Katie Shields, founder of Mylkbar Eco Nails + Beauty, has always had a passion for self-care with a side of artistic expression which can be seen in the chic, Palm Beach inspired décor throughout the salon. As a frequent business traveler, and beauty connoisseur, Katie spent most of her career on a plane. As a stressed out and frazzled frequent traveler, she realized we needed more self-care concepts where people can go and not worry about chemicals or fumes.
When Katie & her husband became pregnant with their first child, she became even more focused on the impact that toxins, chemicals, and fumes could have on an unborn fetus. Using knowledge she gained while in the healthcare industry, she created a concept that proved nontoxic self-care is not selfish, and upscale salon experiences should be fabulous not unsafe!
I interviewed Katie to learn more about current nail trends and the salon.
KA: What are nail art trends for winter?
KS: We are seeing a lot of geometric manis like the ones below. We are also getting a ton of requests for pet manis — people are obsessed with their animals and want to pay homage to them via on trend nail art.
KA: What polishes do you use in your salon?
KS: All polishes used in Mylkbar are 5-free or better. We carry RMS, Ten Over Ten, Floss Gloss, Zoya, NCLA, & Shellac.
KA: What are some of the services you offer at your salon? Anything unique? What is your most popular?
KS: We have a big focus on nail art and are one of the first nail studios in the Southeast to offer a curated nail art menu that is available year round. We also have implemented a lot of fun beauty add-ons to services so that our clients are really maximizing the amount of time they spend at Mylkbar.
One popular service is our “Mermaid Happy Hour” which is a mini cleanse + mask application of Leahlani’s mermaid mask. Clients simply clean their face and self apply this magical mask filled with spirulina, chlorella, and sea buckthorn oils to wear during their mani or pedi. I mean, you’re just sitting there anyway, right? Why not leave with clean pores and dewy skin!
KA: What is your most popular shade this season?
KS: Palm Springs for The Weekend, by NCLA, is a really deep green with a black undertone. Our Charleston clients adore this shade as it is reminiscent of our famous “Charleston Green” that you see painted all over the city. We are also getting a ton of requests for Indigo Frock, which is a deep indigo blue by CND Shellac. We have gone through about 8 bottles in the past month, so I would say it is pretty popular:)
Wanna see more nail art from Mylkbar? Check out their Insta here! As for you Southern belles, go check out Mylkbar.