ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: DIANA NGUYEN
Hello and welcome to Beyond the Paint, a blog by Bio Seaweed Gel (BSG).
Every other Wednesday we will be releasing new content that will discuss all things nails and more.
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: DIANA NGUYEN
‘Artist Spotlight’ is a mini-interview series featured on Beyond the Paint, where we talk to and share with you insider interviews with our favourite nail professionals and creators.
You may know her by her given name or recognize her by her Instagram handle, whichever the two, Diana Nguyen of @ricekittynails is no stranger to the #BSGSquad or the nail artist community. Her talent is undeniable, as seen from her stunning and dreamy nail art work, filled with pastel tones and cute characters. On this edition of Artist Spotlight, we have a quick chat with Diana to find out how she stays creative, where she pulls her inspiration from and more.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
"Hi, my name is Diana and I am based in Orange County. I have been doing nails professionally for 5 years.”
How did you get into this profession?
“Before becoming a nail professional, I was a graphic designer. I was working as a graphic design intern in Los Angeles for a couple of years and then realize that I didn’t really enjoy sitting in front of the computer. I did nails as a hobby and decided to go to beauty school to get my license. After passing the state board test, I started working at this nail salon called Black File for 3 years. I chose to get into this profession because I felt like doing nails was a way for me to have a creative outlet.”
What is your favourite thing about being in the nail industry?
“My favourite thing about being in the nail industry is giving my clients beautiful nails for them to have the confidence and self-esteem to live their best life. As well as taking a piece of me with them when they’re going on vacation, wedding, or any special events.”
285 Catching Flights, 23 Powder Blue, 1009 Snow Bare, 272 Lemonade Freeze (left) and 93 Dazed (right)
What other hobbies do you enjoy besides nails?
“Besides doing nails I feel like I’M A BIG FOODIE! I LOVE discovering new restaurants and trying new foods and drinks. I also enjoy singing karaoke (even though I don’t think I have the best voice; I like to sing my heart out because I feel like it’s such a great way to relieve stress and have fun!”
Do you remember how you discovered Bio Seaweed Gel?
“OMG! YES! January 15, 2016 IMATS BSG $10 Mini Mani. My good friend Melissa (@melimelr) tagged me in their IG post where BSG was looking for local LA Nail Artist. Me and Melissa reached out to them to see if we both could work at their booth and we both receive a phone call from Hellen for a quick interview and sure enough we ended up at IMATS 2016.”
Which BSG product or colour is your personal favourite to wear or use?
“This is hard to choose one colour to wear…#BSGBonBon & #BSGPinkSky <3”
275 Bon Bon (left) and 242 Pink Sky (right)
We absolutely love your nail artwork (the pastels, the drawing style, everything is so dreamy!). It is with no doubt that you are very talented at what you do. Could you let us know where do you get your inspiration from when it comes to your nail designs and creativity?
“I love and enjoy working with pastel colours a lot so when it comes to inspiration, it comes from nature’s shapes, colours and patterns. It could also come from animated shows or movies such as Sailor Moon.”
1018 Cashmere (left) and 242 Pink Sky (right)
For all of our curious readers, including myself. What is the story behind your Instagram handle @ricekittynails? It’s super cute!
“That’s a good question. I used to have a cat when I was 11 years old. One day I was eating rice, then I got curious and fed my cat rice and she started eating it and I was like, “AWW RICEKITTY!””
Aside from your Instagram is there any other platform we can find you on? Are there any nail-related projects you have coming up you’d like to share with our readers or something we should keep our eyes peeled for? 👀
“Besides my Instagram, I do have a TikTok account which is @ricekittynails I’m starting to be more active on TikTok. Stay tune to see more nail related fun videos on there. Also, there’s a new BSG summer collection coming soon! So, stay tuned and keep your eyes peeled for a video about it.”
1027 Pretty In Sage, 1009 Snow Bare (left) and 20 Honey Bee, 16 Seafoam, 23 Powder Blue, 60 Fairytale, 35 Cotton Candy (right)
If you enjoyed this Artist Spotlight mini-interview, be sure to check out the first one here with Kandi Banks (@kandiyamz). Thank you, Diana, for being a part of this series, and also happy early birthday! This Gemini sweetie has her birthday coming up this Friday and we hope she will have a wonderful day!
Let us know in the comments below, which nail look by Diana your favourite? To all our BSG Squad reading this, we’d also love to know where do you get your inspiration from? Every comment will also double as an entry for a chance to win a $25 BSG e-Gift card. One winner will be contacted by email on June 9th 2021. Must be 18+ to enter and a resident of Canada.
*Update: Giveaway closed, winner is Anna
18 comments
Of the above, my favourite of Diana’s nail is the Pink Sky with inspiration from Sailor Moon! I also get inspiration from animated movies and characters! 💖💖
Diana has such a unique artistry that stands out above the rest! Her attention to detail and her ability to think outside of the box instantly makes @ricekittynails recognizable! There isn’t one set of nails I could choose because I love them all 🙌🏻
Lové thé cashmere! Inspiration looking at vidéo , pictures , and mostly what i live.
Love love love all of your work! Slowly but surely working my way to being 1/4 of the master you are ❤️
I LOVE the little alpaca nails. I’m a sucker for animal inspired nails and these ones are just to die for. They’re SO CUTE and super fun. I rlly enjoy the bright colours and the hand painted design.
I mostly get my inspo by things I have in my head or being inspired by nature. I also get lots of ideas just discussing with my customers. ^^
I ADORE Diana’s work!! It’s always soft and whimsical, just so cute. I love her light rainbow vertical ombre and also her simple look with just a light shape covered with sequins. Just an amazing artist <3
Love the pastel ombre! So simple yet unique and perfect for summer.
Love the second pink sky set. Gold and pink is a yes!
I am gravitating towards the Cashmere dreamy nails. Elegant for professional reasons, but fun and playful as well!
I love the sailor moon nail design it’s so cute! It reminds me of my little sister. She’s where I get most of my inspiration from, always giving me new ideas. I also get it from the season and how I feel.
Love love love the last pic. That tie dye nail look is amazing. Perfect spring colours all together.
I get my inspiration depending on the weather and fashion. 💅🏼🤗
I love that last one listed here. The pretty in sage and milk bath nails. Adorable. For inspo I get it everywhere. Nature outside, fabric of clothing, Instagram, Pinterest. All over. Just depends on my mood where I pull from that day or what the clients are feeling. Sometimes clients ideas also inspire me
She inspire me for a big change in her Life to switch for something completly différent of what she was work ing before. I’m thinking doing that switch too.
I love the last picture. With all the spring colours and their side ombré.
I usually get inspiration off of other peoples designs on google and Pinterest. I always watch all the helpful videos and tutuorials.
My daughter also helps give me new and fresh ideas.
I love her numerous tie dye designs on her instagram. I usually get my inspiration from scrolling through other peoples designs.
The nail look Diana did with the colour Pretty In Sage is my favourite 😍. I usually get my inspiration from the outdoors, depending on the season it really inspires the colours I use and designs I do!
My fav nail look of Diana’s is the #bsgcashmere with the clouds and Hellokitty decals! ✨🥰🎀🧸💅🏻 So cute! ☺️