Nyah connected with the Trutuyou community to talk all things creativity, individuality and nails. Keep reading for more.︎


For Nyah Greene, nails aren’t just nails but a form of expression and a canvas to create art. The 24-year-old nail technician is a creative at heart with experience in painting, photography and creating jewelry. 

“I want people to feel inspired when seeing my work.” - says Nyah.

Nyah’s designs explore individuality and authenticity. Each nail is a portal to enter into a world of art, color and creative passion inspired by an endless sea of things. Nyah doesn’t just paint nails, she creates art and does so on her own terms.

In  conversation  w/  Nyah

TRUTUYOU : Who is Nyah? What do you do?

NYAH :

My name is Nyah Greene. I’m 24 years old. I’m born and raised in San Diego, California. I’m a nail artist and I work at Hellobirdielab, a nail and lash salon here in San Diego.

I got started doing nails because I wanted to have a career in the creative field. I ended up going to school to pursue my nail technician license, finished in 5 months and recieved my nail license by the end of the year!

I’ve always painted, drawn, made jewelry, photography, etc. Growing up I was always doing something creative, so I try to incoporate as much as those type of things into my work as well!

I love what I do. I want people to feel inspired through seeing my work! Nails aren’t just nails for me, but a canvas to create great art.

TRUTUYOU : I love that! When I came across your instagram I fell in love with your designs. Where do you pull your inspiration from? Who/what is your muse?

NYAH:

My inspiration comes from many things! It can be inspired by a print or shapes I find in a piece of clothing, a pattern I see in a sea vessel or the natural textile in the fins of a fish, or it may just be a unique piece of furniture or painting. I think that the world around me is my muse!

TRUTUYOU : What are some of your favorite designs you’ve created?

NYAH :

That’s a hard one! Haha!. I guess I’d have to say, one of my favorites is a set of peaches and aging watermelon I hand painted back last year! I was starting to get really good at realism in nail art and I was so happy how realistic they came out! I did a Keith Haring set which was super fun! It challenged my ablilty to be able to do something strategic and sort of abstract at the same time. Another huge favorite was a rain drop set I did on my client and friend. It had soft blue sheer base, covered with matte top coat and shiny clear drops to top it all off!

TRUTUYOU : Do you have any affirmations or qoutes that you live by that keep you going?

NYAH :

I always say to be original! Don’t try and confirm to what’s “in”, because trends die out. Create your own trend!

TRUTUYOU : You definitely express individuality and authenticity through your work! If you could describe your art style in three words what would they be?

NYAH :

I would describe my work as peculiar, creative, and offbeat

TRUTUYOU : What mindset would you like people to be in when they see your work?

NYAH :

When people see my work I want them to be in the mindset set of expecting to see more than meets the eye.

TRUTUYOU : How have you evolved as an artist and a woman since you first started your career as a nail technician?

NYAH :

I’d like to think that I’m continously evolving. As an artist, I think that I’ve found my style, and as a woman I think I’ve become more educated and more professional in my field of work. I’ve learned that I dont have to do things like everyone else. I can be a trend setter, instead of a trend follower.

TRUTUYOU : In your own words, what does it mean to live true to self?

NYAH :

To live true to self to me means to simply do you, no matter what everybody else is doing.

THANK YOU NYAH! ︎

To stay connected with Nyah and keep up with her artistry follow her instagram  

INTERVIEW BY

︎ Daija Green

Founder