(Photo: Coca Michelle/@cocamichelle via Instagram)
Megan Thee Stallion is no stranger to showing her love of anime on social media, and her anime-inspired manicures are the latest example. The visionary behind her nail designs is London-born, Los Angeles-based manicurist Coca Michelle.
Coca Michelle has been designing nails since she was 6 years old and is a go-to nail artist for many celebrities such as Cardi B, Rosalía and Jhené Aiko.
“Through word of mouth, I ended up meeting my first celebrity client, Teyana Taylor,” Michelle said, according to Vogue. “I toured with her and that’s where things took off.”
Michelle launched June Bee Nails, a ‘90s-themed nail salon in Harlem in 2018, but she decided to part ways with the business when the pandemic hit. Michelle also designed nails for singer Summer Walker for her “Over It” album.
Michelle has partnered with Megan Thee Stallion multiple times from giving express sets at Megan’s Rolling Stone cover alongside SZA and Normani to Megan’s WAP music video.
Though, Megan and Michelle both share their love of anime through Michelle’s nail designs.
“We each have a huge love of anime—and she’s even more of a fan than I am!” Michelle said, according to Vogue.
Of all their anime-centric creations, her favorite was the one paying tribute to one of Megan’s favorite animes, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, and its Stardust Crusaders arc.
“I just love when people stay true to their authentic look while also evolving over time,” Michelle said, according to Vogue. “With Megan, she always been super creative, and [I love] being able to be a part of her team and help step it up, create new levels.”