Sooki Choi Forever

Sooki Choi Forever is a character that markets herself on Instagram as a nail enthusiast and who aspires to be a trendsetter.

Her page is a virtual space that supports women nail artists while catering to today’s social media norm. Her posts are inspired by popular influencers, fashion, art, and contemporary culture. Her page is a show containing images of herself “living her best life”, but in reality, she statically lives in my studio. She is neither human nor creature, but her own kind--Sooki Choi.

Sooki Choi Forever has evolved from watching my mother (Insook Choi) work in a nail salon for many years. Before the social media boom, nail artists were unknown and given no credit for their work. But today, these women have a platform to market themselves and choose their target audience, unlike my mother, did. Social media has helped create nail trends and initiated nail fantasy or a way to express oneself. People can follow her @sookichoiforever on Instagram.

As a nail enthusiast, Sooki likes to get her nails done and share them with her followers. Sooki is always cognizant of the latest trends and cultural phenomenons. In this photograph, she is getting her nails done in a private salon, with pictures of the Korean band BTS imprinted on them.

On her free time, when she is not getting her nails done or meeting up with friends for brunch, Sooki likes to catch up on her reading. Here she is sitting in her bedroom on a Saturday afternoon reading a book titled Pure Beauty.

Sooki Choi loves to travel and whenever she gets the chance, she goes on vacation.

 Back in March, she flew out to one of her favorite cities-Paris, for the weekend. While she was there, she visited the Eiffel Tower, ate lots of baguettes and even stopped by the Louvre. Here she is posing with one of her favorite paintings by Ingres- La Grande Odalisque.

In this photograph, Sooki is enjoying her Sunday morning breakfast in bed after a nice long bath. She is staged on a perfectly made king-sized bed, wearing a silk robe, and with a carefully arranged breakfast.

The night is still young, and so is Sooki. It’s Friday night and Sooki is getting ready to go out with her friends in the city. In her Instagram caption, Sooki quotes “Attitude and enthusiasm play a big part in my life. I get excited about the things that inspire me. I also believe in laughing and having a good time.”-- Dwayne Johnson.