The 8th Annual Daytime Beauty Awards (DBA), founded by Michele Elyzabeth, celebrated the best in science behind beauty, health and wellness on Wednesday, September 9th, 2026 at the Grand Venue. The award ceremony luncheon recognizes excellence in medicine, health and fitness, aesthetics, skincare, color and styling, CBD and cannabis, beauty innovation, and more.
Celebrity manicurist Temeka Jackson, who started her career in the medical field as a nurse working in oncology, was celebrated with Outstanding Achievement in Nail Artistry, presented by actress Vanessa Simmons and Emmy and NAACP Image Award-winning host Adrienne Banfield-Norris, aka Gammy. Temeka spoke about the transformative power of nail artistry and its ability to restore confidence, whether working with cancer patients or some of the biggest names in entertainment.
Temeka has redefined nail artistry by seamlessly blending medical science with creative innovation. A true visionary, she has become one of Hollywood’s most sought after manicurists, creating unforgettable looks for Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Taraji P. Henson, Jennifer Coolidge, Quinta Brunson, Keke Palmer, Jennifer Garner and regularly with Saweetie.
After beginning her career in oncology at Yale Hospital, she dedicated herself to advancing the profession of nail care. Her advocacy helped establish nail technician licensing in Connecticut, creating new opportunities for future generations of artists. Today, as a certified Medical Nail Technician, Temeka collaborates with physicians and podiatrists to provide specialized nail care for patients living with cancer, autoimmune diseases, and other medical conditions.
The first nail artist ever featured inside the Grammy Museum, Temeka’s work has appeared on magazine covers, national campaigns, red carpets and in music videos, establishing her as a pioneer whose career stands at the remarkable intersection of science, beauty, wellness, and artistry.
Medical professional turned Celebrity Manicurist, Temeka Jackson has redefined nail artistry by seamlessly blending medical science with creative innovation. A true visionary, she has become one of Hollywood’s most sought after manicurists, creating unforgettable looks for Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Taraji P. Henson, Jennifer Coolidge, Quinta Brunson, Keke Palmer, Jennifer Garner and regularly with Saweetie.
After beginning her career in oncology at Yale Hospital, she dedicated herself to advancing the profession of nail care. Her advocacy helped establish nail technician licensing in Connecticut, creating new opportunities for future generations of artists. Today, as a certified Medical Nail Technician, Temeka collaborates with physicians and podiatrists to provide specialized nail care for patients living with cancer, autoimmune diseases, and other medical conditions.
The first nail artist ever featured inside the Grammy Museum, Temeka’s work has appeared on magazine covers, national campaigns, red carpets and in music videos, establishing her as a pioneer whose career stands at the remarkable intersection of science, beauty, wellness, and artistry.
