This week we caught up with Ceci Gomez, a nail artist based in Houston, Texas gearing up to open her own salon.

The Trend: Embrace New Orleans culture with these masquerade ball-inspired nails. The purpose of a masquerade is not only to conceal your identity, but also to morph into someone else (at least for the moment). Translate this tradition onto your nails for a playfully cool look.

Read on to learn more about this manicure inspired by a masquerade ball and the nail artist behind it.

EBONY: Ceci, what inspired the design?

Ceci Gomez: I was inspired by Mardi Gras and masquerade parties. I wanted to incorporate that with a clean glam look. This client let me have complete artistic control and I had a blast doing these!

EBONY: How was the design created?

CG: I first painted four nails a bone white gel polish as the base. The other two nails I covered with gold glitter. I hand-painted the black diamonds on the ring fingers using a fine nail art brush and black gel polish. Then I painted the black boxes on top of the gold glitter. I did a black box so the mask charm would really pop. Lastly, I painted thick black lines and embellished using studs and charms purchased on eBay.

EBONY: How did you become a nail artist?

CG: I began doing my own nails a few years ago after the encouragement of my husband to try designs on my own. Before I knew it I had tons of girls asking me to do their nails. I became licensed about a year ago.

EBONY: What is one piece of advice you’d give to an aspiring nail artist?

CG: One piece of advice I would give to aspiring nail artists is to use inspiration from everywhere. Get creative and take risks!

EBONY: What do you feel is your artistic significance when it comes to nail art?

CG: I feel that my creativity and ability to make all my clients nails glamorous.

Check out more designs by Ceci Gomez on Instagram @Cgoldnglam.

– Loren Lee