Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kristin Rossi. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kristin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

It started with a story, one all too common among the LGBTQIA+ community, a transgender woman who was unable to live her true life because of her job. That’s when I had an idea. Offer someone in need of some sparkle an opportunity to shine.

I’ve encountered many people throughout my life who are at every stage of the gender identity spectrum. In many of those encounters, I’ve discovered that small details are the ones that can really help anyone feel comfortable in their skin, and sometimes those details are the most difficult to commit to.

Having acrylic nails or or even polish make a statement. There may be times when people are ready for that statement, however having a set of press on’s can allow anyone to feel that extra icing on the cake at any time of THEIR choosing. Having the option to put that extra bit of sparkle or take them off can help immensely to anyone’s self identity journey!

It works by knowing someone in your community who could use a little sparkle! If so, you can nominate them for
the Nail it Forward program. You can email your nominee to [email protected], and tell us what makes them shine. Each month Nails By KR will donate a set of custom press ons to selected nominees. Recipients can then choose to nominate another.
Nails By KR is proud to introduce the Nail it Forward program, because everyone deserves to feel beautiful.

Kristin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi! Nails By KR here! My name Kristin Rossi, and I am international nail artist specializing in international fashion shows, editorial photo shoots, and high profile clientele. I am the proud owner and creator of the Nails by KR brand. I have been a licensed nail tech since 1992, and at 20 years old, I sold my little red covertable, and opened up my first salon. Since then I have owned and operated salons in Michigan, Florida, and now Colorado.

All while taking clients on a full time basis, I then began doing nails for events, and photo shoots for various local production companies. This eventually caught the attention of Artopia. Artopia is an annual night of art, food, music, and fashion featuring artists, and performers all from the local Denver area. After that it became clear this was a world in which I belonged. From local to world wide, I’ve since begun showing work internationally, varying from London all the way to Dubai Fashion Week stages, and countless publications. However I do like to sticks to my roots, and I’m constantly working with local Denver creators to continue to make amazing content, and work for my community.

What sets me apart from others?… It’s such a tough question to answer. I’ve certainly have time to rethink this question over the years. Simply because I’m constantly evolving. I’m in competition with myself and myself alone. I set the bar high and have extremely high expectation of what I want to accomplish. I’m continually striving for that level of excellence that’s only known to me.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Well as many people I’m sure can relate, Covid-19 brought my business, which was thriving at a rapid pace to a screeching halt. I went from working 15 hours a day with one on one clients, both national and intentional photoshoots, as well as national and international fashion shows to nothing at all. Suddenly I found myself in a position I’ve never been in before, and that despite all of the challenges that the pandemic presented, this was actually an opportunity. I realized in order to stay relevant I need to continue getting my work and brand out there, and seen without compromising the safety of myself, my family, and others.

The question at hand was how do I do someone’s nails without that personal contact? The answer was simple, you don’t! That’s when I realized I was already doing it, Press on nails! I’ve been doing press on nails for years on models for photoshoots, fashion shows, and more recently drag queens. With a few tweaks I have made this process one anyone can do at home. What should have been determental to my business has actually opened me up to a global clientele. Nails By KR press ons, are being rocked all over the world as we speak.

As the world keeps spinning I’ve managed to grow press on nails into a whole new side to my business. I am soon to launch my website which will make availability Nails By KR art and products that much easier.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Every artists plays a different role in our society. Creatives provide communities with happiness, interaction, and most of all inspiration. Art is about connecting with people’s emotions. As artists we have the ability to express any and all emotions through different mediums to evoke memories and feelings. The sensitivity of an artist can be a burden, that can be compounded by the lack of interest and support from local communities.
You are not paying for the instant gratification of ordering something cheap online, you are paying for the time, blood, sweat, and tears of that artist to create something truly unique, because they made it!

The best way to support an artist/creative is simply to buy their work for their asking price!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nailsbykr.com (coming soon!)
• Instagram: @nails.by.kr