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

LIQUID SKY LACQUER - Interview with an Indie

Have you ever wanted to ask your favorite indie nail polish maker questions? Me too!!!!!!!
Who would you want to ask? Your favorite indie polish maker perhaps?

My favorite, from Liquid Sky Lacquer, Carolyn agreed to be my first victim!!

This is my very first Interview with an Indie. Since she is so gracious and sweet, Carolyn took time from her VERY busy schedule of school and her unbelievable creative motivation to answer my questions.

Since today is the release of her latest creations, the timing is perfect to post this blog.
Speaking of which, I'll be having a giveaway beginning today. I've been a LSL fan for quite a while now and her Jordan Almond Collection is just perfect for spring.

Watch for contest rules on my IG today.


When did you first start making polish?

Carolyn: Late September 2012
 

Why did you decide to make nail polish?

Carolyn: First I was excited to see manis on Instagram, then realized some people were making their own polish, so I wanted to do it too.
 

Do you think you will ever stop making nail polish?

Carolyn: Oh, probably, some year. :) No plans though!
 

What is YOUR favorite nail polish of all time? What is your favorite of your own?

Carolyn: This seems lame, but I love Essie's Sugar Daddy. I can do anything with it! Of my own? Well, I've currently decided that I love my new Spring Garden Collection. I like all of the colors at the same time…like a rainbow
 

What do you see happening with the nail polish industry ten years from now?

Carolyn: I think it will cool off a bit, perhaps. I think polish is a fun thing that let's a person dress up a little or be outrageous, but still able to walk down the street without being stared at for the wrong reasons. Plus, it's less expensive and takes up less space than a shoe or purse collection

Where do you see YOU ten years from now?

Carolyn: I hope to be using a degree in neuroscience in some way.

Did you ever expect you’d be as successful as you have become?

Carolyn: No, but I never really thought about it. I'm really grateful to my early IG followers who supported me and promoted my product.
 

I know you’re going to school, what degree are you pursuing? Why?

Carolyn: My undergrad degree will be psycho biology. I think that the brain and how it works or doesn't is the coolest thing!
 

Who has been an inspiration to you? Who in the nail community has been an inspiration?

Carolyn: My mom. She never gave up on me when things were difficult. She encouraged and helped me with the business…though she did become a bit obsessed with glitter!

In the nail community, Rychelle from Colorsplash Nails. She's great in so many ways

Do you have any hobbies?

Carolyn: Good grief! Whose got time for hobbies! LSL doubles as my hobby. I love working with colors
 

I know you’re environmentally cautious – with your new packaging idea, is there any advice you’d like to share to make us all a little more aware? Something simple we could do to help our environment? What can you tell me about your new packaging?

Carolyn: So, I've been packing with vermiculite. I was looking for and eco-friendly way to cushion my polishes. Vermiculite is also a packing compliant material that is absorbent when sending liquids. My incidence of breakage was down 75%, but vermiculite is wildly unpopular, so I may just switch back to tissue paper.
 

How often do you paint your nails?

Carolyn: LOL! Maybe 2 times a month unless I have to swatch.
 

Your nails are beautiful, is there a special product you use? Cuticle oil? Lotion? Base/top coat?

Carolyn: I use Lush's Lemony Flutter. When I massage it in daily, my nails are very healthy. I like Orly Nail Defense as a base coat and Seche Vite for the top.
 

What is your favorite movie of all time?
Carolyn: All Harry Potter movies
 

What is your guilty pleasure
Carolyn: Candles and soaps from Bath and Body Works

As you can tell, she's genuine and down to earth with an incredible drive to succeed. I find her inspirational in so many ways. I think she's an excellent example for future generations - whether they be indie nail polish makers or psycho biologists. Her ambition is infectious. Most of all it's her attitude - accommodating, gracious, mature. Her nail polish isn't bad either!!!

 

http://liquidskylacquer.bigcartel.com/products

Today she restocks and releases her Spring 2014 collection, good luck to all anticipating getting their polished fingers on her lovely creations. If you're new to indie nail polish, this is an excellent place to start!!!!
 

INTERVIEW WITH AN INDIE

Hello all you nail polish lovers!!!

I'm so excited to start a new series of blogs - "Interview with an Indie"!!

Pretty self explanatory, I will be interviewing Indie polish Makers (IPMs).

If you are an Indie Polish Maker I would LOVE to interview you!!! Please email me at aprilaura04@hotmail.com.

If there are questions you'd like me to ASK in my interviews, again, please email me.

I've decided to do this because so often we forget there are real human beings with lives beyond nail polish. We get frustrated at sell outs and complain when we can't get that latest lovely we want so desperately. (I myself, VERY guilty of this!) Hopefully these posts will give us insight and understanding that these (usually) ladies have lives of their own and priorities just like us buyers.

Thank you in advance for taking time to read these posts. Special thanks to the Indie Polish Makers that have taken the time to answer my questions and share a little bit of their lives with me. These ladies are absolutely AMAZING, and perhaps reading these posts; you'll truly understand their sacrifices for our obsessions.

Read on, and again, THANK YOU!!

Liquid Sky Stalker

My name is April, and I am obsessed with Liquid Sky Lacquer.

 

I'm not exactly sure when it began, a little less than a year ago would be my guess. Through the wonderful world of Instagram; I found the "IG Nail Community". I had previously always been a big fan of nail polish and nail art but this opened a new world to me; the world of INDIE nail polish. It was love at first sight.

Colors, never before seen, textures, thermals, glow in the dark, foils, glitters, toppers, undies and the list goes on.... Heaven. Then - HOLOs! OMG, that was when I stopped looking at a distance (whilst claiming "I'd never spend that much for one bottle of polish") and started my QUEST TO OWN ALL THE INDIES! Well, to be honest at the time, that wasn't my goal but you'll soon see how quickly my plot unhatched.

I'm pretty sure my first order was from Stardust Polish - but that's for another post.

Liquid Sky Lacquer was actually my second indie purchase. I ordered minis, three of them - but let's focus on which started all of this; Sugared Berries. A light lilac holo. First, I noticed the formula - much smoother than a regular nail polish I thought. It didn't go on thick or gloppy - it truly flowed. Then, of course, the color and mostly the HOLO.

What can I say? I'm a sucker. Done. Soon I was back on the site ordering more.

Today, as I type this, I am wearing Wink ;) and all I can say is it IS Holo. There are simply too many colors in this polish to call it one. Blue grey tones, silver, pink purple, green....it's beautiful. When the sun peeks out, I grab a holo, especially on these freezing cold days I need something bright and sparkly. It's a girl thing.

I am also anticipating my most recent purchase, Mystical Peacock. I've been yearning for her multichromes but because of holidays etc, put off the purchase. (Hey, reality sucks sometimes) I don't know how many posts I will write about Liquid Sky because I have come to grips with my obsession and it would be hard for me to criticize anything she does; a bit biased I believe. I guess if I had to say a negative about her is that I don't live next door to her, and endless funds to support my habit. I once and ONLY once recieved my order a bit mixed up, but a simple email fixed that and she was more than gracious. She even agreed to answer some questions I had about making nail polish, again graciously.

So, this has been my undoing...a slippery downward spiral into the indie nail polish world. I go willingly allowing myself to be sucked in by each new lovely.

Talented ladies, great customer service with pride in what they do - I salute you.

Liquid Sky Lacquer, I stalk you because I am....Liquid Sky Stalker!

If you want to join me in my craziness, please visit:

http://liquidskylacquer.bigcartel.com/products