“Palm Springs, Polish & Power Moves: A Chat with Valerie Giselle, the Valley’s Nail Queen”

When you think of Palm Springs leisure culture, you might picture brunch under bougainvilleas, bachelorettes in matching linen, and endless poolside Aperols. But if you zoom in just a little closer, you’ll find one of the Coachella Valley’s most creative girl bosses — Valerie Giselle, licensed cosmetologist, nail artist, and certified vibe curator.

We sat down with Valerie (fresh from doing a Halloween freestyle set, of course) to talk beauty, business, and being the ultimate desert “lady who loves to leisure.”

SQUAD: Okay Valerie, first things first — you’re basically a Palm Springs local legend. How did this all start?

VALERIE: Honestly? It started way before the salon chair. I’ve been in the Coachella Valley since elementary school, and I’ve loved it here ever since — it’s home. I started doing my own nails at 11 years old (wild, I know) and completely fell in love. What started as a little hobby turned into a full-on career. Now, I get to make art every day for my queens — and that’s the dream.

SQUAD: You’re a licensed cosmetologist, a gel specialist, and the definition of a multitasking queen. What services are you currently offering?

VALERIE: Right now I’m offering nails (Gel-X, BIAB, Hard Gel, PolyGel, Pedicures), full body waxing (hard or soft wax), custom facials, and haircuts/blowouts. Basically, I’m a one-stop beauty shop for all the desert dolls and bachelorette babes rolling through Palm Springs.

SQUAD: You’ve been crowned the “Halloween Queen” by your clients. Tell us about your spooky side.

VALERIE: Oh, Halloween is my season. I love when everyone gets creative and festive — it’s pure art energy. Lately I’ve been doing a lot of freestyle nail sets, which are my absolute fave during spooky season. My inspo comes straight from Instagram and TikTok — I’ll be up late doom scrolling like, “Wait, what if I mix chrome with a ghost French tip?”

SQUAD: The nail world moves fast. What trends are you seeing right now in the desert beauty scene?

VALERIE: The girls are living for cat-eye nails right now — they’re super customizable, super cute, and they look insane under the Palm Springs sun. I love that everyone’s leaning into shimmer and statement designs. The bachelorettes especially? They want their nails to be part of the outfit, and I’m here for it.

SQUAD: Manifest it: where do you see your art in the future?

VALERIE: Honestly, I’d love to see my nail art in a museum one day — I mean, why not? Nails are mini canvases! But the real magic is the reaction I get from my clients when they see their finished set. That moment is priceless. Like, their confidence just activates. That’s my favorite kind of art.

SQUAD: When you’re not behind the chair making nail magic, what does your leisure day in the Coachella Valley look like?

VALERIE: I’m a total family girl. I love hanging with my people and, of course, my pitty Bayou — she’s my whole world. If I’m out and about, I’ve got a few go-to spots: Memo’s Sushi, Tea Be Honest, In-N-Out (because duh), Casablanca, and Paint & Fire. Those are always in rotation for me.

SQUAD: And finally, for all our readers planning a Palm Springs bachelorette or a “ladies who leisure” weekend — what’s your vibe checklist?

VALERIE: Easy:

• Matching sets (it’s basically the desert dress code)

• Good playlists (a little Bad Bunny, a little Beyoncé)

• Pool day essentials (SPF, sunnies, cute cup, repeat)

• A glam appointment — nails, blowout, whatever makes you feel ✨that✨ girl

• And time to just chill — because luxury isn’t about doing the most, it’s about feeling your best.

  
  

SQUAD: One word to describe your Palm Springs energy?

VALERIE: Golden hour glam. Always.

Whether she’s creating chrome cat-eyes or bringing spooky season to your fingertips, Valerie Giselle is proof that beauty, business, and self-expression can all thrive under the same desert sun.

Follow Valerie on Instagram: @Valezbeautybar & Book your glow-up

About the Author

Ersilia Pompilio is the Editor in Chief of SQUAD Magazine, a Palm Springs guide for bachelorettes and ladies who love to leisure. With over two decades of experience in performing, producing live storytelling shows, and hosting a podcast, she has also taught storytelling classes and written professionally for several media outlets. Originally from Los Angeles, Ersilia is also a twenty-year resident of Palm Springs, California.