Michelle Saunders


Michelle Saunders James is a manicurist known for her creative instincts, precise attention to detail and love of color.

Michelle began training in her hometown of San Francisco, working as a manicurist at various Chanel boutiques. This is where she developed her gentle and thorough approach to manicuring. After several years refining her technique, she opened her own successful appointment-only nail salon.

After a decade in San Francisco, Michelle relocated to Los Angeles. There her career transformed from salon-based to an agency-represented manicurist, working with entertainment and fashion industry clients.

She is now sought after by A-list celebrities such as P!NK, Kate Beckinsale and Mandy Moore, as well as for editorial work in high-end publications such as W Magazine, Elle, Vogue and Vanity Fair.

InStyle, Allure and Harper’s Bazaar, among many others, rely on Michelle’s expertise to provide manicure and nail care advice to readers. Michelle is also a long-standing Essie brand ambassador.

One hallmark of Michelle’s nail work is its durability. She believes that a long-lasting result is achieved through precise preparation of the nail bed, thorough technique and the use of the highest quality products.

Michelle is also known for her versatility, as displayed by her roles as key manicurist at NYFW for Rebecca Minkoff, Alexander Wang, DVF and Carolina Herrera.

Michelle continues to explore and experiment to continuously create the visually rich, fashion forward looks, whether it’s a classic nude nail or an intricate design.

She now resides in Oakland with her husband Kerry (the James in Saunders & James).

You can check her salon’s website HERE

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