When you hear the word fashion or style you think of people, clothes, shoes, jewelry and handbags, but in last four years nail art and nail design have become a world of its own. A nailbed is now a canvas and celebrities like Lady Gaga and Zooey Deschanel are using their mini canvases as an accessory.

Fiorella Sotomayor or Fio as many people know her, has been doing nail art for four years on her Pretty in Polish site and has not stepped foot into a nail salon since she discovered her amazing talent.

This ambidextrous, fashion loving, 20 something year old finds her peace and relaxation once a week when she take time to create works of art on her nails, “It’s something for me, once a week I have my ‘me time’ and do my nails,” Fio says.

Each week her nail designs can take 30 minutes to an hour and half to complete, then she shares them on her Pretty in Polish site where she has also taken requests.

“Your nails are an accessory and can make an outfit, it also really gets conversation going,” she says.

Some of Fio’s favorite brands of polishes include OPI, Essie and Orly, “I use so many different polishes, but these are some that I will spend the extra money on because they really do make a difference in color and quality.”

Upcoming Nail Art Trends by Fio:

Ombre nails

Color Blocking

Multi-colored Cheetah Prints

To see Fio’s newest nail art tutorial inspired by NWFW designers Kate Spade and Milly check out her feature on Style Wax Poetic

The ever so lovely Fio from Pretty in Polish

I recently had the pleasure of Fio doing my nails, which was a huge honor and needless to say they came out amazing!

Loving the tribal designs, such a huge trend for spring