A book with an edgy, pop culture-infused view on how personality is expressed through color is the reason this LA salon exists today. During New York Fashion Week in 2010, Enamel Diction’s authors and designing duo Tamara Sheeran and Sean Morrison, met marketing maven Mariana Stanciu. Together they opened up a nail studio to explore one question: Is the polish we wear a true reflection of ourselves or is it just gloss?

> Opened in July 2014, the salon is located on an emerging stretch of Pico Boulevard just around the corner from posh Beverly Hills. Rather than going somewhere congested, Stanciu chose this trendy neighborhood to set up shop.

Nontraditional pedicure and manicure stations lead to an art installation.

Nontraditional pedicure and manicure stations lead to an art installation.

> To entice locals and turn them into loyal clients, Enamel Diction offers a membership program (from $30 up to $133 a month), which includes exclusive mani/pedi offers, discounts, and benefits.

Check out the color astrology wall.

Check out the color astrology wall.

> The salon sets itself apart with a service called Colorstrology (up to $145). It includes a one-on-one 15-to 90-minute color consultation with Enamel Diction’s resident astrologer Rose Theodora. She identifies the best nail shades for a client’s birth sign and taps into a broader astrological forecast. The consultation is followed by a nail art service. “We are taking nail art to a new level and creating a unique experience,” says Theodora. “The nail techs are amazingly talented and have been instrumental in making color astrology accessible and tangible.”

Resident astrologer Rose Theodora mapped out a color wheel according to my natal chart.

Resident astrologer Rose Theodora mapped out a color wheel according to my natal chart. 

> The decor is extremely minimalistic. The raw space has bare white walls, polished concrete floor, and a living skylight that creates a calming environment for enamelistas to wind down and unplug with the right amount of lounge.

Nail tech Fariha Ali (@nailjob) polished my nails in hues that manifest my career.

Nail tech Fariha Ali (@nailjob) polished my nails in hues that manifest my career.

> Nine nail techs were recruited and hired as employees from local nail schools. They are brand ambassadors and carry on Enamel Diction’s vision and ethos. “Esthetically it’s pulled together and there’s a great environment,” says Stanciu. “None of this would be possible without our nail techs.”

From left: Fariha Ali, Rose Theodora, Tommy Nguyen, and Olina Bishop.

From left: Fariha Ali, Rose Theodora, Tommy Nguyen, and Olina Bishop.

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Astrology Meets Nail Art at LA's Enamel Diction

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