Pro Spotlight

OPI Pro Spotlight: @cocamichelle

This month’s pro is none other than the iconic Coca Michelle aka @Coca Michelle!

You may recognize her from our Spring 24 collection, but this manicurist to the stars knows a thing or two about being in the spotlight. Read on to learn about her most pivotal career moments, where she finds inspiration, and much more.

OPI: You have such a robust and incredible career already! Tell us how you got started in nails and art!

Coca: ⁠I’ve always gravitated towards art, growing up it was hard for me to connect to others as I was low-key shy and introverted so I directed expressing myself through art. My parents used to work in hole-in-the-wall salons, being that I didn’t have a sitter I’d be in the salon most of the day so I grew up around manicuring.

OPI: You helped us launch our OPI Your Way Spring '24 Collection. What was the most memorable part of that experience?

Coca: The most memorable experience was the whole process, from the meetings to being able to bring my team to curate the look for me and seeing the collection come into stores!

OPI: How has working with global entertainers, celebrities, and fashion icons over the years shaped who you are as a nail artist and person today?

Coca: It is comforting to be in an environment where an open artistic mind is appreciated and with the fast-paced schedules it doesn’t give you much room to dwell on the small things. In a sense, I feel as though I’m still the same person I’ve just matured as a manicurist and person.

OPI: We see that you were included in the ‘Forbes 30 Under 30’ Class of ‘23, as the only manicurist in the Art and Style category. What was it like to receive that recognition?

Coca: Initially I was shocked, I even forgot I applied! Then the imposter syndrome kicked in, being the first manicurist in this category I felt that with anyone who doesn’t have a blueprint for their business code, it was hard for me to acknowledge the recognition. But I thought back to times when I worked over 100 hours a week, remained dedicated & did not give up even when I barely had enough to make it to work, amongst so many other ups and downs in my journey taking time to look back allowed myself to receive the accomplishment.

OPI: Is there a moment in your nail career, whether it be working with Megan Thee Stallion, Bad Bunny, Muni Long, or Beyonce, that you felt like you'd "made it" in the industry?

Coca: I’ve learned a lot through working with such great artists but I’d say I still don’t feel like I’ve made it.  I think there is so much outside of just collaborating with artists, owning salons, and putting out products that have yet to be explored in this space. I can’t say too much but I’m in the very early stages of working on a project that will give me the opportunity of having a deeper appreciation of the craft.

OPI: Your style and nail art is so intricate and surreal, yet wearable. Where do you find inspiration for the stunning looks that you come up with?

Coca: It depends on the day and client, I love accessories and fashion so usually with artists I like to get an understanding of their personal style. In my most recent nail class, I had my students take a picture of something in the room that caught their eye, whether it was a piece of clothing or the wallpaper. It sometimes is a method I use when I need inspiration. Another method I created was to look at the nail like a naked body, the base color is the underwear, the line-work is basic garments, and adding texture and charms are like accessories.

OPI: Are there ways you would like to see the nail community grow in both diversity and inclusion?

Coca: When I first started doing nails there was very little diversity in the industry, due to social media I think it's allowed more inclusion and visibility of that. I also see there being more diversity in nail salons predominately in major cities and but not so much in smaller cities. I see there is little diversity within the major beauty agencies. Although there has been improvement in certain areas I’d like to see the nail community grow as far as diversity and inclusion in the areas that lack in the future.

OPI: What has been the most pivotal moment in your career so far, that you think really changed the game for you?

Coca: Coming out with my own line of nail charms was a pivotal moment. The concept, contract, sampling, shooting, and release process took a ton of patience. With my day-to-day clients, the gratification comes after a few hours of work. The process of designing each individual charm working with my team and Kollectin to put this out and seeing other nail artists use them to create their unique designs has been game-changing.

OPI: Is there any advice you have for nail artists who aspire to have a career like yours, but are just starting out?

Coca: Don’t compare yourself and your work. The trajectory of another artist's career shouldn’t determine or discourage where you are in your journey. You might not be where you want to be currently but find your specialty and put in the hours on improving that.

Be sure to follow Coca, AKA @cocamichelle on Instagram or check out more of her work on her site here!