HER NAILS
by Plus Model Melinda Mann Rivera
Images by Sky Photography
Melinda Mann Rivera is an LA based plus size model and nail designer. The 90’s were her inspiration, and she’s been taking pictures and rockin’ trendy nails since then. This led her to open up her own nail business called HER NAILS. Melinda’s modeling career began in 2009 when she decided to focus on blurring the lines between plus size and high fashion. “Women with curves shouldn’t just be limited to shopping at Target”, says Melinda. Plus size models love couture and need to have more options in their wardrobe; designers should focus and embrace plus size women instead of just draping them in cheap fabric and boring designs. “When Roberto Cavalli is ready for some curves in those tiger print dresses, I’ll be the first one on the catwalk”, says Melinda. Having participated in the first Full Figured Fashion Week this past June in New York City, she felt inspired and relentless about the many possibilities for curvy women. Melinda is not just a plus size model she is also a business professional that owns her own nail shop and freelances. She has dressed up nails for celebrities such as Cassie, Erykah Badu, DJ Rashida, Melody Ehsani, J Davey and numerous others. When you meet Melinda, you see how chains, dice, pearls, and jewels come together as an art form. She has combined both modeling and photography to build a bridge between nails and fashion. Working with countless stylist and photographers, she has designed nails for many clothing campaigns and designers. She is now working vigorously on re-launching the HER Nails website and designing pre-made event nails to be sold in boutiques as early as 2010. Melinda will be at this month’s Love Your Body Day in Los Angeles if you would like to meet her and connect with other plus size industry beauties.
Email: melinda@her-nails.com
