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.

 

 

 

My Not-So-Secret Love Affair

So, it may have become a bit apparent that I have begun a love affair with ShopEighty4 polishes, and I can seriously see myself easily being sucked into her skin/beauty products as well. Let me tell you my little story (I promise, it's little)....

I had purchased from ShopEighty4 in the past - 2 microglitters and a creme. To be completely honest, I'm just not good with microglitters! I buy them from everyone because c'mon - they're glittery, and beautiful...why WOULDN'T I buy them right? But every single one I buy is a disappointment, I make a clumpy mess and it makes me sad. So, I was disappointed as usual with the microglitters, but the creme...well, that was a different story. I loved the pigment and the coverage so I blogged. I know, shocker.

Enter Fefe, makes some nice comments prompting my request for an interview. Knowing I'd be doing the interview and wanting to purchase some lovelies for a giveaway (my normal practice), I placed an order. This and that and oh yeah that looks nice, and that one will be good for a give away and so on...honestly thinking one or two I'd keep and the others would just be give aways.
So they come...


And then I try Sea Goddess...

And I die.

And then Barbie Ride...and Say What? and Tropical Rain Forest....and Enchantment, and Barney on Drugs....

Instantly hooked. Done. Immediately placed reorder for everything (for the give away) PLUS her new beach collection...yes....even though I still haven't finished trying the ones I have already purchased I am just SO anxious to be getting more.

Normally, I'd feel some guilt because as we know, indie polish shopping CAN get pricey but seriously her prices are unbelievably reasonable. I can afford to go a little nuts and that makes me happy. My collection is growing fast.

So, there are a few of my new lovelies here - and you know I'll be bragging about the new ones when they arrive. Do yourself a favor and check her site out, and do ME a favor and read my INTERVIEW WITH AN INDIE SHOP EIGHTY4.

www.shopeighty4.com

SHOP EIGHTY4 INTERVIEW WITH AN INDIE

I'd like to take some time to tell you about my experiences so far. I've only done a few interviews so far, and it's been amazing. I have been turned down by someone for an interview which is ok, because it was a very gracious "thank you but no thank you" response. I'll admit I'm a bit disappointed because I'd love to know more about where my indies come from and who makes them but as I tell all of my interviewees; it's all for fun and always appreciated.

I'm glad I asked who you all thought would be my next indie interview - it gave me some insights as who you would like to hear from and I promise I will do my best to make that happen. Glad to hear any suggestions you may have - is there a question that I'm not asking that I should? PLEASE, leave feedback!!

So... without any further adieu; my next INTERVIEW WITH AN INDIE: SHOP EIGHTY4!!! And the ever-so-lovely Fefe!!! What an amazing young lady! Didn't even hesitate when asked for an interview, so so sweet. Her polishes aren't bad either hehehe - no not bad at ALL. I did a SMALL blog on a few of her polishes earlier but honestly, I like to try several polishes from an indie to give a good opinion of the product - which I am oh-so-anxiously-awaiting. Previously I tried two micro glitters and one crème - waiting on BODY PRODUCTS as well as her stunning POLISHES: neon holo multichrome .... oops sorry, I think I drooled a little there..... so I am SURE I'll be blogging more after I've had the opportunity to have the full Shop Eighty4 experience.

Meanwhile......

 

 

Why Eighty4?
Why the name?

 

My business partner Cara and I were both born in 1984. We initially started off making jewelry, and could not agree on a name. We visited “Eighty4” a few times and finally agreed on it. Needless to say, the jewelry thing became such a fad that we no longer thought it was original and/or unique so we stopped that.

How long have you been making polish?

We started testing the whole polish creation thing back in July of 2013. After relocating, I finally launched the site in September of 2013 but did not promote it until October as I was out of town for about 3 weeks so there was no way I would have been able to fulfill orders. 

Tell me about your "other products" - the non-polish products.

Before we launched the nail polish line, we knew we wanted to expand. We are very much so into cosmetics of all kinds along with bath and body products. We decided to try the bath and body products route first. We formulated a few different types of lotions (Goat’s Milk) and body butters (unreleased for now). My curiosity found me formulating bath bombs and cuticle products shortly after. Not everything is available for sale due to the extreme temperatures. However, the bath bombs should be available soon. They are one of my favorite products, EVER! Everything is handmade with love, what can I say? We are also working on developing our cosmetics line. More details will be announced within the next few months.
 

 

What is next for you? What new concoction/polish will you come up with?

Polish wise, we are looking to create some of the best crème polishes to ever touch a person’s paws. We also just started dipping into the wonderful world of Holo. More holo goodies are to come. We will also continue to develop of cosmetics started with lip products.

 

Is this a full time thing for you?

Yes, Eighty4 is a full time thing for me. It’s taken over a good amount of my house truth be told!

 

Where are you?

I am located in Atlanta, GA. Cara is in Norfolk, VA. All of the Eighty4 magic happens in Atlanta. From formulating, creating, processing orders to shipping.

 

What is your biggest challenge?

Staying ahead of the game. With this funding itself, it can be a bit challenging to try the latest trends. We do our best to bring new, fresh ideas to the table though.

 

Who is your biggest supporter?

Besides my Aunt who not only invests but tries to buy everything we make (stop that woman! Lol)… I am going to say a handful of Instagram ladies. Whenever we launch new colors, there are a few girls that will always support us. It’s like clockwork and we appreciate them. I make sure to stay in touch with many customers and especially our biggest supporters. I always ask what do they want to see next. Their input is very important to us as they are the reason why we are here.

 

Who do you admire/fellow indie maker?

I have a long list of favorites when it comes to the indie world. When I read this question, Annette from Disturbed Potions came to mind. We were able to connect when we helped a fellow indie polish supporter out and after chatting with her… I admire her! Her story is so touching and she really puts her all into her products. She not only does nail polish but also bath and body products along with a killer line of skincare items. She’s the sweetest gal ever.

 

Something from your "bucket list"?

To see Britney Spears perform “live”. Okay, I know… She lip-syncs but I love the girl nonetheless Lol.

 

Favorite food?

I am a sucker for Italian and Mexican. I love food. I can’t choose one thing!

OK, so I don't share her taste in music....but I do hope she makes her concert dream happen. The "sweetest gal ever" remark regarding Annette from Disturbed Potions - seems to be a common thread in these indie polish makers, or at least the ones I've had the honor of working with - all SMART young ladies with boatloads of drive. 29-year-old entrepreneur? I hope her Aunt is ready to be wealthy if she isn't already because with Fefe's just incredible attitude, her drive, her NEED to connect with her customers and make them happy and caring about what they want to see next....all of that inevitably will lead to grand success. Let me tell you this, working this hard and being this humble, she deserves that success.

 

http://shopeighty4.com/

Hugs and love to you Fefe, thank you for doing this!

BellsKandi - AN INTERVIEW WITH AN INDIE

INTERVIEW WITH AN INDIE

BELLSKANDI

 

First of all, why "Bellskandi"? Where did you get the name?

BellsKandi, the reason I chose this name was because my daughters name is Isabella. My nickname for her is “Bells.” The “Kandi” part came from my obsession with raves, anything neon and of course the accessories that go with which is called “KANDI.” They are basically pony beads that are weaved into anything imaginable. My first home made store on etsy was where I sold all of my kandi creations from wrist cuffs to custom purses. I basically combined 2 things I loved and came up with “BellsKandi!” 

 

How long have you been making polish?

My online store opened up on etsy on Feb 14, 2013 with my first polish selling that same day. I experimented with different thermal combination for over a month before opening the store. I wanted to make sure there were no other indie makers on the market making the colors I wanted to release.

Who has been your biggest influence?

I know this may sound cheesy but my biggest influence has been my customers. There are so many indie makers flooding the market right now, making a big name for yourself is almost impossible. There have been times that I wanted to give up and close shop but have gotten praise and words of encouragement for all you beautiful ladies. Girls email me for all different kinds of request and although I make no promises of actually being able to create their idea, its not only challenging but gets my creative juices flowing to where its inspiring! I not only want to create it but it almost always sparks an idea for a new color combination. 

Day job? Night job? If so, what do you do? Or are you still going to school?

As of right now I am unemployed because I will be starting nail tech school on the 19th of this month at night. I’m beyond excited to begin this journey, its something I have always wanted to do and I feel like it will help me take BellsKandi to the next level. I want to start having my polish sold in local nail shops and boutiques.

What is your favorite polish (other than yours)?

My absolute favorite polish is Stay Classy San Diego by Enchanted Polish, a close second is Coronation by Cirque. 

 

New bottles and new logo, why the change?

I decided to change my bottles initially from round to the “squoval” because at that time that was the only bottle that came with a flat brush. Although the price for these bottles were about .10 more expensive I felt that the brush in itself was worth the extra expense. My original supplier starting selling the original round bottles with the flat brush months later and I immediately made the change. The round bottles are much easier to label also. As far as my logo, the orig BellsKandi logo wasn’t created by me, I paid a graphic designer on IG to create a log from the ideas I sent her. After a few months of having my logo and the polish gaining popularity I had a few customers point out to me that my logo the “BK” was similar to another nail polish company overseas. I did my research and did see that they had the same backwards B and K as I did. I knew I had to change my design, and apart of me wanted to create the logo myself. I spent about 2 weeks on my logo playing with different ideas and designs until I came up with what it is now.

Tell me about the new little bottle charms...how do you make them?

The bottle charms were create by @bubblescreations on IG. She created them for my 1 year anniversary duo. I initially wanted to add them on each and every bottle until I realized how time consuming it was to measure each string for each charm then knot it and hang from each bottle. I decided bc of this I would use the charms for my anniversary polishes and any special edition polishes. They are made of resin and hand painted.

Why does your polish smell 'sweet' when applying? (LOVE that!!)

The sweet smell to my polish is a special additive, not scent, to my formula that also helps with the quick drying. I wanted my polish to be different from other brands because I myself hate polishes that have a strong scent. I gives me a headache. Theres no way I’m going to continue to use a polish that gives me a headache, why would I expect any of my customers to want to?

Do you have other hidden talents? (photography, knitting...???) 

Hidden talents, no I honestly believe that my talent is my creativity. I will basically master anything I put my mind to.

How often do you paint your nails?

I paint my nails everyday or every other day depending on the chipping. I have extremely oily nail beds so it makes any mani impossible to last more than 2 days. Nail envy in combination with HK Girl top coat has literally worked miracles for my manis!
 http://www.glistenandglow.bigcartel.com/product/hk-girl-fast-drying-super-shiny-top-coat

What is your favorite indulgence?

My favorite indulgence is candy, not chocolate but candy like nerds, twizzlers, starbursts, skittles, and sweet tarts! If I could live on just candy and nothing else I would!

Do you have pets?

I have one dog his name is Onyx. He’s a chihuahua, I rescued him from a shelter and have had him for over 6yrs.

What do you like to do in your free time?

During my free time I play video games, watch reality tv (american idol, the voice and survivor) or some series, right now I’m obsessed with The Walking Dead.

What inspires you?

Anything can really inspire me, I constantly find myself out and about and an idea just pops in my head, I immediately whip out my phone and start typing away in my notes. I honestly think I have over 350 random notes with ideas lol.

What kind of music do you like to listen to?

My favorite music is techno, but its not just any techno it has to be vocal. Nothing irks me more than a song I cannot sing along to lol.

Here's an obscure question - if you had to guess (or perhaps you actually know), how many bottles of nail polish have you sold? How many were customs?

If I had to guess I would say my collection is at about 500 bottles, all indies. I donated all my mainstream polishes to a charity called Polished Girlz. Its an organization that goes to hospitals and give manicures to young girls to brighten their day. When I first of the organization I was so touched, I had so many brand new polishes that I knew I would never get around to using because of my indie obsession. I said to myself, I must donate these or I will never forgive myself. It was not hard at all to part with them because I knew that they would not only get used, but help bright a young lady who is sick and has probably never had her nails done.

 

As far as customs, i have not done that many. I received more inquires, but have turned down a lot simply because I do not have the time. Customs take a lot of work and if you do not get it right on the first or second try it becomes a loss. I would say to date I’m prob at about 20 customs.

 

 

 

 

 

ShopEighty4

These people with their lives....
I'm anxiously awaiting another Interview with an Indie. She's away on vacation....I wonder what that must be like. It's been about 3 years since I've had one.
I'm really looking forward to another interview. I learn along with each interview. In fact, I have recently asked a blogger/swatcher to do an interview as well. Kind of a behind the scenes scene, for those of us who dream of being one of our favorite indie's "swatchers". And yes, I do dream of being one...I just dont think my hands are pretty enough, fingers slim enough or have the right shape or whatever....I think I'll keep my day job for sure.

Well today is another day and meanwhile I will tell you about this cute brand of polish I've just tried for the first time last night.

It's Eighty4.

I chose Candy Mint, Purple Haze, Turquoise noise and another un-named that I've set aside for a very deserving nail mail buddy. (<3 you!)

So here they ALL are at once!

The minty-est of minty, this mint is flourescent. Just brilliant. I just had to top it off with holo top coat to squeeze the rainbows out too.
Then with some help of some cool nail vinyl/sticker thingys (these were a combo of chevrons from Nail Vinyls http://nailvinyls.storenvy.com and the scales were from Love Angeline Polish http://www.loveangeline.com/product/stuck-on-love-nail-shields-mermaid-scales)

I topped off my two middle fingers with Turquoise Noise and Purple Haze. They are soooo cute, I just loved this mani.

The good - The polish wore well, no chips after 24 hours and coats well. However, I needed a full three coats not because of coverage but because the formula was thick and groovy if you know what I mean. The microglitters even moreso. BUT the colors are brilliant and I certainly acheived a mani that I'm thrilled with.

The other great thing about the polish was that it was reasonably priced. I think I got the microglitters on sale at $6 each and I think the cream was $8. I've seen some new colors come through - another thing I like about Eighty4, and I'm sure I'll be back to give them another try. The unmentionable one is a thermal so I'll have to question/maybe interview? my nail mail buddy and find out what she thinks.

My shopping experience was a good one, shipped quickly and included a free gift of goat's milk moisturizer that smells like fresh powder.

Here's the link to give them a try: http://shopeighty4.com/

 

Thanks again for reading my blog. Please stay tuned for my Interview with an Indie coming SOON that will again include a give away!!!