Catt is a nail technician and the owner of Claws & Creatives LLC (@clawsandcreativesllc) in Reno, Nevada, with her specialties in sculpted, medium-XXL nails and nail art. Catt found her passion in nails early and strives to help and encourage other nail technicians as much as she can. Catt sat down with Nailpro to tell us about her journey, her inspiration and give us a how-to for her beautiful cover nails.
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Meet our cover nail artist, Riley Catt (@cattsclaws).
Catt is a nail technician and the owner of Claws & Creatives LLC (@clawsandcreativesllc) in Reno, Nevada, with her specialties in sculpted, medium-XXL nails and nail art. Catt found her passion in nails early and strives to help and encourage other nail technicians as much as she can. Catt sat down with Nailpro to tell us about her journey, her inspiration and give us a how-to for her beautiful cover nails.
Nailpro (NP): Tell us about your nail journey?
Riley Catt (RC): Since I was a child, I’ve always had creative flair expressed through fashion or just art I’ve made outside of nails, but I never had a specific outlet that was my go to for creating. My parents played a significant role in me being artistic. They always allowed me to express myself in whatever way I felt right and inspired me not only artistically but independently. My mom encouraged me to enroll into the nail program, and once I started, I knew this was for me. I knew that this was my outlet, my passion and something I could do everyday and never feel mundane. Once I graduated school, I quickly became fluent in nails and the industry. I started working my way up through social media by posting content to help other nail technicians on their journey. It was always important to me to show others the things I’ve learned and things that made my nail life easier! I’m very proud of the career and platform I’ve made for myself and others over time. I can’t wait to see what the next years will bring.
NP: What is your inspiration behind your cover nails?
RC: All of the nails I did for this shoot were influenced by women and the nail industry as a whole. I wanted to showcase how woman are bold, playful, flirty, warm, fashionable and fun! The industry has showed me the aspects of working together — everyone’s creativity bouncing off of each other — showing there is no rules and this is a full creative space where anything can be brought to life! 
Cover nails by Riley CattNail Artist: Riley Catt; Photographer: Antony Carter, Masterpeace Studio; Makeup: Lya Mejia
NP: What is your nail specialty?
RC: I specialize in sculpted acrylic enhancement services. I was always drawn more towards the consistency of acrylic and longer nails. I find it easiest to work with acrylic to achieve longer lengths — shout-out to anybody who does what I do but with hard gel! You’re a magician! I am also known for my painting skills: I specialize in hand-painted cartoon characters and hand-painted art in general! I never use stickers, stamps or printing machines. I take pride in doing everything by hand!
NP: What do you love most about the nail industry?
RC: What I love most about this career is the ever-changing art, the love and the bonds that everyone creates! I wouldn’t be anywhere without my clients. The bonds I’ve built over the years mean so much to me because no matter what we are both going through we can always count on each other. It’s a different kind of friendship you build with clients, and I’ve always found that so fascinating and beautiful. Trends are always changing in this industry, so I love always pushing my limits and testing new things out on nails, even when I’ve never done it before! My clients always trust that I can do whatever they show me. The love we have in the community is so great. I love they way everyone supports and lifts everyone to become their best selves. Everyone always hands out what they’ve learned to better the next technician.
NP: What do you see in the future of the nail industry?
RC: The future of the nail industry is so bright. I think back in the day nail technicians didn’t get enough credit for all of the time, effort, love, hard work and dedication they put into every single nail set. All of that is changing. We all are charging our worth. We all are staying strict on policies, and ALL of us are helping one another. I love the way this industry has transformed within the small six years I’ve been here. The future will only push us further and give us more room to create, grow and live!
How-To: Fairy Forest Set
My favorite nails to create in these photos were the fairy forest set! They were very easy, but I wouldn’t intend them for every day use. You’ll need: nail glue, Valentino Beauty Pure Diamond Gel, pointed tweezers , butterfly charms and any decorating moss and small flower clusters! I got mine from a craft store.
Step 1. Start with a clean and finished base, I used cover “Blossom” from Valentino Beauty Pure because I love the contrast pink and green have together, but you can use any base!
Step 2. Place your nail glue where you’d like your flower clusters, and gently press your flower cluster down onto the glue with your tweezers.
Step 3. Grab your Diamond Gel from Valentino Beauty Pure, lay a semi thick layer down and sprinkle your moss onto the gel. Pat down any heightened moss into the gel so it sticks.
Step 4. Cure for 60 seconds.
Step 5. I used magnetized butterfly charms, but you can use any of your liking! I got mine from Totally Nail Supply on Instagram. I placed my diamond gel where I wanted the butterfly to go, laid my opposite magnet down, cured for 60 seconds and then placed my magnet butterfly on top. I like magnetized charms because you can take them off or put them back on whenever!
Step 6. I top coated everything in Valentino Beauty Pure Non-Wipe Top Coat to seal the deal!
Credits
Nail Artist:
Riley Catt
Photographer:
Antony Carter
Masterpeace Studio
Makeup:
Lya Mejia
