INTERVIEW WITH AN INDIE - Heather from LOADED LACQUER

 

HELLO MY LOVELIES!! It's been WAAAAAYYY too long since I've done an INTERVIEW WITH AN INDIE!! (And, of course, a coinciding giveaway) And this is an interview that I've wanted to do for quite some time.... 

The brilliant Miss Heather from

LOADED LACQUER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!

 

Let's not waste any time and get down to it, shall we?

Why did you get into making nail polish? 

 

 

I have been obsessed with nail polish since 1997. I would change my nail polish every single day. Even when playing college basketball, I would always change my polish daily! It was fun for me because I wasn't into makeup and being very tall, nail polish always fit...unlike clothing!
 

Do you have another job? If so, What?
 

My second job is being a full time mom! My son is 4 and once he starts school this year, I will have more time to dedicate to Loaded Lacquer!
 

Tell me about your family/supporters:
 

My family is just my husband and son. We are a military family currently stationed in Texas and transferring to Kodiak, Alaska this summer!
 

What do you like to do in your free/spare time? 
 

In my space time I enjoy fitness (hiking, lifting weights), I love learning about anything survival related!
 

How many different colors have you made for LL in all?

 

Oh wow! I would guess at least 40-50 different polishes so far!
 

Did you expect such success?  
 

Yes and no.  I've always been the type to succeed at things that I work hard towards, so I'm not surprised I've done well.  What surprised me is how quickly Loaded Lacquer grew.  It went from a hobby to a full time job in just a few months! I'm so appreciative to my loyal customers! 
 

How often do you do NEW releases?
 

I try to do major holiday/seasonal collections and a few random duos and mystery polishes thrown in the mix.  

 

It’s gotta be exhausting, how do you keep up with all of it? The social media, the orders, the shipments, the new releases, the restocks.

 

It is a lot of hard work. I do everything myself, 100%.  There are times that I have to take a step back and focus more on family.  Also, I get in creative modes only a few times a year.  When I get in the mode, magic happens.  I don't try to force collections and release too of polishes just to make a profit.  Everything I release is because I put my heart and soul into it and want to share it with the world.
 

What’s going to be the next “thing” for polish? I don’t understand how you keep things so fresh, how do you know what will work?

 

I get inspiration from the most random places.  I really don't play much attention to other brands or trends.  In fact, I stay away from trends and I believe that helps me stand out more.
 

What’s the last movie you watched?
 

The new Sponge Bob movie.  It was my son's first time at the theatre!
 

What do you see for yourself long-term? Will you make polish for the next 10 years? 20?
 

I definitely see myself doing this for the long haul. It's something I'm very passionate about and I love every second of it!
 

How old are you? Do you have siblings?
 

I am 35 and I have two older sisters.
  

Where do you find inspiration?
 

My inspiration comes from my want to succeed and my passion to make unique polishes for my customers and friends

 

Favorite sport? Team?
 

I'm not a huge sports fan, but I am an Ohio State alumni and played basketball there. I'll cheer for them!

 

Now at this point you may be wondering the same as I was - ALASKA?! How will I get my Loaded Lacquer fix??! So, as a follow up, I asked. Her reply:

 

 As far as business in Alaska, there may be kinks with getting my supplies that I'll have to figure out, but I don't suspect much of an issue.  Shipping charges won't change.

 

So there you have it, now.....if you'd like a chance to win some of her amazing polishes please visit my IG page IG@aprilaura

 

If you'd love to get your hands on her polishes right away, visit

 

www.loadedlacquer.com

 

 

Creative Kayla and her Polishes of Amazement

There once was a girl named Kayla....and she made some

 really cool nail polish....

 

CREATIVE CUTICLES NAIL POLISH

Lucky me, I got to interview her some time ago and tried out some of her polishes!!!
She asked me what I would choose from her collection and right away I knew I wanted was

How Can I Be of Service - a glitter topper just PACKED with silver, gold and copper colored glitters.


This lovely applied easily, the glitters went exactly where I wanted. Normally I am not a glitter topper kind of girl, which I think I had
explained to her and told her that I would like a blue ... a whatever blue and left it for her to decide and she chose my love:

Parker...what a handsome guy...
I absolutely adore him.

The best description I can give for Parker is he is like liquid cobalt colored glass, applies like a dream. I consider jellies to be kind of sticky...kind of gooey and I have a hard time with application thus my aversion to them, but not this guy. Parker is jelly that will steal your heart. He stole mine, wow

Seriously.

Like true love.

Can't stop....

I don't know if I've mentioned it, but wow.

How about some Flourite?

or Nebula?





Then I told her to choose one for me, and she chose the VERY classy

A Great Red

This is a sweet jelly with red glitters. Coco Chanel-esque classic. Another that I enjoyed playing around with, trying different looks. This is no trampy red baby, she's a real lady.

Kayla also sent me a couple of minis to try out - one was Autumn Nights, part of her Fall Down Like Autumn Leaves Collection. A really pretty blue but alas, I have yet to give it a try. I know!! I'm sorry Kayla!! I see it on other people and it's just yummy yum but for some reason I just haven't done it yet.


She also sent me this one:

I don't know if it ever got a name but I liked it - her glitters lay flatly which is absolutely KEY for me, if the glitter doesn't spread, or lay flatly for me it's out. I can't handle a messy clumpy mess on my fingers.
I suggested Golden Goblin or something like that. I like it because it's a 70's retro greenish packed with nice pretty gold glitters - it's different and I like something out of the norm once in a while.

My final opinion is this: Although I am still not a glitter topper girl, Kayla's Creative Creations are amazing polishes. Quality, Customer service beyond necessity - she is a sweetheart, she's positive and kind and generous. I hope the indie polish industry goes on forever, because every single one of the ladies I've interviewed is exceptional like Kayla. I wish for her amazing success.

Her prices are great, she does package deals, she gives holiday discounts, consistently striving to satisfy her customers. Do yourself a huge favor and check her out at

www.ccnp.storenvy.com

SWATCH OUT!!! An interview with an indie swatcher - TATTOOED NAIL GIRL/SHANEL

Hey there, it's your friendly interviewer once again.....
My head goes in several different directions. I presently can honestly admit, I have gotten way ahead of myself and I can't keep up with my ideas. That being said; I look at that fact in a positive light.

Here is my one of my recent brilliant ideas: what if I interview those lucky ladies we see modeling our favorite indies? I mean, to be totally honest - don't we secretly wish we ALL could be swatchers? Get the latest releases before anyone else and show them off? No? Just me? I'm betting I'm not alone.

So, no secret I love me some Liquid Sky Lacquer.
 (Thank you captain obvious!)

One of Carolyn's swatchers is Shanel (aka The Tattooed Nail Girl) - and well, what can I say? I love her claws dammit!
Shanel is awesome. I stalk her on FB too, and she's just darn cool, and I like cool people. So I asked and OF COURSE she agreed (didn't I mention she was cool?) and here is the result. Enjoy!

When/Why/How - did you become a swatcher?

Well I started my page last Oct. 2013 but I had already been "swatching" for about a year before that in a couple groups on Facebook that are no longer around and on my personal page. When I would buy an indie or a new polish in general I'd want to share it with everyone or the maker so I'd swatch it. I got a lot of compliments on my nails and everyone kept suggesting I start a blog. But to be honest I am horrible at writing. I didn't have enough things to say about each polish other than I think it's awesome you should buy it lol. So I decided to give in and start a Facebook page. So here I am!

If you don't mind saying what is your fav indie?

Favorite Indie is of course Liquid Sky Lacquer. I don't make it a secret that Carolyn is my favorite and I'm pretty sure she always will be.

Fav non indie?

Hmm that's a hard one. It's a tie between Zoya and O.P.I

What is your regular nail care routine?
I don't really have much of one I guess. Nightly I use California Mango, Mango Mend. Comes in this little container it's orange and smells amazing. It's a balm and I swear by it. In fact I have one in my purse and one in my room! I only use a glass file if I have to file or adjust my nails and I only file when I have polish on my nails that way I know they'll end up straight. And I only file one direction, that way I don't split my nails. I Also use California Mango Cuticle Remover once every other month. I buff my nails once every other month to remove ridges and I also use Nail Tek ll Intensive Therapy on my nails 3-4 times a week under my base coat. Nail Tek ll is for thin and split nails, it's really helped to strengthen up my nails and make them hard. I try to keep polish on them as often as I can and I keep my hands out of water as much as possible since water does tend to make them weak.

Any good advice for healthier nails?
Nail Tek ll Intensive Therapy 3-4 times a week under your base coat. Drink a TON of water!! Keep your hands out water. So if you have to do dishes, wear gloves!! Keeping polish on them will also help prevent them from splitting.
 

What do you do for fun?
For fun, I spent time with my Puggle Mika, I used to make jewelry for a living but sadly with the economy so slow, I had to close down my business. I read, I love to travel, love road trips (especially to Disney World), I love hiking, I love learning- Science and marine life is a big thing for me. I'm sure there is more, just can't think of it at the moment lol
 

Tell me about your Disney obsession? 

lol Not sure what there is to say about it. Disney is awesome!! Nuff said!! lol But seriously, my Boyfriend, Scott and I are HUGE and I mean H.U.G.E. Disney fans!! Like I mean our entire house when we move in together is already planned out to be Disneyified lol. Except his office, that's Galaxy and Star Wars lol. We love Disney because no matter your age, you get to be a kid. You get to be young and free. You get to believe the world is filled with magic, adventure, pirates, fairies, Princesses and that if you truly believe, than anything can happen.

Tell me about Alaska?!
Alaska is one of those places that you say "Someday I'd like to go there" And yet most people never do. Well I actually got to and it was AMAZING and breathtaking!! And a million other adjectives! I went for 9 days. We flew there and decided it was better than taking a cruise and being stuck at sea for days not doing anything but staying on the ship. We Did a day cruise for 6 hrs. Saw whales, Dall porpoises, Dall sheep, Puffins and glaciers. I got to be a co-pilot and fly around Mt. McKinley (Mt. Denali), Took a train all over a Alaska, took a bus tour through Denali National Park and saw a Mama Bear and her cub playing. Saw a Junior Bull Moose run up a ridge. I could go on and on with the things I go to see and experience but it would take up way too much space. I got to stay in some amazing lodges and meet people from all over the world. Alaska is a trip that everyone should experience and I truly mean that!! Don't just do a cruise, fly there and truly experience it!!! Heck I ate reindeer!! NOT some thing this city girl would normally do. lol.
 

Obviously you're tattooed, Pics? Which is your fav tattoo? Who does them?

My favorite tattoo is a matching one with my sister. It says You Are My Person and it's part of an Infinity symbol. It means that not matter what happens in this world, no matter what you do, where you go. I've got your back. I will always be there for you. I will always love you. I will always support you. You can count on me no matter what. I am your person for infinity!

How many do you have? Will there be more?
lol I currently have 16 and yes there are plans for at least 4 cover ups (tattoos done when I was young and stupid) and at least 15-20 new ones.

Favorite movie?  

Boondock Saints, The Notebook, Beauty and The Beast are my top 3
 

Future plans?
Move to Florida to be with Scott and become Annual Pass Holders to Disney World lol Hey don't judge. Long term for us is to buy property in Washington in the next 10 yrs or so. No kids, but have some dogs and a pygmy goat lol. I might try some nail art videos way down the road once I move to Florida and have my own nail room where I can have a better set up.
 

What do you hate?
I SERIOUSLY hate is people who neglect or abuse animals. I am extremely passionate and overly emotional when it comes to animals.

See? I told you she was cool. If you'd like to follow her, she is @tattooednailgirl on IG. I just love her nails and her nail art - she recently did a series of swatches using Zoya's latest releases and they are stunning!!! Check her out!

Thanks again for reading my blog, I will continue to brainstorm with new ideas to keep things interesting. xo Aprilaura

my pipe dreams have been answered !

I love the latest nail trends. Some of them more than others. Neons, well....I didn't really get super excited about those. Several different brands came out with their version and some were a bit of a temptation but I knew I wanted to interview April, and I knew she was coming out with neons so I decided THOSE were the ones I'd try.

a night in vegas collection...

wow

I like to think that my gradients look pretty cool - well with these polishes they popped like never before! I had so much fun that I just had to try every possible combination of gradient. Each one just stunning....

 Then maybe add my favorite holo top coat and viola!

















Then I had a little more fun with some nail art - stripes and polka-dots are about the best I can do..

 

 

....or maybe a glitter gradient accented with some

@teismom nailvinyls (I LOVE those things!!)

Everything I tried to do, this polish cooperated completely.

Just glided on my fingers - in some cases I probably even could have gone with one coat.

 

wow.

I've stated before that watermarble is my kryptonite. I totally gave up on it for a while, I was so frustrated. With these polishes, the formula was just so smooth and perfect, I just had to give it a try. Now try not to laugh this is actually a good job for me. I'm no Yasmeen (sloteazzy) but I was pretty darn proud of myself, I gotta tell ya.

Maybe it's become evident that I'm crazy about her polishes.
I tend to stay away from glitter polishes - don't really know why but it's just me. I do try to go out of my 'comfort zone' once in a while and give things like that a try. My first original order from pipedream was mas fina - and it's a stunner let me tell you. I knew I'd like it just because of the color combinations, but while I ordered that; I also threw in a mini of flip fantasia and I just kind of let that one sit untried. As I was preparing for this interview I pulled out these polishes to revisit my pipedream experience. I put on flip fantasia and flipped. Now I'm kicking myself left and right because I only have a mini. All jokes aside, if anyone knows where I can nab a full size of this polish I WANT IT!!! April cannot get the glitter she needs to recreate it so I'm SOL!! I have the perfect description of that polish - (start humming the "Happy" song by Ferrell) because it's HAPPY!!!.... It's bright, it's fun, the glitters lay perfectly, and it just plays that song to you all day long. I adore it and now I'm savoring each drop, saving it for emergency - when I need some happy.

I got this, it's called 'hanging on like a yo yo' because it reminds me of 'flip fantasia' but it just doesn't sing to me as nicely. I explain this one like this: Neony orange fun glittery to wrap up summer but pumpkin organgey to easily transcend into fall....as if that is an easy change - I go kicking and screaming into it while everyone else is like oooh pumpkin this and leaves and candles. I have 6 million acres of leaves around me....beautiful but....brrrr...it's coming....sigh.

So go buy these, and check out all the other lovelies I didn't even mention like cha-ching, and it's a mystery....and on and on....

www.pipedreampolish.com

An Interview with an Indie PIPE DREAM POLISH

 

When did you start pipe dream?

 pipe dream polish officially opened shop in March of 2013.

And WHY did you name it pipe dream?

I was bored with "basic" polishes and had developed a love for indie polishes. That love grew into wanting to create. At first I was just frankening with store bought polishes but eventually I bought some glitter and base and started making my own creations. I posted my creations on my personal FB and had a great response. When people asked about them, I would say "oh this is just a pipe dream." But the more I started playing, the more I knew I was going to go for it. I bought more glitter, more base, researched, and tested. Finally my "pipe dream" became reality. It can be scary to put yourself out there and hope people love what you are doing. Many people don't take the risk in fear of rejection, but you never know until you try. Life is too short not to follow your dreams.

How do you come up with your polish names?

I used to only use song lyrics but it gets harder to do as it's very time consuming searching for the perfect song and lyrics. I'm getting away from that for the most part but still do from time to time.

Who created your logo?

I created my logo. I also have a degree in graphic design.

What is your biggest challenge?
 Time is my biggest challenge. I worked fulltime as a dental assistant up until December. I decided to go back to school to be a nail tech and was in school fulltime up until a few weeks ago. Soon I will start work as a nail tech (I may be by the time of publication). I would love to do pipe dream fulltime but since it's self employment, you never know how steady the income is going to be. So trying to balance pipe dream, work, and family can be a huge challenge.

What inspires you?

Everything inspires me!

Any other collaborations in the future?

Maybe. Probably? I honestly never know myself...but I'm sure there will be something. The indie world is filled with many talented people.

How often do you paint your nails?

Unfortunately I don't get to paint my own nails as much as I'd like in between making polish and doing other people's nails, but I try to get to it at least once a week.

Favorite brand other than yours?

I love so many different polishes, I couldn't possibly choose a favorite.

Favorite color?

I tend to be drawn in by turquoises the most but I love to try all colors!

What did you want to be "when you grew up" when you were a child?

I wanted to be an actress or something flamboyant or creative - LOL - but all that got pushed aside when I had my son at a young age and was challenged with raising him by myself. He came first and with that I had to do something I knew would pay the bills.

Which of your OWN polishes is your favorite?

That's another hard choice! I don't create a polish that I wouldn't personally wear but I'm really loving 'cha-ching!' for the moment. It's just so fun and sparkly!

Congratulations on graduating Nail School, what's next for you?

I just want to be happy! I was a dental assistant for many years and was completely miserable doing that for way too long. I'm looking forward to finally being able to take my career into a positive direction...no matter what that may be.

Family? Pets? What does hubby think?

I have a son that's 18 and my chihuman mix, Harley. My husband is very supportive of everything I do but he would like more time with me. He helps me with pipe dream as much as he can, mostly labeling and packing.

We both share a somewhat unique name, I've never really had a nickname, have you? And if so, what was/is it?

I've never really had a nickname either!

How did hubby propose?

He proposed on a weekend trip to Atlanta. He made me pick the restaurant for dinner. I picked Thai - little did I know he was going to propose or I may have picked a different place! But it all worked out beautifully. The restaurant brought us champagne and took pics of us for their Facebook page. I was in a daze the rest of the night so it wouldn't have mattered where we were! :)


****PS - A fun fact you may want to include:
Many people don't know or haven't caught on but pipe dream polish and all the names of the polish are always lower case.

So there you have it, another interview, another amazing woman making her way in the world. I wish her so much continued success, she is a real sweetheart like ALL the indies I've interviewed. If you'd like to purchase her polishes please visit www.pipedreampolish.com

But then again....maybe someone is having a give away on IG and you could win them...?

 

Chasing beautiful polish......

If I haven't mentioned it before, I feel a bit privileged in that I get to ask questions of these Indie Polish Makers and in doing so, get the inside info before anyone else.

Sarah, what a genuine sweet girl. Brave. Yep, I said it - brave. After reading her story, I couldn't help but admire her undampened spirit. Thankful for her time with Audrey, and not afraid to keep moving forward. Brave. I sincerely hope that Audrey sends another angel to her and her husband.

Beyond her personal story she's a entrepreneur as well, venturing into the Indie Polish Making (shark infested?) waters..... ok maybe not quite that dramatic but hey, competition is out there with more Indies added every day. So here I go, putting in my two cents about her product - or at least the ones I bought.

First up, Orchid.....

I just adore girly colors, once shying away from overplayed pinks, I'm back to wearing them ten fold. And it's because of polishes like this one. Three coats to full opacity and what a SHINE. While applying coat one I thought, "This would be perfect for a french mani..." so I did one, on my toes. CUTEEEEEE and lasted and lasted and lasted.....

Next, Peony

 

 Now, moving on to my more favorite colors; here is a lovely delicate blue called Hydrangea. I wish I was able to do the pond effect mani for you but I'm afraid that would have been laughable.

I imagine this polish would make a great pond effect mani,

(insert little girl from Despicable Me voice:) 'IT'S SO SQUISHY!!!!'

 

The last polish I'll feature (for now) is Wisteria, again.. the word 'delicate' comes to mind with these polishes. Their shine is amazing as well. Seriously, they didn't need a topcoat.

 

 

You must be thinking, "April how about you stfu and tell me WHERE I can purchase these lovelies?" and I would reply right here: www.chasingrainbowslacquer.bigcartel.com

And then I would perhaps mention that you still have a few days to

enter my giveaway on IG(ends 7/31). 

IG@aprilaura

 

And PS. if you go to my giveaway picture and comment with your first name and your favorite color from this collection/blog - I'll give you an extra entry!!!!!

 

Good luck!!

 

 

Interview With An Indie - CHASING RAINBOWS LACQUER

Always on the lookout for "new meat" - I like to keep my eyes on the hashtag #nailpolish in general and also obviously #indiepolish, and although I'm still unsure on HOW she crossed my path;

I am very pleased to introduce you to Sarah, Chasing Rainbows Indie Polish Maker.

I wanted the perspective of a BRAND NEW INDIE POLISH MAKER, and here she is - I'll be able to say "I knew her when..." She's bound to be successful with the two major traits of any good indie polish maker, she's unbelievably sweet and very very customer service oriented.

I'll be voicing my opinions about her polish soon enough, first let's get to know this month's Indie Polish Maker:

How did you get into indie polish making? I was an indie fanatic way before I even thought about making my own. I've always not just loved, but also collected polish. I never thought I'd be capable of being a polish maker, but I decided to just give it a try!

How much research did you do prior to your decision? I went back and forth for months about whether or not I wanted to start making polish. As with everything else I do, I wanted to be sure I can give it 100% of my efforts. Once I decided to commit, I researched for a few weeks on how to start. I wanted to make sure that I knew the ins and outs of what I would need, where to find high quality materials, and where they can be obtained.

How long have you been actually making it for sale? I just started in May! I am brand new.

Who inspires you? Aside many other indie makers, my daughter inspires me. I named my first collection after her, Audrey. She was born in January 2013 with a severe congenital chromosomal disorder, Trisomy 13, and she was only with us for 4 months. However the joy and beauty I experienced through her short but courageous and strong fight for life gave me inspiration to do anything I set my mind to, with no limitations.

Out of what state do you operate? Do you have help? I operate out of California. My roommate helps with swatching and photography, but as far as the creation of the polishes itself it is all me :)

How old are you? Married? Family? I am 25 years old. I am married to my husband of almost 2 years, and we have one angel daughter, as discussed above :) Hopefully Audrey will become a big sister later on this year.

Is this something you do full time or do you expect to someday? I would love to create polish full time some day! It is something I thoroughly enjoy.

Why FIVE free instead of just 3? I wanted to be able to provide the BEST for consumers as possible. I love nail polish myself, and everything I create has to be something I would use myself and stand behind 100%. The least amount of unnecessary chemicals, the better.

How often do you expect to release new polishes? I would like to release new polishes at least every month. I can't make any promises though! haha.

How often do you paint your nails? Every single day. Sometimes more than once a day. I truly have an obsession.

Name of your brand? Where did you come up with it? Do you have a logo? if so, did you create it? My brand is called Chasing Rainbows. Among the infant and pregnancy loss community, the next baby to be born after the first loss is sometimes referred to as a "rainbow baby". So I liked the name Chasing Rainbows. Additionally, it also represents the incessant need to own any and every color of the rainbow in a polish bottle. I do have a logo, My husband's Navy coworker made it for me.

Where will you be in one year? Hopefully, raising a family, working on a nursing degree, and making polish.

Favorite song? It changes all the time. I do love anything by Bruno Mars. Katy Perry is my guilty pleasure. I also like EDM a bit. Right now I'm really loving "All of Me" by John Legend, and "Latch" by Sam Smith.

Biggest pet peeve? Grammar errors drive me nuts. You* You're* Your*!! Also when people use the phrase "that's so RETARDED". It gets under my skin when people use the word "retarded" in a way to offend someone or to berate an idea or an action. There are so many more inoffensive words that can be used instead.