I wanted to create a memorable brand that was going to shift perspectives on how we define nail art, especially in the editorial space, while also redefining editorial nails and giving space to how it exists in Black culture.

I managed to secure the bag with this handle at a time when Instagram was just picking up steam, so no one had taken it yet. What I love most about my brand name is [that] it’s a great play on words because the acronym is TEN — like 10 fingers and 10 toes — all nail-related.

Instagram was the next wave of staple social platforms to have, so it felt natural. All the beauty gurus and influencers I was following for years were gravitating to Instagram, so I [was] like, let me try this thing. As [Instagram] evolved throughout the years, it was furthermore suiting the creative and entrepreneurial needs of my business.

I'm still figuring this out. I'm more of a free spirit, but I'm definitely working on creating a more structured way to support my work on social media. I just need to get on the consistency wagon.

One of my favorite collaborations I've done that came from Instagram was my content for SAVAGE X FENTY. When they first launched, I was sought out to create promotional social media content for them, and with the help of my photographer and videographer friends Joe Chea and Donnell Culver, I was able to creatively direct a one-minute visual showcasing their lingerie. I am still very proud of it, not necessarily because of the brand, but because I was able to prove to myself that I could do bomb stuff beyond my imagination. And I modeled it myself, LOL, still cringing.

The Editorial Nail has created a community on Instagram by fostering a space that aims to support other nail techs and creatives in general through shared experiences, whether personal or professional. The upside [to social media] is that it allows people — who would otherwise have never met in real life — around the world to exist in moments where they feel seen and connected. When people come to my page, they know they're getting amazing works of art, maybe a few silly stories here and there, but most of all they’re going to leave having learned something!

I love being inspired by other creatives outside of my niche, so I find a lot of inspiration from watching them step outside of the box and their comfort zones when they create. It helps to remind myself to get out of my own way.

I have a few cats that I can't let out of the bag yet but definitely expect something along the lines of accessories and hopefully co-launching with some of my favorite brands.

Looking to learn more about how Instagram can help you push your brand’s creativity? Browse our Instagram for Business blog for more inspiration, and check out our previous Born on Instagram spotlight with PRICK (@prickldn), London’s first cactus boutique.