EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with Richard of BONDI NEW YORK

Hi my darlings! I have an exciting post for you today! Along with my previous review for Bondi New York's August 2013 subscription box, I also have an exclusive interview with the CEO and founder of the company--Richard Annington! Now when I applied to and was accepted as a blogger for Bondi New York, I was surprised and intrigued to realize that the mastermind behind the company is a man! Yes, that's right! Richard is a charming, personable, down-to-earth British guy who personally responded to all my queries and checked in with me frequently while we were establishing our partnership. Throughout the course of our correspondence, suffice it to say that I was more than curious to find out what drew him to polish and how this rare male feels in a world dominated by women. So I naturally had to ask if he'd be willing to be interviewed for my blog and he graciously accepted! Read on below for a little glimpse into the man behind Bondi New York!

1. Being in a man in what can be seen as a predominantly female world, what inspired you to first get into polish? What is the most rewarding and most frustrating parts of what you do?

I've always had an interest with color cosmetics, right from the age of two when I used to raid my mothers make-up bag and paint all sorts of colors all over myself. This over time lead to an interest in broader beauty products, how they are manufactured, marketed etc. As an aside to this, I started getting interested in the ingredients and was shocked at how something as simple as nail polish can have so many toxic ingredients - this lead to developing Bondi New York. A cumulation of some 30 years of interest in cosmetics!

The most rewarding part of what my team and I do is interacting with our customers. Something as simple as nail polish can change a persons day and provide a refuge in a stressful world. It's interesting what color can do to a person, how they feel, how they feel they are perceived. The frustrating parts of what we do are being reliant on other people, such as our delivery partners to make sure a package gets to a customer and it gets there in one piece. Additionally, when collaborations fall apart because of circumstances beyond our control, that is very frustrating!

2. What was the inspiration for the name "Bondi New York"? 

Bondi is aboriginal for water over rocks which was a perfect association for our polish. It illicits a fresh and natural feel. There is no such thing as a natural nail polish, however Bondi New York is as close as you can get.

3. What inspires your collections? What inspired your latest collection? Any hints about upcoming collections? 

We take our cue from what is happening at the various Fashion Weeks around the world, predominantly New York Fashion Week. We look at what the choices of fabric colors are and how we can distill that into polish which will work as an accessory to outfits.

Our Fall/Winter collection which debuts in September is a rich collection of coppers, olives, blues and a few surprises!

4. Do you have a favorite indie maker(s)? Favorite mainstream brands? 

This is a cliche as they are often quoted, but Virgin Group is a great mainstream brand. When they launch new products and services they are innovative and marketed in a great way. A great indie brand is Soleil Organique. I love Valerie's persistence in spreading the message of safe and effective sunscreen.

5. What are your favorite nail looks? 

There's lots happening around holographic, magnetic, textures and splatter. All great innovations and statement looks, however I definitely love a classic one color look on a woman. When it's the right color, it really looks great.

6. What are your favorite colors? In general? For summer? 

I love bold colors. Referencing our current collection, I am loving Chasing the Sun and Fuschia-istic. Also understated colors like our Central Park Blossom.

7. This may be hard--but which are your 3 favorite creations? 

If you're talking about in our current collection, then The Limelight, Brick Road and Fuschia-istic. These are three colors which I have not seen anywhere else and are real statement colors. It takes a confident woman to wear them!

8. Do you have any other hobbies? 

Right now I am one of those "lives to work" characters. A lot of my time is spent developing our business and working on our international expansion, however when I do have free time I spend it with our three dogs (a Lab/Ridgeback mix, a Shiba Inu and an Italian Greyhound).

9. What advice would you give to new brands? 

Focus on the customer service and the money will follow. Too many brands do not understand the importance of excellent service. Customers who receive great service, consistently are like walking advertisement for your business. Much cheaper than any advertising.

10. Fun facts :

Astrological sign : Libra

Favorite comfort food : Mac & Cheese

Favorite personal care item besides polish, both for yourself and for a woman : Tea Tree shower gel and my Mom loves Yves Saint Laurent's Touche Eclat

Favorite fragrance : Hermes Terre De Hermes

Favorite vacation destination : Dubai

Favorite candy : Cadbury's chocolate (it's the Brit in me!)

Favorite celebrity : Julia Roberts

Favorite family member or friend (you can pick one of each) : My friend Joann, anything life throws at her, she overcomes.

Most recent read : The Zappos Experience

Most recent movie you loved : Eat Pray Love

Favorite TV show and character : Shameless and Fiona Gallagher. She is the glue that makes that family work.

If you won a million dollars, first thing you would buy is : Make more nail polish!

So there you have it! A little glimpse into the world of Richard of Bondi New York!

Check out some of his creations HERE, including the ones he mentioned in his interview! Or maybe sign up for the fabulous subscription box!

As always, I'm thrilled to hear from you, so don't hesitate to leave me your thoughts in the comments section below!

Until next time,
<3
B