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SEARCHWhen it comes to decor, Graffiti Nail Bar breaks all the rules, says owner Lauren Boyd.
“Graffiti Nail Bar breaks all the rules of the nail salon world,” says Memphis-based salon owner and nail tech Lauren Boyd. “I don’t even call it a nail salon; it’s an art studio — a nail atelier, if you will. We don’t have a consistent color scheme or perfectly matched furniture. In fact, we don’t have any salon-specific furniture.” What she does have is vividly decorated walls splashed with bold graffiti.
Graffiti Nail Bar owner Lauren Boyd
“I’m an admirer of graffiti because of the colors and the talent it takes to create it,” says Boyd. “The pressure they’re under to create and escape getting caught is crazy. I love the passion and talent it takes to pull it off.” This passion and urge to explore and create were foremost in Boyd’s thoughts when she opened her salon four years ago. “We’re all supposed to stay in our perfect places, with neutral walls and sleek, posh decor. But what if for once we were allowed to be free, to create and escape from our boxes and just color? Wouldn’t that be great? That’s why I created Graffiti Nail Bar. Everyone who comes in is free to be themselves, whoever that may be.”
The salon is housed in a converted 1930s apartment. The 1,100-sq.-ft. space has four rooms: one for nails and art-specific retail merchandise, one for pedicures and skin-specific retail, an art studio, and Boyd’s office. “I also have a full kitchen where I like to cook for my clients,” she says.
“My husband and I did all the art on the walls and my husband created all the canvas art. I literally just paint wherever and whenever I feel the need to change the scenery in the place, or if I want to get something in my heart out. I have always been an artist — even before I became a nail tech. Conforming has always been my problem and my blessing.”
Learn more about Boyd’s salon and artwork at www.graffitinailbar.com or www.instagram.com/graffitinailbar.
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