Pro Spotlight

OPI August Pro Spotlight: @daddydoesnails

Meet @daddydoesnails (she/they): queer nail artist, star of OPI’s My Me Era summer collection, and this month’s pro!

From mastering the short mani, to challenging gender norms in the industry, this pro is committed to creating a safe space for everyone to express themselves. Read on to discover their (unexpected!) fave OPI color, advice for aspiring nail artists, and more. 

OPI: When did you know that you wanted a career in nails?

Alyssa: I have never known what career I wanted for my entire life! Truly I love experimenting and trying out new things, I always want to learn and grow. I also hate when people tell me what to do for no good reason, and I don’t want to make money by being evil and making the world worse. So doing nails works pretty well for me as a career for now, I’m sure I would love doing it even if it wasn't my job.

OPI: You have such bold, colorful, and trendy nail art designs! Where do you get your inspiration for these looks?

Alyssa: I love instagram for connecting with other artists (nails, tattoos, any type of art), but the way the platform is set up can be so draining and ultimately not inspiring. I try to limit my time looking at others’ work so I can focus on my own creative vision. Other times, my inspiration comes from thinking of technique rather than the end result. I think about what I can achieve using various materials and methods, to push the limits of what I can do. That is motivating and fun, and the end result is also rewarding.

I typically work with clients giving me non-nail related inspo, which I have fun imagining into nail looks.

OPI: You joined OPI for the launch of our OPI Your Way Summer collection this year! What was your favorite part of the experience?

Alyssa: It was super cool! I grew up in SoCal but have never actually been on a film set or anything like that, so it was interesting to see how things are made and to meet other creative people. The other artists and creators who were featured with me were very kind and supportive and I felt happy to join them.

OPI: Which OPI shade do you use most often, and which do you like most on yourself?

Alyssa: I think this will be an unexpected choice…Pear-adise Cove. I love green and I know its name is pear but it reminds me of olive or pistachio, which speak to my Levantine soul and are my foods and colors at a deep level. My family is from Lebanon/Syria so I have been working on reconnecting and honoring that lately through my activism, art, and learning about land-based practices and plants.

Green appears often in my work lately, often with contrasting colors like periwinkle, mirroring the colors nature pairs together.

OPI: How do you feel that nails, art, design etc. help you to show your pride and be your most authentic self?

Alyssa: One thing I love about nails is they are temporary and ever-changing, which is something I enjoy exploring in myself. A lot of people are surprised that I have no tattoos but I think it makes sense given how much I love change and resist committing to things. I’m really happy now as well to be part of the change regarding nails and gender/sexuality. Nails are truly for everyone who wants them and I love to be part of that for people.

OPI: What would you like to see for yourself in your career, moving forward?

Alyssa: It really feels like the world is burning right now (maybe because it is). Anything I do I want to be focused on how I can be of service to others, in my community and as far as I can reach. I hope to use any voice or influence I have to widen the blessings I’ve received towards as many people as possible. 

On a less lofty note, I think it would be really fun to do more editorial and experimental work—things that can’t be worn day to day but convey ideas.

OPI: What do you see for yourself moving forward in the nail world, and what are some goals you have for your future?

Alyssa: My partner is a tattoo artist (check them out IG @choo.choooooooooo) and they often go on tour to different cities. I think that sounds really fun to do with nails. I would love to work all over the place and connect with people who also love this craft.

OPI: With Fall just around the corner, are there any designs or color palettes you're most looking forward to using?

Alyssa: Thankfully, I do Halloween nails all year so I don’t have to wait until fall to get weird, but I definitely feel the seasons when it comes to color palettes. I always love fall for using more browns, oxblood, pumpkin, and smoky colors.

OPI: Do you have any advice for other nail artists when it comes to following their dreams, techniques, or tips?

Alyssa: This is so cliché, but be yourself and do what you like. For example, when I first started I noticed that more stereotypically “femme” hands and long nails would perform better on my IG. That being said, I truly believe that we don’t need to conform to cishet norms to be beautiful. In fact, that is so boring and not me. So I kept doing what I believed in, and now I’m proud to be a nail tech who pushes boundaries and surprises people with what I can do on short nails. I was featured in the LA Times for my “queer nails.” I was also open about my mental health and nails I use for stimming and to prevent harmful behaviors, so I was featured again for that. I grew up believing the opposite was true, that I had to hide in order to succeed. But being open about being myself has brought opportunities for me instead. Alhamdullah! (Arabic for thank God)

Be sure to follow Alyssa, AKA @daddydoesnails on Instagram!