People of the OCQ: Sarah
Midnight Bloom: Where Beauty Blossoms After Dark
At first glance, Midnight Bloom is striking — a sleek black interior accented with gold, glowing prisms casting rainbows across the walls, and greenery that softens every corner. But it’s the warmth, the artistry, and the sense of belonging that makes this nail studio in Nanaimo’s Old City Quarter unforgettable.
“Midnight Bloom makes you think of beauty that shows up when you least expect it—mysterious, a little dramatic, and totally unforgettable,” says owner Sarah, whose vision for the studio is rooted in creative freedom and comfort. “Like flowers that bloom under moonlight, it’s all about standing out in the dark.”
Sarah, a mother of four, balances the chaos of daily life with her passion for nail art. “My typical day is pretty hectic between school drop-offs, five clients a day, then everything in reverse. Life’s busy, but I love it. Love my job and love my family. I am truly grateful.”
After years in high-volume salons, Sarah longed for something more personal. “I wanted time to connect with people and create the nail art I was seeing all over social media,” she shares. That drive pushed her to open her own space — a collaborative studio where independent artists could grow and thrive.
The shop has become a sanctuary not just for clients but for artists too. “We strive to create an environment that makes everyone feel comfortable,” says Sarah. With complimentary coffee, tea, and snacks, it’s a space that invites you to relax, express yourself and leave a little brighter.
Though she opened Midnight Bloom in the Old City Quarter by chance, Sarah says the neighborhood’s community spirit is what keeps her rooted. “The good vibes keep us here. Especially the trick-or-treat event — it’s always been my favourite to take my kids to, and now we go big for Halloween. It feels full circle.”
At Midnight Bloom, beauty isn’t just on the surface — it’s in every thoughtful detail, every connection, and every late-blooming dream brought to life.
Midnight Bloom is located 295 Wallace Street in the OCQ and are open 8am to 6pm Wednesday to Sunday and 9am to 5pm Monday and Tuesday. Follow Sarah on instagram at Midnight Bloom Nail Studio to book an appointment.