Check Out Marina Aranha’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marina Aranha.

Hi Marina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey as a nail artist began about seven years ago, though the passion started long before that. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved doing nails, and eventually, I decided to dedicate myself fully to building a career in this industry. From that moment on, I haven’t stopped learning, growing, and evolving with it.

I started by working from my home studio, navigating both the challenges of COVID and the new chapter of becoming a first-time mom. Those years taught me so much — not only about the craft itself but also about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of building strong relationships. I was fortunate to grow an incredible client base, many of whom have been with me since day one.

One of those clients was Paula, who walked in as a customer and left that same day as my business partner. Together, we built Studio Mar, which has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Watching our vision come to life — creating a space that feels special for both our team and our clients — has truly been a dream come true. And the best part is, I know this is just the beginning of where Studio Mar can go.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth ride, but looking back, every challenge has been an important part of our growth. Providing high-quality services takes a tremendous amount of focus, consistency, and dedication, and maintaining that standard is not always easy. On top of that, both Paula and I are moms, so balancing motherhood with running a business often feels like a 24/7 responsibility.

That said, those challenges have shaped us — they’ve pushed us to be more resourceful, resilient, and intentional about the way we run Studio Mar.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My first experience getting gel nails done was actually really unpleasant — my nails hurt, and it didn’t feel like self-care at all. Unfortunately, I know that’s still the reality in some places. That experience motivated me to create something different. From the start, my focus has been on techniques that protect and preserve the natural nail, while also making sure clients feel cared for beyond just having pretty nails.

That philosophy has shaped everything we do at Studio Mar. We specialize in natural nail health and high-quality gel services that are as comfortable as they are beautiful. Over the years, I’ve been proud to support clients on their nail journey — from overcoming nail-biting habits to building confidence through consistent self-care. Many of them share how their appointments have become not just about nails, but about self-esteem and personal well-being.

Another part of my work that I’m very proud of is teaching. I now share these techniques in my courses, so other nail artists can learn how to combine beauty with nail health. Helping professionals grow while raising the standard of care in our industry has been an incredible extension of my journey.

What sets me and Studio Mar apart is that blend of technical expertise, true care for our clients, and a passion for education. It’s about creating a space — and a standard — where nails are not just polished, but protected, and where both clients and artists feel empowered.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My family has definitely been my biggest source of support. From the very beginning, they believed in me and in my dreams, even when the path wasn’t always clear or easy. They’ve been my number one cheerleaders, encouraging me to keep going and reminding me of what I’m capable of when I doubted myself.

I also have to credit our amazing clients. So many of them have been with me since my home studio days, and their loyalty and trust gave me the confidence to grow. And of course, my business partner Paula — meeting her was a turning point. What started as a client relationship quickly grew into a partnership built on trust, respect, and a shared vision. None of this would be possible without that combination of family support, loyal clients, and the partnership we’ve built together.

Pricing:

• Dry Manicure with Structured har gel application: $95+
• Dry Pedicure with Callus exfoliation and Gel Polish application: $85+
• Hard Gel Dual Forms Extensions: $160+

Contact Info:

• Website: https://studiomar.la/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiomar.la?igsh=MXZjbDNmYW1pc2Q4Ng%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Thalita Mangin
Joice Soares