shynebychelle

shynebychelle is a custom nail art studio in the LA Arts District of downtown Los Angeles, and it works by appointment only. The studio address and arrival instructions are sent with the appointment confirmation, and each appointment allows one guest, since the studio is a working space.

The studio grew out of a nail business that Michelle Hoang took over after her uncle closed his salon. The work started in a first studio set up in a family member's former bedroom and later moved to the LA Arts District.

Each booking starts with a talk about the look the client wants. Reference images, a mood board, or one shade can serve as the starting point, and the nail artist builds the design from that input. The client signs off on the design before the last coat is set under the lamp. Typical appointments last roughly two and a half to three and a half hours, though intricate Complex Freestyle work may run past that. Quiet appointments can be arranged on request, with a podcast or soft background music playing throughout.

Deposits come off the price of the set, and the balance is paid at the appointment by Zelle, cash, or Apple Pay. Chips or lifts from normal wear within 7 days are fixed free of charge if brought in as they happen, and clients are asked not to glue a chipped nail at home first. A soak-off to remove an existing set is available for $20 and adds about an hour, whether the set came from this studio or another salon. The studio follows California health and safety standards for cleaning, disinfecting, and storing tools and workspace, and ingredient information is available before the appointment on request.

Custom, design-led sets built around each client's own photo, moodboard, or color, with unhurried appointments and California health and safety standards for tools and workspace.

A working studio in the LA Arts District where clients can choose a quiet session.