As the Nepali saying goes,“हुने बिरुवाको चिल्लो पात।” (roughly translates to: a thriving plant shows its promising growth in its first shiny and healthy leaves), Shaili Malla’s artistic potential and grounded nature were visible from an early age. Recognising her gift, her parents encouraged her to pursue the path of an artist that she seemed destined for.
Shaili is a studio artist who channels her Fine Arts background and inherent talent across a diverse canvas of mediums. Painting, sculpting, sketching, ceramic, video art, she has immersed herself in all forms of artistic expression. From having her art work featured in various exhibitions to creating illustrations for children’s story books, she is a new entrant into the world of arts but someone who is hard to ignore.
Now, she embarks on a new venture started on Instagram called “Sulshang” (@sulshang) where she is launching hand painted press on nails inspired by traditional Nepali designs and motifs. “To me, nails are another canvas,” says Shaili when asked about this project. She took a nail technician course where she learned the art of manicure and in doing so realised that she could be another form of artistic expression; turning nails into miniature art pieces.
When it comes to press on nails which are a form of wearable art, she understood that it is a different aesthetic and a client-driven business. Shaili believes that when creating art for someone else, no matter the idea or inspiration they bring, it’s essential for her to retain a degree of creative freedom to ensure the integrity of the design. In a generation heavily influenced by trends—many of which are shaped by platforms like Pinterest with its endless digital pinboards, Shaili is committed to preserving originality in her work.
For her press on nail sets, she takes inspiration from the things around her: temple architecture, thangka paintings, and beautiful themes emerging in her daily life.
“The challenges that come with turning a creative passion of art into a nail business are different from those that come with monetising one’s traditional artwork,” Shaili claims talking about the obstacles she has faced in her entrepreneurial journey.
Communicating her true vision for nail art has been a challenge. “I want people to look at my nail designs with the same depth and appreciation as they do my other artworks,” she explains highlighting her aim for clients to not only wear her press-on nails but also value them as collectible pieces of art. Wearing multiple hats of being the artist, videographer and brand strategist,
Shaili embraces the challenges of doing it all but the reward, she says, is to be independently running the show.
In the coming year, Shaili hopes to grow her passion into a recognisable brand in the country, and eventually take it international. Her work can be explored on Instagram @shailikoshaili.
Text: Kreenjala Pyakurel
Photos: Sanjay Maharjan
