ABOUT BERNADETTE

Bernadette Thompson – Celebrity Nail Artist, Visionary, and Beauty Innovator

Bernadette Thompson is a trailblazing celebrity nail artist, entrepreneur, and the founder of the iconic Bernadette Thompson Nail Collection. With a career spanning over three decades, Bernadette has left an indelible mark on the fashion, music, and art worlds through her revolutionary nail designs and unforgettable collaborations with legendary figures.

Bernadette rose to prominence in the 1990s, designing statement-making nails for fashion editorials, runway shows, and some of the most iconic album covers in hip-hop and R&B history. She is the mastermind behind the original "Money Nails" worn by Lil’ Kim, a look that forever changed the way nail art was viewed in pop culture. Her work has been featured in Essence, Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Italian Vogue, and countless high-profile campaigns and runway shows.

Throughout her career, Bernadette has collaborated with some of the world’s biggest beauty brands including MAC Cosmetics, Estee Lauder, Revlon, L'Oréal, Proctor Gamble and Maybelline, bringing her visionary artistry and cultural influence to global audiences. Her celebrity client roster includes icons like Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Missy Elliott, Madonna, Lil’ Kim, Lady Gaga, and Aaliyah, to name a few.

In 2021, Bernadette was honored as a Living Legend in Jay-Z’s limited edition book Modern Edition, a cultural collector's item celebrating groundbreaking creatives who have redefined their industries.

Her pioneering efforts helped elevate nail art to high fashion and fine art status, culminating in her work being acquired by The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). In 2025, her iconic Money Nail art joined the Pirouette exhibition, further cementing her legacy as a cultural icon.

In addition to her editorial and celebrity work, Bernadette has created a full line of professional-grade nail care products, lacquer collections, and acrylic systems, many of which reflect her signature bold style and cultural influences. Her latest project, the Hip Hop Boom Box Nail Kit, is a tribute to the 21 female hip-hop artists who shaped her journey and celebrates Black excellence through color, design, and storytelling.

A passionate mentor, Bernadette also teaches the business of being a freelance artist through her “Art of Becoming a Freelance Artist” classes, both in-person and online. Whether working backstage at Fashion Week, creating museum-worthy art, or mentoring the next generation of nail techs, Bernadette continues to lead with creativity, integrity, and style.