NAKEISHA HENRY

Registered nurse and co-owner, Artwell & Co Fine Jewelry & Piercing Limited

Style Observer (SO): What’s your zodiac sign?

Nakeisha Henry (NH): Capricorn.

SO: What inspired you to pursue nursing, and what has kept you passionate about the profession?

NH: What inspired me to pursue nursing was my genuine desire to care for people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Nursing gave that compassion a purpose. What has kept me passionate are the people. Every patient has a story, and sometimes the smallest act of kindness, a listening ear, a reassuring word, or simply being present can mean more than we realise.

SO: How did you enter the world of body piercing?

NH: My journey into the world of piercing and body jewellery began about nine years ago, shortly after becoming a nurse. Andrae Artwell and I decided to venture into business together, and after brainstorming different ideas, piercing felt like the perfect fit. As a nurse, I was already comfortable working with needles and understood the importance of safety, hygiene, and precision, so the transition felt very natural. To ensure we approached the industry professionally and responsibly, Artwell and I completed specialised courses in piercing, including safe piercing practices, CPR, and other essential areas of health and safety. What started as an idea between two people has grown into a passion and a business that allows us to combine our knowledge of safety and care with our love for jewellery and self-expression.

SO: What has entrepreneurship taught you about yourself that nursing couldn’t?

NH: It has taught me to trust my own vision. Nursing taught me how to care for others, remain resilient under pressure, and serve with compassion. Entrepreneurship has taught me to take risks, make difficult decisions, and believe in an idea even when there is no guarantee of success.

SO: You effortlessly move between so many roles, but motherhood, we assume, is your most cherished. Tell us about the woman you’ve become since stepping into that role.

NH: Motherhood has transformed me in ways I never could have imagined. It has taught me that strength is not always loud; sometimes, it looks like patience, sacrifice, resilience, and simply showing up every single day. Becoming a mother made me more intentional about the woman I am because I know my daughter — who is five years old — her little eyes are watching me. I am still growing, still learning, and certainly not a perfect mother, but every day I strive to become a woman my daughter can look up to and say, “That is the woman who taught me what strength, love, and perseverance look like.”

SO: Describe your personal style in three words?

NH: Elegant, authentic and effortless.

SO: What are the wardrobe staples you swear by?

NH: A well-tailored blazer, a little black dress, a great pair of heels, and, of course, fine jewellery.

“I love it because it’s feminine, and sophisticated, with a sensual warmth that makes it unforgettable,” says Henry.

SO: If you could raid one celebrity’s closet, whose would it be?

NH: Teyana Taylor!

SO: Statement-piece girl or a quiet-luxury minimalist?

NH: Quiet luxury minimalist.

Henry’s fave accessory? Her Artwell & Co custom 14K gold pin with diamonds! (Photo: Gavin Jones)

SO: Has being with someone in the jewellery industry influenced your signature way of accessorising?

NH: Most definitely because it has given me a deeper appreciation for the artistry, craftsmanship, and meaning behind each piece.

SO: What’s your favourite piece of jewellery in your collection and why?

NH: I’d say my favourite piece of jewellery is my Cartier Love bracelet. I love that it can be worn every day while still making a statement. More than anything, though, I love the sentiment behind it, it represents love, commitment, and something that is meant to last.

Estate Daiquiri 2oz Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve Rum 1oz lime juice 1oz simple syrup Shaken & served in a coupe glass (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

SO: Rolex or Cartier?

NH: I love the timeless elegance of Cartier. It’s sophisticated, refined, and effortlessly luxurious without needing to be loud.

SO: Gold or silver?

NH: Gold because it feels sophisticated, and effortlessly luxurious.

SO: Louis Vuitton or Chanel?

NH: Chanel because it’s feminine and classic. I believe true luxury doesn’t have to be loud; it speaks for itself.

SO: Your go-to cocktail?

NH: Lychee martini, but today I switched things up and tried the Estate Daiquiri.

SO: Favourite fragrance?

NH: Valentino Born in Roma Donna Extradose.

SO: Finally, what’s your personal credo?

NH: Lead with love, walk in purpose, and be intentional.