Rave Nailz isn’t just another press-on nail brand—it’s my creative expression as an artist passionate about making nail art accessible and practical for everyone.
I’ve transformed my artistic talents into a thriving business that’s redefining the press-on nail industry.
Here’s the story of how it all began and what makes Rave Nailz special.
Table of Contents
From Music Industry to Nail Art Pioneer
My journey began as an artist who moved to Los Angeles after college to work in the music industry.
As an EDM enthusiast and frequent raver, I wanted stunning nails for events but found professional nail art was either unavailable or prohibitively expensive.
I was going to raves and didn’t have much money, but I wanted my nails to look amazing.
This was right when nail art started appearing on red carpets, but it was nearly impossible to find salons that could do it—and if you did, it cost so much.
My solution?
I started painting my own nails. When I discovered blank press-on nails on AliExpress, I ordered them and painted about ten sets, loving how they looked and felt.
This personal project evolved when I decided to list my creations on Etsy, which quickly gained traction.
It just kind of snowballed from there. After receiving wholesale orders, I began hand-painting all the nails myself until demand required hiring friends to help.
Just before the pandemic, I moved into manufacturing—perfect timing, as press-on nails exploded in popularity during lockdowns.
Since then, Rave Nailz has grown into my full-time business.
The Press-On Revolution: Easy Application, No Chipping
One of the most appealing aspects of press-on nails is their simplicity and durability.
Unlike the salon experience that requires specialized equipment and UV lights, my application process is refreshingly straightforward:
- Buff your natural nail with a mini nail file
- Swipe nails with acetone to dehydrate them (even if nothing is on them)
- Apply a small drop of glue to the nail
- Press on the nail and hold for about 10 seconds
- File the edges of the press-on for a custom fit
It’s so easy to do. I’ve done it in an Uber before! The advantages extend beyond ease of application.
Unlike traditional nail polish, press-ons don’t chip. They typically last around two weeks, sometimes extending to three weeks with proper application.
The longevity increases significantly when avoiding water for the first hour after application—I recommend applying them right before bed for maximum staying power.
Standing Out in a Saturated Beauty Space
The press-on nail market has seen explosive growth, particularly since the pandemic, when more people tried them and discovered their benefits.
But what differentiates Rave Nailz in this expanding market?
The difference between our nails and other press-on nails is that we’re not created by a marketing company. I am an actual artist and used to be a nail art professional.
I created this from a genuine need and passion for nails, while these other companies are basically fast fashion in press-on form.
We communicate this authenticity through elevated packaging, exclusive artist collaborations, and positioning ourselves as an authority in the field.
The quality isn’t just in the designs but in the nails themselves—being high quality, long-lasting, and natural-looking.
Balancing Creative Expression with Commercial Success
As Rave Nailz has expanded into major retailers like Urban Outfitters, I’ve had to navigate the balance between artistic expression and commercial appeal.
Our French Twist Collection, which sold well with mainstream retailers, wasn’t necessarily a hit with our core followers.
This experience has informed our approach to an upcoming launch in college bookstores with Follett, where displays will be organized into three categories: mainstream styles, artsy designs, and what I call “insane style.”
The mainstream nails have already been done, but we’re doing them better.
It’s not just about the art on top. It’s about the nail itself being really high quality, long-lasting, and natural-looking.
This strategy allows us to appeal to a broad audience while maintaining the creative edge that attracted our original fans.
The Witchy Aesthetic: My Signature Style
When asked about my favorite creation, I have to highlight our witchy aesthetic, particularly the Cast the Spell set—one of the first manufactured designs that remains popular.
I’m personally very witchy and spiritual, and the nails have runes and sigils on them that I designed. There’s no other nail artist, period, doing a style like that.
This distinctive style, along with our broader occult collection, has become a signature look for Rave Nailz.
It reflects my personal interests while creating something unique in the market that also coordinates with our branding.
Conclusion
What started as a personal solution to expensive nail art has evolved into something much bigger than I ever imagined.
Rave Nailz represents the perfect intersection of artistry, practicality, and authentic connection to subculture.
As press-on nails continue to gain popularity, I believe they’re going to become the preferred choice for more and more people.
They don’t chip, they’re healthier for your nails, they’re pre-made and then applied—making them the perfect solution to the traditional nail problems of durability, cost, and convenience.