What happens when nail artists from across the country gather under one roof just to connect, celebrate, and share their craft? The first-ever Mani Mixer in Chicago gave us the answer: a night full of creativity, laughter, and inspiration.

Nail professionals from all over the country traveled to Chicago this past weekend to attend the first-of-its-kind event, The Mani Mixer. Made possible by veteran nail artist and educator Dylan Pritchard, this sold-out social gathering was designed exclusively for nail technicians and artists, and notably, it did not revolve around a trade show or educational courses. The purpose was simple yet powerful: to build community and inspire one another.

“The Mani Mixer was born to fill a need in the nail industry - a need for community and inspiration. As I’ve moved through my career I’ve heard the phrase “It’s just nails” too many times. We are here to eradicate that phrase, and make nail artists everywhere understand that they have value, and deserve to hold space in the beauty industry.” -Pritchard

My colleague/nail bestie Darya and I arrived at Banana Nails on N. Avondale a little bit early and got to spend some time with Dylan and a few of his friends who helped him make it happen. When checking in with him the day before the event, Dylan said he “accidentally enlisted an army of helpers, so it [was] all happening really easily.” Tracy Wilson, Mars Flores, and the Banana Nails team had done an impeccable job making the event prep relatively stress-free.

On Sunday, October 5, artists of all ages and backgrounds started filtering into the space and were welcomed with fun décor, snacks, drinks, and an incredible vibe. The energy was palpable as guests mixed, mingled, and admired each other’s manicures. I met quite a few attendees who had braved coming to the event solo, like Kryssie from North Carolina, and was surprised at how far some of them had traveled. Notably, a majority of the guests were from outside the Chicagoland area.

After a short introduction and speech by both Dylan and Don Wismer, Director of Education for America’s Beauty Show, it was time to dive into discussion. Dylan had arranged a panel of established artists to talk about their experiences in the industry, share parts of their journeys, and answer questions from other nail artists navigating their own businesses and careers.

Panelists included:

• Dylan Pritchard: Independent nail artist and brand educator/collaborator for some of our favorite brands

• Spifster Sutton: Chicago native and industry icon, known for her distinct “Spif-style” artistry on nails, murals, and other mediums

• Rachael Bowen: Owner of Denver’s acclaimed Acronychous, known for exceptional gel services in a stylish, modern space

• Britt Higgins: Owner of The Nail Bar Collective in Connecticut, educator for licensing, and international award-winning nail artist

• Andrea Storlie: Owner of Minneapolis’s NAIL NINJA and creator of nail looks featured in major retailers

• Anastasia Rozd: Owner of Banana Nails, Brand collaborator, educator, and nail product distributor

• Some of the most memorable takeaways from panelists were:

• Learn your numbers to run a profitable business and pay yourself a fair wage.

• You don’t have to do it all; focus on what you love and what you’re great at.

• Keep going, even when things get tough.

• Protect your energy by choosing team members or salons that align with your vibe and values.

• Protect yourself and your business with contracts.

• Know your value: Don't undercharge if the work is absolutely fantastic, but also don't overcharge if your quality isn't consistent yet.

The Q&A was so engaging and inspiring that it could have gone on for hours, but soon it was time for our host to announce the winners of the nail art competition and raffle. Prize recipients got to choose from some incredible items, including multiple collections of gel products, artwork, and business coaching.

Guests who entered the “Spooky Theme” nail art competition arrived with their incredible creations in hopes of winning one of three amazing prizes. Panelists judged the art based on the C.U.T.E. scale: Creativity, Uniqueness, Theme, and Execution, scoring from 1–5 in each category. Each participant submitted fantastic sets, but the top three winners were announced later in the evening:

• 1st place: Natalie Melchiori (@nataliemelchiori)

• 2nd place: Cashlin McCabe (@cashclawz)

• 3rd place: Sara Niedzielski (@saras_nailtique)

After the winners were announced, most of the crowd stayed for a couple of hours to continue conversations, network, and exchange contact information. We helped Dominic Poteste (occupational therapist, but the night’s bartender) reduce beverage inventory and when the last few attendees filtered out, the team returned the space to its normal salon layout. Lots of new friends and future plans were made that night. Dylan shared that the evening was such a success that he intends to make it a yearly event, and who knows, maybe even bring it to a city near you.

"The event could not have gone better - thanks to the help from my team, the panel of industry professionals and sponsorships from four amazing brands. The first Mani Mixer was a fun, light-hearted event that inspired hope and proved to the attendees that anyone can be successful as a nail artist - You just have to want it. It’s not just nails. It’s a movement.” -Pritchard

Collectively, we want to extend a huge thank-you to the brands who contributed products to the raffle and swag bags:

• Kokoist

• PLA Nails

• American Creator

• REDÍ Professional

Please follow Dylan, the panelists, and brands to see what other fun events and products are coming up!

• Dylan Pritchard @thenailwhisperer

• Spifster Sutton @spifster

• Rachael Bowen @acronychous

• Britt Higgins @britts_nail_bar

• Andrea Storlie @nailninja_mpls

• Anastasia Rozd @anastasia_rozd

• Don Wismer @iamthedwiz

• Banana Nails @banananails_chicago

• Tracy Wilson @knucklesandwichnails

• Mars Flores @fourthrocknails

• Natalie Melchiori @nataliemelchiori

• Cashlin McCabe @cashclawz

• Sara Niedzielski @saras_nailtique