Artist Spotlight: Kandi Banks
Issue No. 008
Hello and welcome to Beyond the Paint, a blog by Bio Seaweed Gel (BSG).
Each Wednesday we will be releasing new content that will discuss all things nails and more.
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: KANDI BANKS
‘Artist Spotlight’ is a mini-interview series featured on Beyond the Paint, where we talk to and share with you insider interviews with our favourite nail professionals and creators.
269 Kandi Yamz is more than just a neon pink fuchsia shade from our UNITY All-In-One Gel Polish Carnival Collection. This vibrant colour is named after one of our beloved OG brand ambassador, a nail professional whose work you might have seen on the nails of Missy Elliot, Demi Lovato, Nicki Minaj, Kehlani or even online – as she has amassed over 100k followers on her Instagram! We are proud to debut this series and put a well-deserved spotlight on Kandi Banks.
Tell us a little about yourself!
“My name is Kandi Banks. I am located north of Los Angeles in Reseda, and I’ve been doing nails [for] 10.5 years. I randomly got into the nail industry when I was in college for Fashion. My roommate at the time always came home with crazy designs. I told myself I could do that. I started working on myself and then practicing on her. She actually encouraged me to get into the industry. My favorite thing about being in the nail industry is being able to be creative in all aspects. I also love being my own boss and making my own schedule. I [also] actually have a side hustle selling Nike’s and Jordan’s. I also like to cook and bake. Most recently I started gardening, it’s so therapeutic!”
Perfectly polished 'Klaws' by Kandi: 66 Papaya (left) and 57 Mousse (right)
Tell us about your relationship with Bio Seaweed Gel…
“I discovered BSG in 2014. They reached out to me via IG. I remember the products stayed on for weeks! I was so impressed!! I have my own color with BSG and its pink, which of course is my favorite color. My favorite color to use on clients is Peach Tea and Jelly Bean.”
As a bonus, we'd also like to share this gem of a photo of when we first met Kandi. Talk about throwback!
Kandi's favourite BSG shades: 277 Peach Tea (left) and 278 Jelly Bean (right)
What nail looks do you think will be trending this Spring/Summer? And what do you foresee a lot of your clients asking for?
“I honestly can’t say what the next nail trend will be. It changes so frequently! Once minute its high V French tips, then its swirls in negative space, hopefully we can bring back intricate images! My clients don’t follow trends often. Most of them let me be creative.”
Trendy nail art by Kandi: 1010 Sugar Cookie (left) and 05 Cotton Angel (right)
Aside from your Instagram, is there any other platform our readers can find you? Do you have any projects coming up we should keep our eyes peeled for?
“I have a nail art tutorial page on YouTube. I’m kind of bad at posting on there. I have some nail related plans I’m not ready to reveal just yet.”
A few of our favourite looks by Kandi: 171 You Great & 94 Fate (left) and 60 Fairytale (right)
We can’t wait to see what Kandi has coming up next, although it is a surprise, we know that whatever she is working on will be something amazing (evidently, her nail work can attest to that).
Drop a comment below and let us know, have you worn any of Kandi’s favourite BSG shades (269 Kandi Yamz, 277 Peach Tea, 278 Jelly Bean)? If not, what is your favourite BSG colour?
Every comment will also double as an entry for a chance to win a $25 BSG e-Gift card. One winner will be contacted by email on March 10th 2021. Must be 18+ to enter and a resident of USA.
*Update: Giveaway closed, winner is Arianna Laidley.
7 comments
I freaking love the color Jelly Bean ! I almost bought it but decided not to, I regret it. Anyway lol I had the pleasure of meeting Kandi at a nail show !! Nail Pro 2019 lol our last nail pro in a while :( and she was so amazing, she helped me pick some of my most popular colors, one of them being orange you glad.
I had no idea Kandi Yamz was named after a person, a fellow mail tech, at that! So cool, I love that color.
I have used 278 Jelly Bean and it is one of my favorites!!! I LOVE doing MARBLE designs with this one, it is such a Beautiful and simple color!!
I haven’t yet but I’m sure I will try it soon! I love treasure chest!
I love Peach Tea and wear it often with abstract shapes or metal hardware. My favorite BSG color right now is Poppy!
Love this post! Kandi seems so fun and sweet!
I am new to this product .what I have learned about this polish is that it lasts without chipping for two weeks and more.i do recommend this polish to anyone. So far I love the rhinestone colours because I love glitter. I have not tried any of the above colours.i have also tried the powder dip and my favorite is the pearl.