That’s Wet Canvas owner Diana Sek, nail artist and Artistic Nail Design educator Ruben Eduard, me, my sister-in-law Alison, and nail artist Karissa Burns.

That’s Wet Canvas owner Diana Sek, nail artist and Artistic Nail Design educator Ruben Eduard, me, my sister-in-law Alison, and nail artist Karissa Burns.

Salon owners Diana Sek and Chad Price opened Wet Canvas Nail Bar in Austin, Texas, after several years of research. 

On either side of the salon, there are two custom frame seats and one larger bench with two pedicure tubs.

On either side of the salon, there are two custom frame seats and one larger bench with two pedicure tubs.

> Before entering the nail industry, salon owner Diana Sek was doing interior Design in the San Francisco area. Licensed a year ago, she and her partner Chad Price chose Austin after extensive scouting in both California and Texas. Located on South Congress in an artistic part of town, the duo knew it was the perfect fit for their salon. “This area truly represents the spirit of Austin,” says Price. “The ‘Keep Austin Weird’ slogan originated here, and there are many historic sites on South Congress.” Another reason for choosing this location is its proximity to a major highway, making it a much-traveled area.

This 450-gallon fresh water tank is the centerpiece of the salon.

This 450-gallon fresh water tank is the centerpiece of the salon.



> Upon entry, you’re immediately drawn to the custom-made 450-gallon fresh water fish tank that sits behind the reception desk. Directly behind that is the five-seat nail bar. On each of the side walls, there are four pedicure stations. Custom-created, some of the seats are meant to look like picture frames so the client becomes the art in the salon.

Chandeliers add the perfect touch to this salon. And you have to appreciate the handpainted striped walls and ceiling!

Chandeliers add the perfect touch to this salon. And you have to appreciate the handpainted striped walls and ceiling!



> The atmosphere is meant to be uptown and trendy, with custom cocktails available and upbeat music. Thanks to its high-energy, Wet Canvas is a perfect place to host a party or get the night started with friends. And with service names like Manicure Shooter ($40), Top Shelf Manicure ($52), The Remy Martin Mani (for him) ($40), and the MockTail Mani (for the under 12 set) ($30), the club vibe is carried throughout the salon. I especially loved the add-on menu, aptly named “Make It a Double,” with Gello Shots at $15 extra for gel-polish, Layered Shots at $10 extra for Christian Louboutin polish, and French Tini at $10 extra for a French look. The Menu also includes Hangover Cures like the $20 Acrylic or Hard Gel Removal and the $15 Soak-Off Gel Removal.


Even though I didn’t get a pedicure on this visit, I couldn’t resist sitting (and posing for a picture) in one of the custom “frame” pedicure benches. So cute!

Even though I didn’t get a pedicure on this visit, I couldn’t resist sitting (and posing for a picture) in one of the custom “frame” pedicure benches. So cute!


> In addition to the main room, the 1,490-sq.-ft. salon also has two treatment rooms — one for spray tanning and another for estheticians to do full body sugar waxing, eyelash extensions, and brow and lash tinting. The salon’s target audience is anyone who appreciates nail art and the professionalism of the artists’ work. “One would think our clients tend to be a younger, hipper crowd, but that’s what’s beautiful about Austin,” says Price. “Our clients range from housewives to working professionals to exotic dancers.”

Hannah Lee

Associate Publisher/Editor

Read more posts written by Hannah

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, Click here.

Read more about