Meet Sheena La Chinita | Nail artist/life enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sheena La Chinita and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sheena, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I worked in the hospitality industry for years, I initially thought “people are my passion so interacting and changing someone’s day is my calling”. When I realized that I was personally feeling underwhelmed by my work, I decided to look deeper into what I love to do. I realized that as expressive as I am verbally, I could be that artistically. Though, my words had a great impact on others, I knew there was another way to influence people or make them smile and that was through nail art. There’s something personal about designing an area that’s attached to someone’s body and even though I did the nails, I love watching people in awe with the feeling of “these are MY hands, these are MY nails, these are MINE”. I do what I do because I love it and so do they.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As an artist, I love to challenge myself. There are techniques that I’ve tried teaching myself along the way until finally quitting my regular 9-5 to start dedicating myself to it. I am the most proud of what it took me to garner up the courage to devote myself to something I love. I realized that within my professional career, I always succeeded but no matter the circumstance my soul wasn’t being fed. So I did something to change that. The process to your progress is never easy, but I decided that it was time to tell myself that in order to enjoy what I did, I had to believe that I was good enough and sure enough, my creative juices began to flow more and more. I want the world to know that I do what I do to empower others not to be afraid to make drastic changes to their own life and to trust that as long as they are trying, then they are doing enough.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a proud native of Miami. I love to show people how the city in itself has influenced me to become who I am throughout the years. For a week long trip, I would first engage in water sports. There is no visiting Miami unless you get to enjoy and fully engage in what the world naturally offers us and that is the ocean with all its glory. There are a bunch of yacht charters to enjoy which include jetskiing, tubes, kayaks, etc.

Miami also has some of the most unique individuals I have ever encountered so I would definitely bring them to Wynwood to enjoy more of the local energy that exists. My favorite go-to local spot is Wood Tavern and I think it is a staple for Miami natives because it gives us a space to be our free Miami selves.

There are a few restaurants that I enjoy – Chotto Matte in South Beach, Juvia which is not even a block away, and one of my new personal favorites – SWAN. We have plenty of luxury dining here so to feed our bodies and our bouj, I would definitely take someone out to enjoy a meal in the Design district, South Beach, or Brickell.

We have an array of options of Museums – we have a little bit of everything for EVERYONE, you want art? We have a Museum for that (Perez Art Museum). You like Science? THERE’S A MUSEUM FOR THAT TOO!!! Woop woop (Frost science museum).

Just even a drive around the city to enjoy the bodies of water that surround us is fun. So why not take em for a joy ride too?

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I give a million thanks to my parents for their unconditional support. As first generation immigrants, it came an everlasting culture shock with raising me. Nonetheless, my parents dedicated time, effort, and understanding to everything I chose to do. I’m lucky to have had a dad who was risky and a mom who was disciplined, through them, I received the best of both worlds.

Instagram: @nailsbysheenalachinita

Facebook: Nails by Sheena La Chinita

Other: Personal instagram: @sheenaa_lachinitaaa

Image Credits
Photo credits: @nailsbysheenalachinita @sheenaa_lachinitaaa Photo editing: @jsbthecreator