SHARK TANK APPROVED 
Maria Salandra is a natural redhead, is known in the celebrity circuit as *the* nail artist and since 2013 has been Rihanna’s personal nail artist. Her path and story are incredibly unique. She wanted a career in music and only started to do nails as a side hustle. In 1990, she opened up her own salon in New Jersey.
The aspiring singer was living a parallel life. She would go from managing the salon during the day to singing gigs at night, which included working the club circuit and going into the studio to record background vocals. But eventually, one of her two career paths started to take off faster than the other.
With help from a few friends in the film industry, she landed her first Hollywood film: Mixed Nuts, starring Steven Martin, Adam Sandler, and Rita Wilson. And then, her big break came along. The Italian nail artist found herself on set for the iconic series The Sopranos, where she was in charge of the nails for all the principles. These Hollywood jobs led to some incredible redhead clientele like Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, Julia Roberts (Julia will always be a redhead to us since her role in “Pretty Woman”!). She has done the nails of the Kardashian-Jenner clan and other celebs like Rachel McAdams, Christina Aguilera, and Jennifer Garner.
See some of her Instagram featured work:
Salandra never knows what type of project will come her way. It could be making nail designs for 50 models in one of Rihanna’s fashion shows or flying to London for a last-minute event. We’re so happy she had time to talk with us about all-stuff redhead and of course, NAILS!
Listen to Episode 3 with Celebrity Nail Artist, Maria Salandra below:
(or listen & subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!)
Notes:
1. Skin brand she loves, especially for the hands: Weleda
2. Favorite nail polish brands: OPI, Dior
3. Favorite professional nail brand: Tammy Taylor
3. Favorite red shade ever: OPI ‘Malaga Wine’
Listen to Episode 3 with Celebrity Nail Artist, Maria Salandra below:
(or listen & subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!)
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