About Us
We’re creating a new standard in nail care.
We analyze the overall health of your nails and listen to what you’re really looking for, which helps us offer the best nail care products and services for you.
We Care About You and Your Nails
Saunders & James is a nail salon that is truly nail care focused, with an emphasis on personalized service and seasonally curated nail art. We offer natural nail and gel polish services in a serene, spa-like environment. Our goal is to create a safe, clean space for everyone to get their nail needs met by a pro.
Founded by Michelle Saunders James, a licensed cosmetologist, nail expert and celebrity manicurist, Saunders & James is the kind of nail salon Michelle has always dreamed of working in. After 30 years of professional manicuring, Michelle decided it's time to share her knowledge and art with the world, starting with her home turf in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our first high-concept nail care salon opened in the heart of the Rockridge neighborhood in Oakland, CA in 2020.
Meet the Founders
Michelle Saunders James has spent more than three decades in the nail industry. From leading nail teams backstage at fashion shows and collaborating on editorial productions to seeing clients in salon, she has spent her career elevating the craft of professional nail care. Saunders & James was created as a place to share that knowledge and passion with the community while raising the standard for modern nail care.
Kerry Wayne James brings a different but equally valuable perspective. With a background in music and artist management, he has built his career around leadership, strategy, operations, and developing people. His expertise helps shape the systems, culture, and guest experience that keep Saunders & James running with intention every day.
Together, they have built a business that blends creativity with thoughtful operations, always striving to create an exceptional experience for their clients and a supportive environment for their team.
They are grateful for the opportunity to serve a diverse and supportive community and remain committed to fostering lasting relationships built on trust, collaboration, and excellence.
Staff Structure
At Saunders & James, we support career growth through hands-on training led by senior and lead manicurists. Our program welcomes recent beauty school graduates and manicurists returning to the industry.
New manicurists and salon assistants begin with a 30-day assessment. Michelle evaluates each team member’s skills and experience to determine their role, wage, and service pricing.
Assistant: An entry-level position that builds foundational skills and salon experience.
Junior: A developing manicurist with some salon experience and growing technical proficiency.
Senior: An experienced manicurist with advanced skills and a strong foundation in client care.
Lead: Our highest salon role, combining technical expertise with leadership and mentorship responsibilities.
Beyond Lead: An Entrepreneurial Opportunity at DUO
When manicurists are ready for greater independence they may have the opportunity to work as independent contractors at DUO, our second, nails-only location. This next step reflects their career goals and readiness, supported by Michelle’s confidence in their skills and professionalism.
Each salon role offers competitive wages, incentive bonus commissions, and guaranteed gratuity on services performed. We’re committed to a supportive, rewarding workplace where team members can build lasting careers.
Nail Art
Michelle’s “Fall for Ombré” design, as seen in The New York Times.
At Saunders & James, we draw inspiration from fashion, textiles and architecture to create custom nail art. Every season we curate a new nail art collection, marrying classic shapes with current trends. Our manicurists are trained on the best techniques, so that every client receives the highest quality hand-painted nail art.
Michelle’s own design aesthetic comes from both external and internal inspiration. “I’m constantly traveling to NY and LA for editorial campaigns and celebrity jobs, so I get to see trends before they’re released to the public . . . I always have my “finger on the pulse” of what’s next. And personally, I’m inspired every second. You see a doorway, I see nail art. You see a sky line, I imagine how to paint it on a nail. I see the world in nail art.”
Looking for nail art? Choose from our nail art tiers or bring us your ideas! We’d love to collaborate to create a design just for you. If you know what you want in advance, let us know. We may not be able to accommodate all requests, but we’ll try! The more time we have to plan, the better. Send your inspiration photos to hello@saundersandjames.com.