Rocksta Nails: the nail brand built on community, determination & bling
By Jess Watts | 26 February 2026 | Techs & Salons
From ambitious nail newbie to established tech & brand owner, Ryan Hobbs’ nail career proves that determination, passion – and a little bit of bling – can take you further than you’d ever expect.
Starting out
Five years ago, Ryan Hobbs stumbled across award-winning nail artist & brand owner, Kirsty Meakin, online. Inspired by her creativity, he dove headfirst into the nail sector.
Over the next three years, Ryan worked hard to establish himself in the nail industry – first creating looks from his kitchen table. He faced many setbacks, but kept going anyway.
Today, Ryan is a brand co-founder and the driving force behind a TikTok community of over 20,000 followers. He is also the winner of the December 2025 Scratch Snap nail art contest. “I truly believe this is only the beginning,” he says. “My passion for the industry continues to drive me forward.”
Rocksta Ry
Ryan has carved out a distinct identity, and calls himself the ‘Bling King of Nails’ due to his bold, bejewelled styles.
“Creating intricate, high-impact sets with embellishments is where my creativity truly shines,” he explains.
However, Ryan is quick to point out that he’s not hemmed in by one style. “I pride myself on maintaining an open mind, continuously developing my skills and embracing new trends and design challenges,” he says. Whether he is crafting a heavily embellished statement set or something more refined, he says that precision and attention to detail are non-negotiable.
Brand beginnings
Ryan quickly knew he wanted to create his own nail brand. The vision was to have ‘a fully stocked online store offering a wide range of premium nail products and accessories’.
This became a reality when Ryan’s close friend and beautician, Gracie, came onboard. “Two years ago, Gracie approached me with a proposal to launch Rocksta Nails as a joint venture,” Ryan recalls. “Together, we built something focused on quality: nail art products, gel polishes, brushes and all things bling.”
The brand name came naturally. Inspired by Ryan’s nickname, ‘Rocksta Ry’, it reflects not only the co-founder’s personality, but the creative vision for the brand. “We knew we wanted something that would truly stand out, while maintaining a sophisticated feel,” Ryan notes. “With that in mind, we designed our signature set of Reflective Gel Polishes. The final result perfectly captures the essence of Rocksta Nails – bold, bright and sparkling.”
Product offerings
Rocksta Nails has built a loyal customer base on the back of various product launches. The Diamond Liner Brush Collection, launched around a year ago, quickly became a firm favourite. But Ryan says it’s the 20-piece Reflective Gel Polish Collection that continues to fly off the shelves.
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“It consistently sells out at a rapid pace,” Ryan says – a testament, he believes, to its quality rather than hype alone.
The brand’s Birthstone Cat Eye Collection is another highlight, and one with a personal touch, as it was inspired by one of Rocksta’s brand ambassadors. “Many of our products have been influenced or even named based on insights from our customers,” Ryan explains. “We want to create pieces that are not only beautiful, but deeply personal.”
Community is key
Behind the polished content and sell-out launches, community is woven into Rocksta Nails. Ryan and Gracie run a dedicated nail group – a space where newcomers can ask questions, share progress and find their feet, with the co-founders on hand to share knowledge and boost confidence.
“Every day, we connect with new followers and customers who have goals but lack self-belief,” says Ryan. “Seeing those we first mentored now showcasing their nails on TikTok brings us immense pride.”
That community spirit extends to Rocksta’s 13 brand ambassadors, based around the world, who each bring their own expertise. “Their hard work over the past 12 months has been instrumental to our growth,” Ryan says. “We’re truly grateful.”
Education, he adds, is central to building lasting loyalty. “It’s not just about qualifications – it’s about how you use knowledge to create trust and long-term value. A following stays loyal when it sees you evolving,” he notes.
What’s next?
Rocksta Nails isn’t slowing down. In March 2026, the brand will launch its new 10-piece Spectrum of Dreams Gel Polish Collection, and throughout 2026, Ryan and Gracie plan to attend nail industry events – with ambitions to grow their presence year on year.
For Ryan, the highlight so far is simple: that first sellout. “I never imagined we would sell out of products and have customers asking for more,” he says. “It’s incredibly rewarding.”
From a kitchen table to a brand bolstered by a thriving community – Rocksta Nails is only just getting started.
Follow Ryan & Gracie on TikTok, and browse Rocksta Nails via www.rockstanails.com
