How Keystone Claws Is Redefining Creative Expression in Lancaster
With support from Univest Financial, ASSETS has helped equip Keystone Claws to grow their vision.
When you walk into Keystone Claws, you’re met with more than just a nail studio. You’re entering a space of radical creativity and bold self-expression. This Lancaster-based studio is the vision of entrepreneur Michael Lynn Wherley, whose journey to nail artistry has been shaped by decades of creativity, and love for building community.
For 17 years, Michael worked as an apparel designer, lending their eye for style and form to other people’s brands. During the quiet, transformative months of the pandemic, a long-held passion began to rise to the surface. Nails had always been a form of personal expression. When the opportunity came to attend beauty school and earn a nail tech license, Michael embraced it.
The love for nails started early. Childhood moments spent admiring press-on nails, watching friends prepare for prom, and getting a coat of polish in a salon created deep, joyful memories. Over time, that spark evolved into a full creative outlet. With the rise of nail art culture in the late 2000s and support from loved ones, nails became a serious pursuit and an exciting new chapter.
A Studio Built on Values
Keystone Claws is built on four guiding values: Inclusivity, Affirmation, Collaboration, and Creativity. These principles are at the heart of every appointment. The studio is a welcoming space for people from all walks of life to express themselves through bold, intricate, or understated nail designs.
From artistic claws to sleek minimalist sets, each look is a reflection of the person wearing them. Every client is invited into the creative process, making each session an act of shared expression.
Support That Makes Small Business Possible
ASSETS has played a key role in supporting the growth of Keystone Claws by providing access to essential capital. Through a combination of a grant and a loan, Michael received the financial tools needed to take the next steps as a business owner. This support has helped transform a creative vision into a thriving nail studio. With the partnership of Univest Financial, ASSETS is able to extend these opportunities to small businesses like Keystone Claws, ensuring that more entrepreneurs have the chance to grow, thrive, and make their mark.
Looking Forward
Keystone Claws is more than a nail studio. It is a celebration of identity, and artistry. As the business grows, Michael is committed to creating a space where everyone can feel seen, celebrated, and emboldened through creative self-expression.
Want to support Keystone Claws?
Stop by Keystone Claws to step into a space where creativity and affirmation go hand in hand. Visit the studio at 710 Columbia Ave, in Lancaster
