Variety Act Miami #13: Meet Monique Magnaye, Founder of Mano.
Manicure majesty.
Welcome to lucky issue number 13 of Variety Act Miami! I’m your compère, Natalie Guevara.
Some folks think eyes are the windows to the soul, but for me it’s all about the hands. You can really tell a lot about someone by how they use, move, and adorn their hands—they can be so expressive! And no one understands this better than Monique Magnaye, the founder of Mano, a modern, airy nail studio and boutique in the heart of Midtown Miami.
The first studio of its kind in Miami, Mano specializes in non-toxic nail art services—in particular a Japanese, vegan soft-gel technique that boosts and supports healthy natural nails. On any given day, you’ll find the most dynamic people in Miami—creatives, artists, entrepreneurs—polishing their digits inside and chatting it up with the super-talented, bright, and funny nail technicians. It’s more than a salon, it’s a community spot—so it’s no surprise that in its almost-two-year existence in Miami, Mano has become the hottest appointment in town. They’re booked, honey.
Seated at the front desk, you’re sure to find Monique, her majesty of the manicure and Mano’s nexus of calm. Born in the Philippines and raised in New York City (with some early childhood years spent in Denmark), Monique is worldly, chic, and warm. Having honed her skills and taste through various positions in interior design, real estate, and brand-building over the years, she is hyper tuned-in to the art of a good space and elevated sensory experience. (Mano is perhaps the only nail studio I know that smells like a designer atelier.)
She notes:
The range of environments I’ve been lucky to immerse myself in have definitely shaped my aesthetic and multicultural perspective; a love for clean lines vibrantly infused with sentiment, purpose and exotic details.
Read on to learn more about how Monique founded Mano, where she goes to seek inspiration and recharge, and, of course, her Miami favorites.
MEET MONIQUE MAGNAYE, FOUNDER OF MANO.
On her most vivid memory of getting her nails done:
I’ve loved getting my nails done since I was, like, six years old, at an array of different salons in New York City. I still remember my first crazy nail art experience in high school. My best friend and I would always hang out in the Lower East Side and we discovered this hole-in-the-wall salon that offered airbrush designs for super cheap. We were freaking out with excitement. There were endless amounts of stencils to choose from to customize our design, and I went with a neon purple and orange ombré with the city skyline airbrushed on. Even though it’s so funny to think about how much my nail art aesthetic has evolved, it has always been a creative outlet for me and a form of self-expression.
On how her background in interior design, real estate, and brand-building informed her experience of founding and growing Mano:
Although these fields can be quite different from one another, I’ve always been drawn to the creativity and problem-solving element they all hold. I’m definitely a people person and I love being at our studio every day because of the energy that comes from both our team and our guests. Having the opportunity to engage and create emotional connections with our community is what has helped Mano grow and allowed us to build something special.
On navigating life as a small business owner in Miami compared to other cities she’s lived in, namely New York and Savannah:
Having just celebrated my two-year anniversary in Miami, I really can’t help but reflect on the fact that we moved here at the “right time,” especially before all the craziness with the pandemic and 2020 in general. It seems the city is going through an interesting, almost explosive renaissance, which I think is so exciting for the creative landscape, interesting partnerships, and small businesses. It’s been incredible to also discover that many—if not all—of the small businesses I love and support are female-founded and operated, which helps with having an endless flow of local inspiration.
On collaborating with female-founded local businesses like Sana Skin Studio, Vital Tonics, and Peel Soft Serve on limited-edition nail art collections:
As much as Instagram likes to drive us all crazy, it’s been an incredible tool for the business. All of our collaborations have come from this platform since that’s the initial tool we use to connect. These three companies have been some of my absolute favorite collections, and I admire each of the founders so much for their respective visions and passions.
On her favorite part of hiring her Mano team and fostering community among their clients:
Being able to have our appointments at the studio be more than “just nails” is something very special to me, and I love seeing these relationships get built. The stories, the sharing of emotions, achievements, bonding over a song playing, the excitement that comes from a finished design on their natural nail that has grown with our system and technique—these are the things that stick out in my mind when I think of our community.
On her biggest strength as a boss and small business owner:
I’m very hands-on with both the team and our clients; I’ve worked the front desk almost every day since we’ve opened. Also, being a strong communicator has really helped me in becoming the leader I want to be.
I’m a firm believer in leading by example and putting out the energy you want to receive, even when you can’t control most things, which is usually the case with the day-to-day as a small business.
On what leadership qualities she’d like to cultivate moving forward:
I feel like I can be really hard on myself sometimes. I’m trying to cultivate a better work-life balance so that I can continue to be the best leader I can be, but also a good partner, daughter, sister, and friend.
My people are what keep me motivated and inspired—nourishing and prioritizing these relationships along with the business is what keeps me happy and centered. This year I’m learning the true meaning of “you can’t pour from an empty cup,” so balance is a big one, for sure!
On her cultural diet:
My cultural diet definitely plays a role in inspiring and guiding who we want to collaborate and create with for the month. Inspiration can come from anywhere: Skimming through one of my coffee table books, a color palette I saved on Instagram, a texture I’m drawn to while shopping—inspo is everywhere!
With our Monthly Special designs, we try to focus on collaborating with local businesses, and we also aim to design with what makes sense for the season we’re in. With our bigger seasonal collections, we pick a theme and then we will choose five to eight brands that we research and discover through Instagram, creating initial moodboards from the hundreds of screenshots in my phone.
What I’m listening to: I’m addicted to curating playlists, so music is a big part of my day-to-day, especially while creating in the studio. My favorite one right now is “Ruby Red Energy” on Mano’s Spotify profile.
Who I’m following: Off the top of my head, some of my current favorites that are keeping me inspired include @jacquemus, @_youthclub, @c__l__o, @sleepingongems, and @greyandmama for just pure innocence, joy and entertainment.
What I’m watching: My television palette is not that interesting or exciting because I honestly love rewatching my favorite old shows like Friends or Sex and the City, and I will sometimes even just have them on in the background. Right now, I’m rewatching The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and have been having so many LOL moments on my couch. While I’ve also been using meditation as a healthier alternative, binging this show has been another great way for me to disconnect for a bit.
On what she’s up to at 2 pm on a Monday:
Mondays are like my second Sunday since Mano is closed, so I like to go to the beach for a few hours and then I usually end up at Trader Joe’s to do my shopping for the week.
On where she is at 10 pm on a Saturday:
My fiancé and I work on Saturdays, so we usually have a late chill dinner with drinks. We’re obsessed with La Natural for our end-of-week treat.
On an unsung Miami small business owner:
Mind and Body Breathwork at MegaLit Fitness—Joe is so amazing to work with and has been one of the best things to help me recenter and ground myself.
On a creative interest she hasn’t pursued yet but wants to explore:
Ikebana and pottery!
MONIQUE’S MIAMI FAVORITES.
Miami anthem (current or classic!): Mano’s Spotify playlist, “Wake Up In Miami.”
Restaurants & bars: For restaurants, La Natural, dōma, Hiyakawa, and Uchi (also the best happy hour).
For bars, The Freehold in Wynwood, The Standard, and Faena.
Cafés, diners, bakeries, & ventanitas: True Loaf, Mamma Leone, dbakers Sweet Studio, El Bajareque, La Latina, and Enriqueta’s for pastelitos, especially the guava and cheese.
Cultural centers, art shops, & bookstores: I went to Superblue a few weeks ago and loved it—so well done! I didn’t have time to go to the Rubell, but that’s next on my list.
Shopping: Simonett. Also 8vo Àtico—I haven’t purchased anything from them yet, but I love what they’re doing and their whole vibe.
Grooming: Diana López at House of Mages, @mary____c___ for brows and lash lift, and Sana Skin Studio.
The Great Outdoors: North Beach, Margaret Pace Park.
Small businesses: I finally had a Saturday off and was able to check out the farmers market in Coconut Grove—all the businesses there are so cute with great food options!
Most delightful Miami discovery made during quarantine: Walking the Venetian all the way to South Beach—the birds, the water, the boats, The Standard… so pretty!
The recommendation you’ll always give to a first-time Miami visitor: Whenever I have a friend visiting and want to sell them on Miami, my go-to is lunch on the water—The Standard or Amara is always a good kick-off for views—and a few hours on the beach, followed by sunset drinks.
THANKS, MONIQUE!
Peek into Monique’s exquisite inner and outer life at @momojito712, and drool over Mano’s artfully designed digits at @more_mano.
Until next time, un abrazo!