NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Country music superstar Carrie Underwood is known for her powerhouse vocals, chart-topping hits, and dazzling stage presence. But on Tuesday morning, she surprised fans and locals alike by stepping into an entirely different spotlight — behind a manicure table.
The 41-year-old singer officially opened Polished by Carrie, a boutique nail salon in the heart of Nashville’s vibrant Gulch district, and stunned customers by personally doing nail art during the grand opening.
A Country Star with a Passion for Polish
While the move may seem unexpected, Carrie revealed in a brief press conference that this wasn’t a sudden whim.
“I’ve always loved doing nails. It started when I was on the road in my early American Idol days,” she said, dressed in a rose-gold silk blouse and white jeans, with her hair pulled back in a relaxed ponytail. “When you’re touring, you learn to do a lot of self-care yourself — hair, makeup, and yes, nails. It became a creative outlet for me, almost like songwriting. Only instead of lyrics, I’m playing with color and design.”
Underwood, who has long been admired for her meticulous style, explained that she’d been quietly working on the concept for Polished by Carrie for over two years, with the help of local designers, nail technicians, and wellness experts.
A Salon with a Personal Touch
Walking into Polished by Carrie is like stepping into a country-chic dream. The interior is a blend of rustic barnwood and sleek modern touches: cream leather chairs, brass fixtures, and walls adorned with framed photos from Carrie’s tours, each paired with a corresponding custom nail color.
The scent of lavender and vanilla drifted through the air on opening day, courtesy of locally made candles — another Nashville tie-in. Even the salon’s playlist was curated by Carrie herself, featuring an acoustic mix of her favorite tracks, from Patsy Cline classics to her own unplugged performances.
“Every detail was meant to feel warm and welcoming, just like Nashville itself,” said interior designer Leah Maddox, who worked on the project. “Carrie wanted this to be more than a place to get your nails done — she wanted it to feel like a personal retreat.”
Fans in Shock as Carrie Picks Up the Brush
The biggest surprise came just an hour after the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The first group of customers — mostly contest winners from a local radio station — were waiting for their appointments when Carrie casually walked over, sat down at a manicure station, and said, “Who’s first?”
Local resident Jenny Lawson, 32, could hardly believe it when the Grammy-winning singer began filing her nails.
“I thought it was just for photos,” Lawson said, still wide-eyed after her appointment. “But she actually did my whole set. She was so careful, and we just talked about life, music, and dogs. I kept thinking, Is this real life?”
Carrie worked on about a dozen customers over the course of the morning, painting everything from classic French tips to intricate designs inspired by her album covers. One design, dubbed Blown Away, featured tiny silver lightning bolts over a deep navy background — a nod to her 2012 hit of the same name.
More Than Just Nails: A Wellness Experience
The salon also offers a range of luxury treatments beyond basic manicures, including aromatherapy soaks, hot stone hand massages, and a “Tour Recovery” package — a spa experience Carrie says was inspired by the treatments she relied on after long concerts.
“There’s something so grounding about sitting down, letting someone take care of you, and just… pausing,” she explained. “We live in such a busy world. I want this to be a place where people can slow down and feel beautiful.”
Even the polishes have a personal connection. The salon’s signature line, Underwood Colors, features vegan, cruelty-free formulas and shades named after milestones in her career: Before He Cheats (a bold crimson), Cry Pretty (a shimmery lilac), and Nashville Sunrise (a warm peachy gold).
The Nashville Buzz
Word about the salon spread quickly through town. By mid-afternoon, a line had formed outside, with fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the singer-turned-nail-artist.
Local businesses welcomed the new venture enthusiastically. “It’s great for the neighborhood,” said Rachel Cortez, owner of a nearby coffee shop. “Carrie is such a positive figure here, and the fact that she’s investing in something local — it just feels right.”
Social media lit up with photos of freshly painted nails alongside selfies with Carrie. On Instagram, the hashtag #PolishedByCarrie trended regionally within hours, with some users joking they were willing to “sell a kidney” for an appointment with the star.
A Glimpse into the Future
While Carrie doesn’t plan to give up music anytime soon, she hinted that Polished by Carrie could be the start of something bigger.
“Right now, my focus is on making this salon the best it can be,” she said. “But who knows? Maybe one day we’ll have a few more — maybe even one on tour with me!”
Industry insiders are already speculating that the brand could expand into retail products, such as press-on nails and home manicure kits, capitalizing on Carrie’s name recognition and eye for detail.
A Morning to Remember
For those lucky enough to be part of the grand opening, it was an unforgettable experience.
“I’ll probably never wash my hands again,” joked fan Kelsey Monroe, showing off her gold-and-white floral design. “She told me she used to practice nail art on her bandmates when they were on the bus between shows. I’m just glad I didn’t end up with guitar strings painted on my nails!”
Carrie, for her part, seemed just as delighted as her customers.
“At the end of the day, it’s about connecting with people,” she said. “Whether it’s through a song, a show, or a simple manicure, I love creating something that makes someone smile.”
As she posed for one last group photo before slipping away to a back room — likely to get ready for her evening rehearsal — it was clear that this wasn’t just another celebrity vanity project. For Carrie Underwood, Polished by Carrie was personal, heartfelt, and very much here to stay.
Salon Details
- Name: Polished by Carrie
- Location: The Gulch, Nashville, Tennessee
- Services: Manicures, pedicures, nail art, wellness treatments
- Specialties: Custom Underwood Colors vegan polish line
- Opening Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
In a city that thrives on creativity and connection, Carrie Underwood’s new venture feels right at home. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just someone in need of a little self-care, Polished by Carrie promises more than pretty nails — it offers a story, a memory, and a personal touch from one of country music’s brightest stars.
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