On a canvas that is half an inch to an inch long, Lizzi Styslinger creates intricate details such as yellow ducks and pink flamingos, orange flowers, black and white eyeballs, candy canes and green and red holiday lights.
She’s painted hearts and pumpkins, shamrocks and turkeys and ghosts and snakes.
Styslinger is an artist and her canvas is a nail.
Well, four fingers and one thumb to be exact. Styslinger can pretty much free-hand whatever a client envisions.
“Lizzi is so creative,” said Morganna Parrish, a client from Dormont. “She can do anything, and it’s beautiful. She strives to be the best, and she is. She does it all free-hand which is hard to imagine. She is such a gifted artist.”
Styslinger has been painting nails since 2019. Her love of art was inspired as a child from her mother. Styslinger outgrew her solo studio, Esbat Nails, so she and her sister, Beck Gallagher, decided to open a salon with additional artists and found a larger space in Aspinwall.
Gallagher handles the marketing and business side of the company.
They opened Beli Nails in November. The name comes from the first two letters of their names. Services offered are custom nail art, structure gel manicures, GelX nail extensions and specialty designs.
A grand opening is planned for Tuesday.
The siblings, who grew up in Butler and live in Ross, describe the business as “a fusion of art and beauty, a canvas of self-expression.”
“We want to redefine the nail salon experience,” Gallagher said. “Our skilled nail artists are dedicated to transforming nails into stunning works of art, ensuring every client leaves feeling empowered and beautiful.”
One of their top priorities is making everyone feel welcome, Gallagher said. On your visit, you may spot Jackson, a 13½-year-old mini schnauzer and Italian greyhound who is in the salon most days.
“Our salon is a space where clients can express their individuality through creative and personalized nail art,” Gallagher said. “At Beli Nails, we believe that everyone deserves to feel like a work of art, and our talented team is here to make that vision a reality.”
Parrish said she made an instant connection with Styslinger and receives many compliments on her nails.
“I loved her energy because it matched mine,” Parrish said. “She is so warm and kind. Nails are a fashion accessory. Designs can match a season or celebrate a special time in your life.”
Styslinger continuously thinks of designs for upcoming holidays such as St. Patrick’s Day and Easter and spring.
She has been incorporating hearts during February. You can follow her designs on Instagram.
A basic manicure takes about an hour to an hour and a half. A more involved creation can take two to three hours. Styslinger has some clients who travel from out of state to get their nails done.
She and Gallagher said they use top-of-the-line products.
They’ve created an inclusive space for all genders, they said.
Beli Nails is located in a former Frank Woods Salon. The 1,600 square feet of space has been transformed with colorful walls, a comfortable waiting area and the best equipment for the nail artists to help clients express their individual style through their nails.
“It’s challenging, and I often figure it out as I go,” Styslinger said. “I am art-focused. People notice nails.”
