Jooyeon Song loved getting her nails done but hated how much it cost to get a quality manicure. She also could not afford to sit there for at least two hours each time she went to the salon since she was so busy trying to get her MBA (Master of Business Administration Degree) at the time. Song and a few of her friends came up with the idea to make a business where people could do their own nails rather than spend unnecessary time and money at a salon. This idea quickly became a reality when Song created her company, ManiMe, also known as Manisfest.
ManiMe is a very unique business because it takes an individualized approach to nail kits. Customers have the option to take a photo of their hand and send it to ManiMe where 3D modeling and laser point accuracy are used to create the perfect fit for these stick-on nail colors. People can also do this for pedicures. When the COVID pandemic hit, ManiMe exploded and so many people became interested in this unique way to do their nails. The sets from ManiMe cost around $20 compared to salon prices that can get as high as over $100. Due to the popularity of this company, famous nail artists have signed onto this business and added their own unique designs which has only increased ManiMe’s popularity.
ManiMe has a wide variety of colors and designs for customers to choose from. Once someone finds the color or design that they want, they then have the option to order the standard fit or to do the personalized fit by doing the photo process that was previously mentioned. The custom fit does cost more money than the standard fit but the product that the customer would receive is worth the extra money! In addition to the stick-on sets, nail polish bundles are also available for purchase!
Check out ManiMe here
Understanding her customers’ desire to own her ceramic creations, she created Grumpy Kid Studio; a fully functioning pottery business that is distinctively trade-marked by little grumpy faces on each piece. On account of launching this business and growing her outreach beyond social media users, Zhu’s pieces are now displayed in houses across the world and her brand has grown exponentially. Garbo Zhu is especially inspiring to me, as a young creative who deeply loves fashion and art, because she built a space where the two can coexist. Additionally, I am also encouraged to explore the ways I can use my creative drive to connect to a niche group of art and fashion lovers.
