Jewels is the first suite off the elevator, making it easy for Sola guests to find.

Jewels is the first suite off the elevator, making it easy for Sola guests to find.

That’s me (center) with Nicole Rios (right), and Ellegra Davis (left).

That’s me (center) with Nicole Rios (right), and Ellegra Davis (left).

Located in Chicago, this brand new nail space is the crown jewel in the Sola Suites building on the corner of Lincoln and Roscoe. Nail techs Ellegra Davis and Nicole Rios specialize in nail art that is truly outside of the box. 

Nail art group shot. Clockwise from top: Ellegra Davis, Beth Livesay, Sigourney Nunez, and Nicole Rios

Nail art group shot. Clockwise from top: Ellegra Davis, Beth Livesay, Sigourney Nunez, and Nicole Rios

> Co-owners Rios and Davis have been inspired by some of the best in the business. Nicole Rios trained under Chicago’s famous Footnanny, Gloria Williams. Ellegra Davis became a nail tech after visiting with Donne and Ginny of Hey, Nice Nails in Long Beach, Calif., and the artists at Two Brown Eyed Girls in Los Angeles.

Nails are on display in frames and in plant jars.

Nails are on display in frames and in plant jars.

The wall behind the pedicure couch has shelves for polish, NAILS Magazines, and the pair’s licenses. They wanted their licenses to be visible, yet not show their addresses.

 The wall behind the pedicure couch has shelves for polish, NAILS Magazines, and the pair’s licenses. They wanted their licenses to be visible, yet not show their addresses.

> Inventive storage tricks help Rios and Davis make the most of their suite. Shelves on corners and walls and magnetized frames all cut down on clutter. Pedicure tubs and supplies are even neatly stored under a small sofa.

The hooks are actually fingers.

The hooks are actually fingers.

> The entire suite is tech-friendly. Wifi password and username along with hashtags and Instagram handle are written on the chalk wall. Clients are even given a stylus so they can use their phone while they soak-off.


Spring-themed nail art was seasonally displayed in cute flower pots.

Spring-themed nail art was seasonally displayed in cute flower pots.

> The striped wall and lettering were handmade and painted by Rios and Davis, who used Pinterest to collect design ideas. The two collaborated on the pink, black, white, and gold design scheme, and even have matching necklaces that say “Jewels.”

My marble mani was inspired by the smokiness of the NTNA S. 3 logo.

My marble mani was inspired by the smokiness of the NTNA S. 3 logo.

www.vagaro.com/jewelsnottools

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