Celebrity manicurist, Temeka Jackson, honoured with Outstanding Achievement in Nail Artistry award
By Jess Watts | 11 September 2026 | News & Events, North America News
On September 9 2026, top names in beauty, health and wellness were celebrated at the 8th annual Daytime Beauty Awards (DBA). The ceremony – which took place at the Grand Venue in Los Angeles, ‘recognises excellence in medicine, health and fitness, aesthetics, skincare, colour and styling, CBD and cannabis, beauty innovation and more’. Among those honoured was celebrity manicurist, Temeka Jackson.
Featured image courtesy of @DaytimeBeautyAwards / Dave Starbuck.
With 25 years’ experience in the nail industry, Temeka has built a standout career, working with Hollywood stars including Keke Palmer, Serena Williams, Saweetie and Jennifer Garner. Her nail artistry has also been featured in the Grammy Museum as part of an exhibition celebrating 50 years of hip-hop.
Temeka is a certified medical nail technician with previous experience in the medical oncology field. She is renowned for creating showstopping nail enhancements, often incorporating dazzling accents and intricate, gem-encrusted designs. According to her agency’s website, Temeka is ‘known for transforming nails into wearable works of art, seamlessly blending beauty, fashion, culture and fine art’.
As an international educator and mentor, Temeka has amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience within the nail industry. Her expertise and passion have culminated in the upcoming release of her debut book, Show Up. Set Up. Shut Up & Slay!™.
With her work featured in publications including Harper’s Bazaar, Allure, ELLE, Numéro, Wonderland, Cosmopolitan, Rolling Stone and Marie Claire, Temeka is no stranger to seeing her artistry take centre stage. This year, however, the spotlight has shifted to Temeka herself, as she stepped into the limelight at the Daytime Beauty Awards.
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At the star-studded event, Temeka was honoured with the Outstanding Achievement in Nail Artistry award, presented by actress, Vanessa Simmons, and Emmy Award-winning host, Adrienne Banfield-Norris.
In her acceptance speech, Temeka spoke about the transformative power of nail artistry and its ability to restore confidence, whether working with cancer patients or some of the biggest names in entertainment. “We are not just nails,” she stated. “We are more than that.”
Speaking to Scratch, Temeka commented: “The nail industry is sometimes the last to be recognised. We’re often seen as the underdog, but there is so much power in what we do. Confidence comes from being skilled in your craft – not just in artistry, but in knowledge and problem-solving. Our clients trust us, they trust our vision and they trust us to give them comfort when they need it. We are changing lives one hand, conversation and hug at a time. We are the blueprint.”
When asked what the Outstanding Achievement in Nail Artistry recognition means to her, Temeka told Scratch: “This award means the world to me. It represents 25 years of hard work, long nights, tears and pushing past adversity. Most importantly, it means the next nail artist who looks up to me can do it. The little Black girl who dreams of becoming a nail artist can do it. My mantra, ‘Show Up. Set Up. Shut Up & Slay!’ truly represents how I’ve progressed through my career.”
With 25 years of experience, a celebrity clientele, an undeniably glamorous portfolio and a wealth of knowledge to share, Temeka’s journey has been nothing short of outstanding. As she continues to evolve her craft and share her expertise, her influence on the nail industry is only set to grow.
