Coca Michelle (whose real name is Michelle Nguyen) is a first-generation British-Vietnamese nail artist known for her elevated artistry and intricate designs.
With 15+ years of experience, she brings incredible innovation, versatility and precision to every project. Her visual artwork and collaboration is highly sought after by the biggest entertainers and celebrities in the world.
Michelle began doing nails at the age of six, seen that her parents worked for a nail salon and her own father opened a salon–she obviously picked the skill up. She didn’t take the profession seriously till she moved to the United States to attend college at LA’s Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and began working at Laqué Nail Bar.
In 2018, Michelle and Teyana Taylor (her first celebrity client) launched Junie Bee Nails, a ’90s-themed nail salon in Harlem that offered every nail style from the decade. The pandemic sadly forced the salon to close, and Michelle amicably parted ways with the business.
Coca is now key nail artist to Megan Thee Stallion. Her clients also include: Xtina, Ari Lennox, Rosalía, Jhené Aiko, Lori Harvey, Cardi B, Khloe Kardashian, Summer Walker, Teyana Taylor and Kehlani.
Recent campaigns include: Megan Thee Stallion’s 2022 Traumazine Album launch and “HER” Video; Meg’s Popeyes ‘Hottie Sauce’ / Franchise Partnership Launch, Nike, Revlon ‘Hot Girl Sunset’ Collection, and Cash App; and Xtina’s ‘Midnight Bloom’ Perfume.
Recent notable works include: Meg at the 2022 and 2021 MET Gala, VMAs and Grammys; Xtina Live at the Hollywood Bowl; Meg on the covers of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, GQ, Rollingstone, Marie Claire, W Magazine, and Variety; and Lori Harvey on the cover of Wonderland.
Coca has also been featured in VOGUE, WWD, Allure, NYLON, VH1, Nail Pro, American Salon, and Vashtie.com.
She currently lives in Los Angeles.
You can check her personal website HERE