Meet Yujin | Korean and Japanese Nail Art Specialist in Orange County, California

By Victoria Waang

It has become increasingly rare to find someone who specializes in a particular genre of service and can *actually* deliver an experience that lives up to expectations. I had the pleasure of meeting Yujin, a talented nail artist, and was amazed by her delicate handling and sincere admiration for nails. From the moment she started shaping my nails and managing my cuticles, I felt confident in her abilities and passion. 

Yujin is an expert nail artist, which is incredible as she is just starting her career! I feel incredibly fortunate to have met her, and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for Korean and Japanese-style nails in Orange County, California. She is a rising star in the beauty industry.

So far, I’ve had Glazed Doughnuts and Strawberry Matcha-inspired nails with Yujin. Both sets are beautiful and unique. Yujin is an artist who can make your nails tell a story. They are never average and always reflect your personality.

Be sure to read our interview with Yujin and book an appointment with her while you can! She's coming in hot!

“I am Yujin lee.”

Tell us about yourself and your latest endeavors!

@star.aranail: “I focus on design aspects of the nail, especially with rhinestones but simple drawings as well. I really love doing Korean and Japanese nail styles as they catch the eye more. 

My latest endeavors are focusing on my nail technician career, as I found that a corporate job was not meant for me. I love doing creative designs, like drawings, but especially focusing on the beauty of nails.”

What are you most grateful for, right now?

@star.aranail: “I’m most grateful for my supportive family and my boyfriend, trusting me that I can achieve success as a nail technician. I also want my thank my friends who trust me doing their nails.”

When did your love of nails and manicuring begin?

@star.aranail: “My love of nails and manicuring began in first grade, starting with my mom’s regular polishes and it was in college where my interest in gel nails began. After getting a job, I was able to invest more and more on gel nails and am always researching the best brands and nail trends.”

How did you get your start as a nail technician?

@star.aranail: “I started my career in nails by doing my friend’s nails, but mostly for myself to try designs that I wanted right away without having to wait.”

What is your specialty service?

@star.aranail: “My specialty service is gel-x extension and designs with rhinestones. I love making nails sparkle a lot while giving a bit of elegance, and sometimes punk attitude. I also focus on chrome nails, not just regular chrome but having ripple effects and flowing effects.”

Who are your favourite K-pop and J-pop idols?

@star.aranail: “My favorite J-pop singer is Kenshi Yonezu, especially “Shinigami” and for K-pop, I like Stella Jang as I do not like a lot of love songs and this singer does more of an everyday vibe.”

What is currently inspiring you?

@star.aranail: “The current inspirations for me is anything that sparkles and catches my eye. Like a crow looking for a gem, I get inspired by so many Korean nail artists who use rhinestones so well. I inspire to be like them, using rhinestones and combining them so it becomes one big beautiful design.”

Which nail trends are you most looking forward to?

@star.aranail: “The nail trends that I look forward to are full-rhinestones on one nail as an accent point, or big statement stones that pop out, and anything that gives nails sparkle.”

What can new clients expect at their first service with you?

@star.aranail: “New clients who book their first service with me can expect to absolutely love their nails. Especially if they want bling, all out fancy nails, and having J-pop playing in the background.”

Where can someone book with you?

@star.aranail: “Clients can book with me through DM on instagram @star.aranail!
I post weekly openings every Sunday. Read my ‘Booking & Policies’ Highlight on Instagram for more details!”

Are there any personal/passion projects that you’re working on?

@star.aranail: “The personal projects that I’m working on include finding new ways to incorporate rhinestones in every nail design. Other small projects are mostly painting small ink washes, which I draw with fountain pens and inks.”

What are you most looking forward to, personally?

@star.aranail: “I look most forward to travel, as I like to experience new things, specifically food as I like all types of food. I would like to travel around just to try all the different cuisines, but mostly seafood as I love seafood.”

Anything else that you’d like to add?

@star.aranail: “I like to add that I may be quiet, but when it comes to subjects that I am interested in, I can talk about it all day, and I know the most random facts that come out of nowhere.”

Yujin Lee is a talented nail artist quickly gaining recognition in Orange County, California for her sensational Korean and Japanese nail art designs. She specializes in creating intricate rhinestone work and eye-catching details that transform nails into sparkling masterpieces. If you're looking for show-stopping nails that will turn heads and a truly elevated manicure experience, book your appointment with this talented artist before her schedule fills up. Yujin's future shines as bright as the rhinestones she so expertly applies!

Works Cited

Lee, Yujin. Personal Interview. March 29, 2024.