Shea Osei, a talented nail artist originally from Ghana, found herself swept away by emotion at the recent premiere of the eagerly awaited movie Wicked. On this momentous occasion, she had the unique opportunity to showcase her artistic skills on the big screen, as she was responsible for designing multiple nail sets for actress Cynthia Erivo, who portrays the beloved character Elphaba. This collaboration marked not only the culmination of years of dedication and artistry but also the realization of Osei’s dream as she witnessed her nail designs brought to life on the big screen.
At 33 years old, Shea Osei’s passion for nails began early, around the age of 14, when she first started experimenting with her own nails and those of friends. She discovered her calling at 18 when she turned her hobby of nail artinto a full-time career. Over the years, she has gained recognition for her unique designs, capturing the attention of several high-profile clients, including the likes of Candice Brathwaite and Maya Jama. Notably, Osei had previously worked on Erivo’s nails for Netflix’s Luther: The Fallen Sun, forging a strong bond with the actress.
When Erivo reached out to Osei back in 2022, asking her to create designs for Wicked, it felt like the fulfillment of Osei’s dreams. The two have known each other for fifteen years, allowing them to cultivate a deep level of trust and collaboration. Osei dedicated over 35 sets of press-on nails to the project, ensuring each one mirrored the spirit of Elphaba. Each set took around 90 minutes to design and featured stunning ombré shades, including subtle green tones, to convey Elphaba’s transformative character arc.
At the premiere hosted at London’s Southbank, which was transformed to resemble the Emerald City, Shea Osei was overcome with emotion as she watched the film alongside fellow attendees. “I was able to watch it among everyone else… I cried. There are many bits where I cried,” she shared candidly. Osei admitted her rigorous standards for her work ran deep, admitting, “I was checking to see if I had put it on properly, did I shape it right, and was the ombré good.” Her attention to detail exemplified the commitment to her artistry.
Through her nail designs, Osei sought to highlight Elphaba’s character evolution. “At first, Elphaba seems shy and timid, but she quickly grows more confident.” Osei expertly sculpted the nails to reflect this transformation. “When Elphaba becomes confident, her nails tell the story too. It’s daring, showing, ‘this is me, accept me for who I want to be.’” This nuanced approach meant the nails were not just decorative but played a significant role alongside the narrative.
Osei’s excitement extended beyond the film’s narrative; she emphasized how each moment, even the most mundane actions, like how Elphaba touches her broom or puts on her hat, could showcase her nail artistry. “You would want your nails to match and look good on camera,” she noted. This sentiment encompassed her conscientious approach to the character, ensuring nails had cohesion with the film’s visual narrative.
The heartfelt response from the audience speaks volumes about Osei’s impact. After the premiere, she experienced what she described as an “outpouring of love” and newfound recognition for her work. “Everyone says they don’t pay attention to nails, but they did for Wicked,” she remarked with gratitude. The attention has propelled Osei to new heights, garnering her acclaim as one of the leading nail artists within the industry.
She reflects on her recent experiences as validation for her years of hard work, expressing hope for others striving to make their mark: “I hope this can bring hope to other nail techs and beauticians. These things don’t come overnight, and if you keep pushing, you’ll get there.” Her story has not only brought attention to her individual talent but has also emphasized the artistry behind often-overlooked professions like nail design.
The emotional rollercoaster of the Wicked premiere showcased both Shea Osei’s incredible abilities and the importance of believing in oneself. Her work not only entertained audiences but also paved the way for others to gain recognition for their craft—an endeavor richness with possibility. Watching her designs shine on the big screen continues to resonate with Osei as she seeks to inspire those following similar paths.
