The Artistry Maximalist Nails: Behind the Niche with Elisa Hatton

It’s only been a few decades since nail art has become popular and more common. Fake nails, in particular, have gained significant traction among recent generations. One artist has taken much love into the craft and has created extraordinary maximalist nail art. All the way from Germany, Elisa Hatton, a self-taught nail artist, has turned her passion for creativity into a thriving business, using her bold designs to captivate a global audience. From humble beginnings to becoming a rising star in the press-on nail industry, her journey is just getting started.

Refrath,Germany

Growing up in the small town Refrath, near Cologne, Germany, Elisa’s life has been far from normal. Despite growing up in difficult circumstances, Elisa found art as an outlet of expression and connection. Claiming it as her safe space, this passion led her to pursue a degree in communication design in Düsseldorf, not only to follow her creative path but also to start a new chapter in her life. After earning her Bachelor’s of Arts in 2021, she moved to Coesfeld with her boyfriend, unsure of what came next.

However, the creative industry was not exactly what she had expected. 

“I wasn’t sure what to do next,” she shares, recounting how she experimented with different jobs, including working in a dollar store, while continuing her personal creative projects. She and her boyfriend briefly pursued a self-employed venture in videography, photography, and web design but eventually grew frustrated with uninspiring work done merely for financial gain.

With 14k euros of student debt weighing heavily on her, Elisa was forced to find a way to earn extra income. Rather than taking a typical part-time job, she sought something more creative. It was then that she discovered nail art. 

“I spontaneously decided to give it a try, bought some cheap beginner tools, and started creating and posting every day,” Elisa explains. 

What began as an experiment quickly blossomed into a small business, offering not only a way to pay off her debt but also the opportunity to do something she loved.

Germany - Not Exactly the Creative Hub

While Germany offered stability to Elisa, it wasn’t exactly what inspired her creativity. 

“ I find that Germany is boring, and the creative input is low. People only do what works and don’t go for something out of the box. They judge fast and don’t try expressive styles. Maybe it's different in other cities, but I can only talk about what I’ve seen,” she confesses. 

This lack of experimentation and boldness in the local scene pushed her to carve her own path, and her designs reflect just that—bold, maximalist art full of vibrant details.

A Self-Taught Journey

Just in recent years, she learned nail artistry independently, watching tutorials when necessary. 

“I taught everything myself,” she says, explaining her hands-on approach to mastering different techniques. Over time, she refined her style, transitioning from Y2K themes to embracing maximalism, where every nail set tells a story through intricate layers, charms, and patterns.

One of the major turning points in her business came when she decided to focus on press-on nails. Originally, she experimented with acrylics but found the process tiring. 

“I discovered press-on nails because I could create them in peace, without the need to talk to clients during the process,” she mentioned.

This realization allowed her to focus more on her craft and offer a product that could be ordered online, making it more accessible to customers worldwide.

Balancing Business and Life

Running a business while balancing her education and a full-time job hasn’t been without its challenges.

“The hardest part is consistently posting high-quality content on social media,” she admits. 

She finds community support to be a major motivator during tough times, especially as she juggles everything. 

"It’s exhausting to work full-time in children’s care, go to school, and still try to build a side hustle."

Despite these struggles, she’s found her pace. What once took her over five hours to create now takes about two, allowing her to produce more designs in less time. She’s also committed to maintaining sustainability, ensuring that her products are vegan and cruelty-free and that her packaging is as environmentally friendly as possible.

Nature to Nail Plate

When it comes to her creative process, nature is her greatest source of inspiration. 

“I look for nature, buildings, and flowers on Pinterest, and if the vibe resonates, I try to bring that into my nail designs,” she shares.

This organic approach allows her work to stay fresh and authentic, focusing more on what excites her rather than following industry trends.

 "I don’t follow any trends. I just do what I like."

Her business also stands out because she prioritizes quality and individuality. 

“I’m always thinking about how I can make the designs better,” she explains, noting the layers of detail that go into each press-on set.

Looking to the Future

Though she doesn’t yet have specific plans for expansion, she’s excited to continue growing her brand after finishing her education this summer. 

"I want to try Gel X and maybe offer more tutorials since people always ask me about that," she says with enthusiasm. 

For her, the future is an exciting adventure—one that she’s taking day by day.

Final Message: Listen to Yourself

Through it all, her advice to aspiring artists is clear: 

"Listen to yourself, go your own way, stay friendly to everyone, and support each other."

She believes that creativity flows when you remain true to yourself and keep pushing forward, even through the challenges.

Her work continues to inspire a growing global community, with customers not just from Germany but from around the world. Whether it's through her intricate, hand-painted designs or her commitment to quality and sustainability, Elisa is proving that success comes from staying authentic and true to one's artistic vision.

However, as much as we celebrate the creative path, Elisa's journey also reminds us of its harsh realities. Creative careers are not for the faint of heart. While we may wish the journey were easier, most artists will inevitably face self-doubt, financial instability, and the pressure to conform to trends. Elisa’s path demonstrates the importance of perseverance and the willingness to take risks.

For many aspiring artists, the struggle lies in balancing creativity with practicality—finding a way to make a living while staying true to their craft. It requires passion, but also resilience to navigate obstacles such as financial pressures, market competition, and societal expectations. Elisa's story serves as a powerful reminder that true fulfillment in art doesn’t come from following a crowd, but from forging your own path, no matter how difficult the journey may be.

xoxo, Anisha Dwarka, Social Media Coordinator