My name is Claudette but I’m known as 1NailGuru, and I am a freelance Nail Artist and Technician. 

I started painting my own nails on a regular basis about 25 years ago. At that time I was pregnant with my first child and didn’t want to sit in a salon and smell fumes. I decided to obtain my nail technician license in 2010 and opened a natural nail salon. I have been a licensed nail technician for over 14 years, but my passion for nails goes way back to the 80's and 90’s; growing up in New York City heavily influenced by hip-hop music, art and culture.  My nail art inspiration comes from the larger world around me through my love of art, clothing, the seasons and popular culture. Lately I have been following trends such as 3D nail art and metallics. If you look at my work you will see hints of patterns and textures almost everywhere. I am also inspired by anything metallic which is never truly out of style. 

As a freelance nail artist and technician I have the privilege of meeting great people. I just love my clients! I have the opportunity to incorporate my artistic talents, love of color and texture along with my clients personal style on a very small canvas. My clients are dynamic and occupy very different walks of life. I love to see the end result of a new color or a nail design and how it impacts a person. I created TIPP Press on nails during the Covid Pandemic to create work for myself because I missed doing nails and interacting with my clients.  TIPP press on nails gave me a creative outlet during the shutdown and expanded my reach to customers around the country via my website. 

Over the past 3 and a half years TIPP was on the shelf due to some health challenges; but I am back!  I have completely transitioned to creating my “micro” designs on nail tips because I no longer work directly with clients as a technician. I have embraced being a Micro Artist, painting statement nails for clients that still want to have a 1NailGuru experience.