Founded by independent curator, Rita de Alencar Pinto in 2008, Vanity Projects first began as a pop-up, organizing itself in the homes and studios of visual artists, friends, and art aficionados. Vanity Projects quickly received offers to present at art fairs, fashion events, museums, and cultural institutions. In January 2013, MoMA PS1 invited Vanity Projects to do a three-month pop-up within the Confettisystems installation, held in the museum’s duplex.
It was at this time that Pinto developed the concept of the artist-in-residence program. Offering the top international nail artists the chance to engage and experience the exchange of technique and ideas, the program coincided with the salon’s brick-and-mortar debut in Manhattan’s Lower East Side in July 2013. Since then Vanity Projects has hosted over one hundred international nail artists in both the New York and Miami locations.
Since opening Vanity Projects has appeared in over 50 publications, including being named ‘Best of New York’ by both Allure and New York Magazines. In addition to editorial spreads, our artists have assisted and lead runways shows at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York and Miami Swim. Vanity Projects has been invited to participate in pop-ups at the Pulizer Foundation in St. Louis, The Brooklyn Museum, The Aldrich Museum, Los Angeles Contemporary Art Fair, NADA Miami Beach, Sculpture Center and the Aspen Museum of Art.
In April 2015, Vanity Projects opened its second location in Miami, Florida. In 2017 it relocated to The Miami Design District. The same year Vanity Projects partnered with the British foundation Daata Editions, a leading online video art platform. Daata Editions commission’s artist video, sound, poetry and web-based works.
In 2021 Vanity Projects launched two adjunct businesses aimed at offsetting the impact of COVID. Press On Nails VP, a hand-painted press on nails business, aimed at offering a solution for clients who were sheltering at home and unable to get their favorite beauty treatment, this business has now grown to offer a menu of designs in a variety of options to custom bespoke sets that are available in salon and online. In addition to that, we embarked on a journey to launch what we considered to be a serious void in the marketplace; shaping the next generation of nail artists, our online education platform Vanity Projects Institute.
In 2023 the New York salon expanded and renovated to include the entire building at 99 Chrystie Street. The salon now seats twenty manicure stations and three pedicure seats. The same year the Miami salon also expanded and moved to the Wynwood Arts District with 3,000 Sqft street front renovated where house and private garden. Now offering a retail boutique and outdoor space for private events.
In 2025 Vanity Projects was given the unique opportunity to be certified by the Secretary of Homeland Security to offer the Q1 Cultural Exchange Visa: this 15-month program offers a working visa for participants who possess exemplary skills and can showcase the traditions, heritage, customs and expertise of their native country through nail art technique.
We are perpetually committed to our mission of quality and with top tier talent, technical expertise and exemplary products.
Ariela Zuniga
Vice President
Ms. Zuniga joined Vanity Projects in 2015. For the last ten years she has shaped the internal operating systems and led our client services and private events. She has also overseen the company, it’s partnerships and its team of over 50 employees with a steadfast hand. Her unique and personable touch has created a lasting impact at both salon locations.
Ada Cruz
Director of Operations
Ms Cruz has made an indelible impact in operating the Miami location for the last eight years. Her role has grown from management to operations for the company at large.
Chelsea Yang
Digital Marketing Specialist / Registrar
Ms Yang joined Vanity Projects in 2021 as Registrar for Vanity Projects Institute (VPI). With a background in film editing, her role quickly expanded to include editing all VPI content. She also plays a key role in the company’s digital marketing efforts, managing social media, creating content, and handling monthly newsletters to engage the community. Recently, she took the helm of Press On Nails VP, leading its marketing and e-commerce operations. In addition to her marketing and editorial work, she continues to support VPI students on the technical side as Registrar. Her technical expertise and diverse skill set make her an integral part of the Vanity Projects team.
Megumi Aldrich
O1 & Q1 Visa Coordinator
Japanese Translator
After five years of working with Vanity Projects, Megumi Aldrich has become a central part in our daily communications. Her attention to detail and knowledge of the requirements for both Visa procuring and paperwork preparation is vital to the success of many visas attained. Her sensitivity plays a pivotal role for our salon culture and her knowledge of both Japanese and American methodologies attributes to her success.