Shea Osei, a 33-year-old nail artist from Basildon, Essex, experienced an overwhelming surge of emotion upon witnessing her intricate nail designs showcased on the big screen during the premiere of the highly anticipated film *Wicked*. This moment was particularly special because her designs were created for the character Elphaba, portrayed by the talented Cynthia Erivo. Their relationship dates back 15 years, establishing a profound connection between the nail technician and the actress.
Shea was not only responsible for crafting Elphaba’s captivating nail styles for the movie but also designed her nails for the green carpet event at London’s Southbank, which was transformed into the Emerald City for the premiere. With a mixture of pride and disbelief, Osei expressed her feelings, stating, “I cried. There are many bits that I cried at.” As an artist, she is notably critical of her own work, obsessively checking if the nail application was perfect, the shaping was precise, and the ombre effect was flawless.
The journey for Shea began at a young age; she started honing her nail art skills when she was only 14. By 18, she turned her passion into a career, and over the years, she developed a client base that includes celebrity figures like Candice Brathwaite and Maya Jama. This opportunity to work on Erivo’s nails wasn’t entirely new—for prior projects, she had already collaborated with her for the Netflix film *Luther: The Fallen Sun*.
When Erivo reached out to Shea in 2022 to create the nail designs for *Wicked*, Shea was thrilled. Exploring the character of Elphaba, she meticulously designed over 35 sets of press-on nails, each dedicated to reflecting Elphaba’s transformation. The designs started subtly with shades of green to represent Elphaba’s early shyness, progressing to bolder styles as her character grew in confidence, reinforcing the narrative of self-acceptance and personal strength. This evolution was expressed through more daring nail art, capturing Elphaba’s journey towards empowerment with each scene.
The nail designs needed to echo the story’s depth. Osei reflected on the significance of Elphaba’s crowns and how they should harmonize with the character’s bold personality. “When Elphaba comes into her own… she has that confidence, and her nails tell that story too,” Shea noted. This creative challenge was an exciting aspect of her role—ensuring that Elphaba’s nails felt as though they belonged to a character who was unapologetically herself, even against societal norms.
As the film has gained traction, Shea Osei has reported a heartfelt influx of admiration and recognition for her work. “Everyone says they don’t pay attention to nails, but in *Wicked*, they paid attention to the nails,” she remarked, reflecting on the positive feedback she received. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase her artistic skills to a wider audience and hopes that her success will inspire other nail technicians and beauty professionals striving to make their mark in the industry.
Osei’s journey from a young aspiring nail artist to a sought-after professional exemplifies resilience and dedication in the beauty field. She emphasizes that success does not come overnight, encouraging others to persistently pursue their passions. “If you keep pushing on, you’ll get there in the end,” Shea imparts, embodying the very essence of the inspirational tale told through her talent and hard work in the vibrant landscape of *Wicked*.
