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!!!

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!!

LOst in paRadiSe, thanKs foR thE WarNinG

Day 6: piCture pOlish mani-a-day

Paradise -beautiful & lovely a state of delight

What can I say about this beauty? The colors are rich and deep, a dark blue pearl with dark purple/fuscia mini glitters that are just perfect.

This is three coats with top coat.

Maybe you can notice I tried one of my nail vinyls somewhat unsuccessfully on my accent nail. I think it was a bad choice of shape and of accent polish, just didn't stand out well.

PS those nail vinyls are awesome! mine are from @teismom on IG, I'll blog about those another time.

I've been dabbling on the piCture pOlish website and filling my cart with goodies for my next dream purchase, always fun. This time I'll have my smister piggy-backing on my order so I'm thinking it's going to be a super dreamy order.

Day 7:

Warning

for the young & the not so young

Purple. Let me just put that out there....                                 it's awesome....

OK so I lean towards blues/purples anyway but this one is a stunner, and it's so light. Two coats, done.

I showed it off a bit with a cutie-pahtootie nail charm... they're cute but kind of a hassle in a way, they need to be coddled and sometimes I don't have time to be Mrs. Wiggins - that's and old Carol Burnett reference for you kids out there - Carol Burnett is a hilarious skit comedian btw, I'm basically saying I can't be bothered to baby my nails.

The polish wears very well though. It's got like-colored blueish/purple mini glitter to give it some zip. Kind of like Wisteria but dressed up.

 

I know you've got to be wanting to try them by now.
Link is on my page.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Polish

Day 4: piCture pOlish mani-a-day

Twinkle

What's pink and creamy with just a hint of shimmer?? Another lovely addition from piCture pOlish, twinkle. This is another that's simply easy to wear.

                                       

Only needed two coats...

 My piCtures don't do this beauty justice I'm afraid.

www.picturepolish.com.au


I know by now you must be at least considering it....

There are other buying options as well, just do some investigating and I'm sure you can find them. 

 

 Day 5: piCture pOlish mani-a-day:

frosting

Frosting is a delightful, exactly what you would expect; creamy pinky goodness with cutie pink purple holo glitters like girlie confetti. I love it.

PiCtured here with Wisteria on my accented crowned nail. This was a fun mani for sure. Sometimes I just adore being uber cutsie, and this pOlish suits that mood perfectly!!

did I mention....?

www.picturepolish.com.au