced coffee, put on your favorite show, and do your nails right at home :)

SHOP GELEMENT™

OPI: Looking back at your journey, from your initial interest in nails to becoming a key figure for OPI GELement, what's one of the most significant ways that embracing your passion for nails has shaped your life and identity?

Adeeba: My love for nails always came naturally and I try to make videos that feel like you're talking to a friend. It’s crazy, one day you’re doing your nails in your bedroom and the next, you’re part of a campaign. Before my first video went viral, I made a vision board with just five photos and one of them was nails! I was juggling work and school and couldn't always justify getting gel manis regularly, but added it anyway because cute nails made me happy. That following year I went viral on TikTok! Never give up on the things that light you up. You never know how far they’ll take you.

OPI: You've expressed a desire to collaborate on products and even create nail art inspiration for different hit tv shows and films. What are some of your future aspirations within the nail industry?

Adeeba: One thing this journey has taught me is to dream big. I’d love to create my own shade someday! What I love most is connecting with everyone. I’d love to host an event where we can all get our nails done, drink our matchas and just talk. Maybe cute drinks inspired by OPI colors? Bouquet bar inspired by different shades? Manis and manifesting? A girl can dream (wink).

OPI: For those who are just discovering their passion for nails and are inspired by your story, what key piece of advice would you offer them as they start to explore their own creativity and potential in the nail world?

Adeeba: It’s supposed to be fun! If anyone is inspired to relax and do their nails at home and they just smile looking at their mani all week, I’ve done my job.

OPI: You're not just a talented creator, but also a licensed professional! Can you share a bit about your journey through cosmetology school and the process of becoming a licensed nail technician? How has that professional training and licensing contributed to your confidence and expertise in your work?

Adeeba: Ah, yes! Between my junior and senior year, I got my cosmetology license because minimum wage wasn’t enough to support myself. Creating nail videos at home and being able to say I’m licensed, I would hope, give that extra bit of trust to my followers. To this day, I can’t believe I got my license in the middle of college. It wasn’t easy and there were times I questioned if I made the right choice but looking back now, I know I did.