By: Joseph Honeycutt
HELENA, Ala. — Driving by the tall, blue house on Cloverleaf Circle one would never suspect miniature masterpieces being created inside. Offering more colors than Crayola, small business Nails by Kim Keene transposes their client’s wildest ideas onto fingernail canvases.
Clients travel from across the country for Keene’s distinctive nail art. Keene’s farthest client came from California. Keene also has regular clients from across the southeast.
Though the salon is setup to accommodate those with mobility issues, there are some with travel restrictions for whom Keene takes her services to their homes.
Nails haven’t always been the day job. Previously, Keene worked for the Jefferson County Coroner’s Department and at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home. After becoming pregnant with her daughter, she wanted to keep the baby safe from the dangerous chemicals and harsh conditions involved with the job and decided to attend cosmetology school.
“You get into precarious situations,” Keene laughs.
Keene began working at a salon near the line of Trussville. In 2016 the salon closed, so she brought her work back home. During this time, clients said they preferred coming to her home for services and the atmosphere it provided. Following her customers’ feedback, Keene renovated her downstairs into a professional salon setup.
Inside, there are individual rooms for manicures and pedicures. Unlike traditional salons that can be noisy and uninviting, clients of Keene say it’s a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Keene says friendships have been cultivated from the shop talk that takes place. Keene met her best friend of more than two decades during a nail session. This friend would later help Keene meet her husband. She says it’s testament to memories made from manicures.
Keene says she couldn’t pick a favorite nail art set since there have been so many over the course of her 30 years of experience. However, she enjoys Halloween season and character nails. Keene has painted countless Disney, Marvel, Game of Thrones, and Scooby Doo themed designs.
“Extreme art,” as she calls it, is most requested. Keene describes this as intricate patterns and blends of colors that attract a lot of attention.
Special event nails are a common attraction. Weddings, proms, and commemorative photoshoots are also big business.
Unless it’s an extensive design, most nail sessions last about 90 minutes. “A majority of the time is spent painting,” Keene says.
To see a collection of photos of the work from Nails by Kim Keene, check out her Instagram page here. Services are available by appointment only.
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