This brand uses AI to apply techs’ designs to nails & pays them for their art

Would you like to reap financial rewards from your nail concepts, and perform and showcase nail artistry at speed?

Meet Umia: the Canadian creator of a fully automated artificial intelligence (AI) manicure studio, which has gained global recognition since its soft launch two months ago and allows intricate patterns to be directly applied to nails.

The company founders, TX Qui and Modi Lui, came across a DIY nail stamp printer in 2018, sparking the idea to build on this product by addressing its limitations, from manual, complicated operations to poor image quality. “We looked into the nailcare industry and stumbled into a vibrant and dynamic world,” they say. “We conducted surveys on 980 individuals and uncovered three barriers that prevent people from fully embracing nail services: time constraints, high costs and potential damage to nails.”

Determined to break down these barriers, Umia embarked on a six-year development journey, creating eleven prototype machines and conducting more than 3,000 manicure tests. “We collected as much real-life data as possible: on nail shapes, curvature, texture and skin tone, and used this to train our precision algorithm,” share TX Qui and Modi Lui.

While addressing barriers to nail treatments experienced by consumers, the Umia team noticed challenges faced by nail techs. “Nail professionals often work long hours creating intricate designs, but without proper ergonomics, this hard work can lead to physical strain. Adding more clients per nail artist is not feasible when trying to grow a business, therefore solutions that can aid growth and profit are welcome,” notes TX Qui. “Our technology is designed to automate repetitive tasks, allowing technicians to focus on creativity and building client relationships, while reducing the risk of injury and burnout.

“Umia also provides a platform that allows nail artists to be compensated fairly for their creativity.”

Every time a client selects a nail art design via Umia’s system, the artist behind that design receives payment – similarly to how a musician or photographer earns royalties for their work. “Umia empowers artists to thrive in their craft, gain global visibility and create a deeper impact with their unique work,” comment TX Qui and Modi Lui.

With Umia automating time-consuming tasks involved in intricate nail art, professionals can serve more clients in a day, which helps to reduce customer waiting times, while increasing efficiency and boosting revenue and client happiness. Clients can browse a wide selection of nail art options, which have been designed by nail professionals, via the Umia app. Once they have chosen their preferred style, they can book a nearby automated studio.

“At Umia, we see technology as a tool to uplift people – not replace them,” reveal its founders.

“Our goal is to integrate technology into the broader beauty industry, making meaningful improvements and benefitting people worldwide.” The brand is proud to be sponsoring the Nailympia London 2024 competition and is exhibiting at Salon Beauty, 13-14 October, ExCeL London, eager to hear from the industry about how technology can improve their wellbeing.

www.umia.beauty