* ☝️ Yes, that's me, riding Montreal's Ferris wheel :)
One of the most common questions I get is: “How do you choose your designs?”
And the truth is: it's a mix of structure, instinct, and a little bit of guessing.
I don’t launch designs just because they’re trendy or because a supplier says they’ll sell. Every nail wrap you see at Nails by Aina has been intentionally selected, wear-tested (by me), and placed with purpose.
Here’s how the process works behind the scenes.
1. Where the Inspiration Comes From
I pull ideas from everywhere: my everyday life in Montreal, nature, music, and even food. I’ll see a color palette in a K-drama outfit or feel inspired by the vibe of a particular week and jot it down. I’m always collecting inspiration in the background.
As an INTJ, my selections are rarely impulsive. Even bolder styles are grounded in purpose. For example, I chose Noir Sapphire because it channels this deep, moody confidence—it’s elegant, strong, and never loud. Flirt Alert came from a softer place: something playful and romantic without being overly cute.
The goal is always to help you wear a mood—without having to say a word.
2. Not Every Design Makes the Cut
This part might surprise you, but I say “no” to a lot of designs.
Sometimes they’re trendy but not wearable. Sometimes they’re just too similar to what I already have. And sometimes the finish or detailing just doesn’t hold up when printed.
I curate styles that feel worth your time, attention, and fingertips. Every new launch has to earn its place.
3. I Keep It Curated for a Reason
I aim to always offer a clean mix:
- A few timeless neutrals
- A bold or dramatic set
- A minimalist option (they’re easier to maintain, by the way)
- A seasonal or mood-forward wrap that feels like a moment
Think of it like a capsule wardrobe—for nails.
4. I Wear-Test Every Wrap First
I don’t launch anything I haven’t tried myself.
Each wrap goes through a real-life trial: washing dishes, typing all day, applying it with a baby on my hip. If it doesn’t hold up, if the finish chips, if it doesn’t feel good—it doesn’t make the cut.
I want to feel confident sending it to you. That only happens when I’ve worn it in my own real life.
5. I Pay Attention to What You Love
Beyond my taste, I closely watch what you respond to.
I look at:
- What sells fast
- What gets reordered
- What gets tagged in Instagram stories
- What people add to their carts alongside other styles
Sometimes, a wrap I thought would just be a background player becomes a quiet bestseller. And I take notes from that.
French tip wraps are a good example—clean, classic, and consistently loved.
6. And Yes, Sometimes I’m Totally Surprised
There are times I think, “This one’s too much.” Too bold. Too out-there. Too niche.
And then… it sells. Quickly.
It’s humbling and kind of fun. Curation isn’t a science, it’s a dialogue between my gut and your preferences. Sometimes I just have to put it out there and see what happens.
That’s part of what keeps it exciting for me. You surprise me all the time.
7. I Know My Designs Aren’t Exclusive—And That’s Okay
If you’re into nail wraps, you’ve probably come across a few familiar designs across different shops—including mine. Yes, you might come across many of the same patterns at other stores, as a lot of us in the nail wrap world work with the same suppliers, and I’m not pretending otherwise.
But what makes Nails by Aina different isn’t just what I offer—it’s how I offer it.
I write my own product descriptions. I test the wraps myself before they launch. I curate everything with intention so that the selection feels cohesive, not chaotic. I hope that when you browse the site, the tone, the curation, and the energy help you feel like you’re in good hands—even if the designs exist elsewhere.
Right now, there are over 300 designs to choose from—and counting. But I’ve personally reviewed every single one to make sure it adds value to the collection. No filler, no fluff.
That said, I’m also working behind the scenes on something bigger.
My goal is to launch exclusive, original wraps that reflect the heart of this brand. If all goes well, you’ll start seeing those roll out in 2026. So stay tuned. It’s coming.
Until then, I hope the care behind every current set comes through.
Thanks for being part of this.
Why I Do It This Way
Anyone can throw up a bunch of trendy wraps on a site. But that’s not what I’m here for.
I want Nails by Aina to feel different—thoughtful, real, and personal. Every design has a reason to be there, and I make sure of that. Whether you're into moody jewel tones or soft minimalist styles, I want you to feel like you're choosing from a lineup that makes sense for your life—not just another endless scroll.
Mini FAQ
Do you design every wrap from scratch?
No. I work with suppliers and select existing formats, but I only choose designs that fit the Nails by Aina vibe. I sometimes request edits to make them more wearable or curated.
How often do you release new designs?
Every week... normally. At least, I try as much as possible. I don’t follow a rigid drop schedule—I prefer to release new wraps when they feel right, not just to fill space. That said, I’m always reviewing new options behind the scenes.
Can I request a style or color?
Yes! I always love hearing what you’re looking for. I can't promise it'll launch, but I do keep a running list of ideas from customers.
