With summer in full swing, a quick jaunt to the beach is on many of our agendas. And since you’re daydreaming about a tropical getaway, why not bring along some of that ocean spirit even when you’re stuck at the office? Forget the sand and sun — these 14 beach-themed nail art ideas will put you in a summer-state-of-mind in no time! Let your newly playful mani help you escape the reality that is your desk and computer screen.
1. Color-Changing Nails: For color chameleons, Ruby Wing’s color-changing polish is a must-try. Create zany half-moon designs or alternate your nails in an assortment of vibrant hues for a mani that is anything but boring. (via Refinery29)
2. Fish Nails: You know what they say… just keep swimming. No matter how old we get, Nemo look-a-like fishies in the form of nail art never get old. (via Style Craze)
3. Watermelon Nail Art: Nothing says, “day at the beach” like juicy watermelon nails. Pair your fruity nails with a black bikini and some shades for maximum awesomeness! (via Rookie Mag)
4. Pineapple Mani: This sweet tropical mani has got us pining for pineapples. We can taste the rum-infused fruit smoothies already! (via Polish You Pretty)
4. Beach Ball Mani: Get the party started with this instant mood-lifting manicure! Playful beach balls in a fun palette of colors evoke endless summer fun. (via Divine Caroline)
6. Summer Ombré Nails: A subtle ocean-inspired mani that combines all of our favorite shades of blue-greens evokes calming blue seas and glistening sand (on the tips!). (via Top Dreamer)
7. Shark Nails: As the summer winds down, you’re going to want to flaunt these nails inspired by Shark Week. August 10th cannot come soon enough! (via Trophy Wife Nail Art)
8. Blue Tiki Manicure: While the pattern may not automatically read beach, this funky design is guaranteed to put you in beach-mode. We’re not sure which we like better: the mesmerizing blues or bold aztec design. (via Sephora Glossy)
9. Sea Turtle Nails: Snorkeling much? With this mani, you can get a glimpse of all the exotic flora and fauna at the bottom of the ocean with every email you type out. (via Polish Me, Please!)
10. Sailboat Nails: You don’t have to be a Lilly Pulitzer fan to fall in love with this preppy-inspired print. You’ll be smooth sailing in no time. (via I Like Painting My Nails)
11. Palm Tree Nails: This snazzy palm tree mani is one to watch! The combination of mint green nails, gold glitter and palm trees (!!!) is seriously too cute. (via Elle + Ish)
12. Starfish Nails: We love this easy-peasy mani that involves a white base, a touch of turquoise shimmer and painted-on starfish. (via Kelsie’s Nail Files)
13. Retro Tropical Nails: Yes, you CAN rock black nails at the beach! Part retro, part tropical, this refined mani exudes just the right amount of beachy-cool. (via Byrdie)
14. Fruit Cocktail Nail Wraps ($13): All of your favorite fruit — kiwis and strawberries and pineapples, oh my! — compiled into one beautiful manicure. Could these fruit cocktail nail wraps be any cuter? We don’t think so!
Which beach-inspired nail art design will you be flaunting on your next vacay? Let us know in the comments below or Tweet us a pic of your nail art!
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.