Nail Tech Spotlight Mika Johnson
This month’s Nail Tech Spotlight is shining on Mika Johnson @contoursbymika a creator whose bold Y2K-inspired designs, creativity and authenticity have made her a standout in the HONA community.
Mika began sharing her work in late 2023, posting photos of her early sets before stepping into tutorials and videos. “It felt scary at first,” she admits, “but I knew if I wanted to grow, I had to put myself out there.”
Her vibrant approach to content and design shines through collaborations like Miami Mani, one of her favourite HONA campaigns. “It was fun, colourful and really pushed me creatively. The freedom to create in my own style makes it feel so authentic.”
As a Black nail tech, Mika is passionate about representation and inclusivity in the industry, themes we’re proud to spotlight this Black History Month. She recently featured in our blog, sharing how visibility and year-round support for Black nail artists can create real change.
“Representation shows that it’s possible to have a voice in shaping the industry. True inclusivity means being seen, heard and supported beyond a single month.”
For Mika, inspiration comes from everywhere; fashion, plants, home décor and her love of colour always takes centre stage. “Before nails, I had different coloured hair every month. My designs will always include multiple colours and chrome.”
Mika’s journey is a celebration of creativity, confidence and community values that truly reflect the heart of HONA. From meeting her at events to watching her grow, we couldn’t be prouder to call her part of our family.
Keep reading to learn more about Mika’s journey and how she continues to inspire nail techs across the HONA community.
Q: When did you first start creating nail content (photos, videos, tutorials) ?Was there a moment that pushed you to share your work publicly and how did it feel to put yourself out there?
A: I started sharing nail content not long after I qualified in late 2023. At first, it was just photos of my sets because I was so proud of what I was creating. Then I slowly dipped into videos and tutorials, and honestly, it felt scary at first, but I knew if I wanted to grow, I had to put myself out there.
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Q: As both a nail tech and content creator, how do you balance client work with the digital side of things?
What have you learned about managing your time, energy, and creativity?
A: It’s definitely a juggle! Some weeks I may drop the. Some things I’ve learned is to grab clips in between clients and batch content when I can. I’ve also realised not to overcomplicate things; simple content works. I try not to force myself to create content I’m not comfortable with. Some trends are cute, and I might incorporate them into my designs, but focusing on what I actually want to create makes content 10x easier.
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Q: You work closely with HONA, what collaborations or campaigns have been most meaningful to you, and why?
We love seeing your creativity come to life using HONA products. Tell us what has made certain partnerships stand out!
A: Miami Mani, hands down! It was fun, colourful, and really pushed me creatively. I did two shoots for that one, and both were such a blast. The first included cocktails, and honestly, who doesn’t love a nice cocktail? The second, I wasn’t too sure it would work; it was my partner and I, a tub of water, and a hair dryer, but I loved how the photos turned out, and the feedback was amazing. The best part is that you guys give me the freedom to create in my own style, which makes it feel so authentic.
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Q: As a Black nail tech, what does representation in this industry mean to you?
What gaps have you seen when it comes to inclusivity and visibility, and how do you hope to help shift or shape that narrative?
A: For me, representation in the industry is important because it shows that it’s possible to have a voice in shaping the industry and influencing how it evolves. It’s also incredibly motivating to see other Black nail techs in spaces where we weren’t accepted before, and it inspires me to aim for bigger and better things.
The gap I still see is that some brands only “show up” for us once a year or when it feels profitable, and that’s not enough. True inclusivity is about celebrating and supporting Black nail techs all year round. That means creating spaces where we can openly talk about the difficult topics that affect us without being labelled difficult or judged. Brands producing more brown-skin-friendly shades, and providing nail education that at least acknowledges how certain nail contraindications may present differently on Black nails and skin, would go a long way in making the nail industry more inclusive.
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Q: What inspires your designs and content?
Do you find inspiration from fashion, culture, mood, or something else entirely? How do you translate that into nails?
A: For anyone who knows me or my content, you’ll know nothing is off limits! I'm obsessed with colour and Y2K; before nails, I would have different coloured hair every month. My designs will always include multiple colours and or chrome. I take inspiration from fashion, plants, food, and even home décor. Not everything turns out to be a success, but if I see something I like, best believe I’ll try to put it on nails
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Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in nail art, especially if they’re also hoping to build a presence online?
Any lessons or “things you wish you knew” from when you started?
A: Just start!! Get yourself some detail paints and dive in. Practice really does make perfect. I think I painted a mushroom about 70 times before I finally mastered it! Consistency is key. And try not to compare yourself to bigger accounts, We all do it, but your journey will look different, and that’s more than okay.
And please, don’t chase followers. I’ve been there, and it can be so demotivating. These days, people tie follower count to success, but that’s not reality. From a business perspective, followers don’t equal clients. From a creator’s perspective, followers don’t equal engagement. It’s far better to have 100 followers who actually book and interact with your work than over 100k where only a handful engage.
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Q: What role does community play in your journey, both online and offline?
Are there people, celebrities, nail techs, or artists who’ve helped shape your path?
A: Community is everything, I believe I have been blessed on that front. Online, I’ve met so many amazing nail techs who inspire and uplift me. Offline, my clients and my family are my little cheerleaders, they hype me up and remind me why I love this job. Having that support keeps me going on tough days.
I’m super inspired by nail artists like @nailsbydev, @nailglam, @rebecaprichard_, and @sheaosei. They’re proof that you can make a big impact in this industry while staying true to yourself.
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Q: Finally, what does nail artistry mean to you?
Beyond the beauty and technique, what’s the deeper connection or emotion behind what you do?
A: For me, nails are more than just beauty; they give confidence and allow so much self-expression. Many of my clients tell me how much their nails brighten their day or make them feel more like themselves. I can't lie, I get a little boost of confidence when they look down and see a set they love, or the way a bold design lets them show off their personality without saying a word. Nails are wearable art in my opinion, mood-lifters, and a form of storytelling all in one, and it is a privilege that people trust me enough to make me a part of that story.
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Summary
Mika’s story is a reminder of how far passion and authenticity can take you. Her creativity, confidence and commitment to inclusivity continue to inspire nail techs across the HONA community and beyond.