While canning for M-A’s Canned Food Drive, junior Millo Skhiri and a friend dreamt up the idea of starting a nail painting business. The idea was initially a project shared by the pair, but when his friend went on vacation for a week, Skhiri decided he couldn’t wait to begin.
“I didn’t have the patience to wait, so I ended up buying all the equipment myself and just started practicing,” he explained. What began as a spontaneous idea quickly grew into Skhiri’s creative venture as a nail artist in his garage.
Skhiri began practicing whenever he could, both on his own nails and on his friends. His journey hasn’t been without its challenges. “My second time doing nails was a disaster,” he said. “The extensions were uneven, there was polish on her fingers, and it looked like a three-year-old had done it. But I reminded myself that it was only up from there, and it’s all part of the process.”
Nail art became a way for Skhiri to explore his artistic side while also bonding with friends. “I’m not a traditional artsy person, but I’ve always loved things like ceramics and digital art,” he explained. “At first, I just wanted to hang out with my friends more, but as I kept practicing, I realized how much I loved expressing myself through nail designs.”
Despite the demands of school, Skhiri manages to carve out time every weekend for his passion. “Sometimes nails can take hours, depending on the design,” he said. “I have to block out three hours of my day, which can be hard, but it’s become manageable.”
Senior Laura Jun appreciates the precision and care that she never experienced at any other salon. “I’ve seen Millo twice, and it’s nice because he pays a lot of attention to detail and always ensures the nails are up to a really high standard,” she said.
One of Skhiri’s favorite designs is his blooming flower design, which features floral patterns in either soft or vibrant colors, often layered with gradients and glitter.
Skhiri admitted that techniques like French tips are still a challenge for him. “They look simple, but getting that perfect, even line is really hard. Thankfully, my friend taught me the different methods,” he said.
By getting honest feedback from his friends, Skhiri strives to improve his skills and gain enough confidence to eventually charge clients full price.
Though he still has room to grow, Skhiri is proud of how far he has come as a nail tech. “The most rewarding part has been seeing myself grow as an artist,” he shared. “I’ve even started using skills from nail art in other areas, like ceramics, where I apply similar precision and attention to detail.”
Skhiri’s advice for aspiring artists is to always keep trying. “It can feel like you’re not getting better, but with practice and dedication, you’ll improve. And don’t be afraid to start with your friends—they’re the best support system,” he said.
To stay updated or book an appointment, follow him on Instagram @nailsbymillo.
