Kate Proulx is the owner and the primary artist behind SickNails69.

After becoming a licensed manicurist while living in California, Kate relocated back to her native Connecticut to open her independent nail studio, renovating the space with the help of a few friends from high school and her own DIY interior design skills.

Prior to becoming a professional nail artist, Kate received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Parsons School of Design in New York City and worked as a digital product designer in tech for over a decade.

The source of her creative inspiration covers a wide spectrum—some notable staples are 90s britpop, cowgirls, vintage clothing and ephemera, and her history growing up in the punk and hardcore scenes of New England.

In addition to a great service, Kate believes human connection and affirming conversation are the most valuable things a beauty provider can offer their client.