1. How did you first get into making polish?
I got into polish making because I find solace in creating things...I call it art therapy! I first joined Instagram to share my nature photography. Soon after joining Instagram, I stumbled upon the nail community. I tried many times to recreate the beautiful, artistic manicures I saw on others' IG feeds, but I'm not very good at nail art! My creativity was overflowing and for months, I would actually envision polishes to create every night as I was falling asleep! I started researching the indie polish-making process and suppliers, all while saving money for my start-up. In February, I finally reached the point where I could follow my dream of creating polishes!
2. What was the inspiration for the name Heather's Hues?
"Heather's Hues" is obviously colors created by me! There were 2 other names that I had come up with...one was Carolina Color Company and I can't remember the other so it must not have been very good! Anyway, I had a difficult time deciding on a name so I posted them on Instagram and asked my followers. Heather's Hues won by a landslide!
3. What inspires your collections (or where do you look for inspiration)?
My collections have been inspired by many different things. Sometimes the polish colors come to me first and then I create a collection theme around the colors. That's how my first collection, "Vixens of the Vernal Equinox" came about. Other times the theme comes to me first and I create the polish colors from the theme. For example, my "Happily Ever Lacquered" collection was inspired by Disney princesses and each polish represents its princess perfectly! My new collection which just released last week was inspired by my obsession with Hello Kitty. I have two Hello Kitty tattoos and an extensive collection of Sanrio things (stuffed animals, lunchboxes, knick-knacks, etc.) I hadn't seen a Sanrio collection by an indie maker so I decided "it must be created!" I'm very pleased with how adorably well each polish in my "HK & Friends" collection turned out! As for hints about upcoming collections, I have something in the works (its a secret!) I will tell you that in addition to Heather's Hues collections, I've just started working with Sara from Nails Redesigned on something called Perfect Polish Packs. PPP's are a themed collection of polishes from Heather's Hues and nail vinyls from Nails Redesigned. Each Perfect Polish Pack is available with one polish (PPP Solo) or all the polishes (PPP Ultimate) and both options come in full-size bottles or mini-size bottles. Our Fourth of July themed PPP is now available on both of our Storenvy pages. Keep an eye out for our next theme of PPP's which will be released very soon!!
4. Do you have a favorite indie maker(s)? Favorite mainstream brand?
4. Do you have a favorite indie maker(s)? Favorite mainstream brand?
Because I was an indie polish customer prior to becoming an indie polish maker, I have several favorite indie makers! My most favorite indies are Loaded Lacquer, B Squared, Love Angeline, & the Juicebox Lacquer. I would have to say my favorite mainstream brands are Zoya and Essie.
5. What are your go-to products for nail/cuticle care?
5. What are your go-to products for nail/cuticle care?
I've tried several nail/cuticle care products because my nails are incredibly brittle and prone to breaking. I was using Essie Millionails which worked quite well for me. However, I'm currently in the process of using the BlissKiss pure nail oil hydration treatment and my cuticles have never looked so amazing! I think it's important to mention that everyone's nails are different so what works well for me, may not work at all for you! (I learned this the hard way...after listening to everyone rave about OPI Nail Envy, I tried it and never had so many breaks as I did in that week!) I will say that the BlissKiss creator's website simplenailarttips.com has some of the most well-researched and informative tips for nail care!
6. What are your favorite colors? In general? For summer? For fall?
6. What are your favorite colors? In general? For summer? For fall?
I have so many different colors, its hard to cover them all! My favorite color clothing is different from my favorite color eyeshadow, which is different from my favorite color nail polish! Lol! So I'll stick to nail polish! Generally my favorite polish colors are blues, purples, and blacks. My favorite summer polish colors are pinks, bright blues, and neons. My favorite fall polish colors are maroon, navy blue, and plums.
7. This may be hard--but which are your 3 favorite creations so far?
I have so many favorite creations, its hard to narrow it down to just three!! Luna's Lullaby was one of my premier polishes, continues to be a top-seller and one of my personal favorites! "Sailor's Delight" is my new favorite pink and "Love is an Open Door" is absolutely my new favorite black! From my latest collection called "HK & Friends" my favorites are "Naughty Nymph" and "Soft Kitty" which is a glitter bomb that can also be used to create a glitter placement mani of Hello Kitty faces!
8. Do you have any other hobbies?
8. Do you have any other hobbies?
In addition to making polishes, I waitress, have three boys and two dogs, so I really don't have much free time to take up any hobbies! I do enjoy anything art related and love taking photos of nature. I always paint my nails but once in awhile, I find time to do some nail art also!
9. What is your most favorite thing about being a new indie maker? What are some of the challenges? What advice would you give to people considering starting their own brand? Overall, are you happy with your decision to get into the indie polish world?
I would have to say my most favorite thing about being a new indie maker is seeing how happy my customers are when they receive my polishes! I am blessed with so many awesome followers and customers and without their continual support and love, I wouldn't be able to do this! I also have some of the sweetest swatchers anyone could ask for. Without their talent and flawless, gorgeous swatches, I couldn't show anyone the true beauty of Heather's Hues! As with any business, there's always going to be challenges. Sometimes the polish I envision doesn't look so cute once I create it! Also, I'm a perfectionist so its hard to release anything I don't absolutely love. However, just because I love something doesn't mean others will, and just because I don't like something doesn't mean others won't love it! I think the hardest thing for me to overcome was doubting myself as well as the fact that everyone's preferences are different. The advice I would give to anyone who's thinking of starting their own brand is to RESEARCH! There's a wealth of information about polish making, you just have to dig! It literally took me months! Because of that, I understood why not many other indie makers wanted to share any secrets! Another word of advice...be very cautious. I can't tell you how many people approached me in my first two months asking me to send them products for review. I checked out everyone who asked and sadly, only a few were legitimate. One "international stockist" that asked me for a large amount of product, didn't even have a website! So please be careful, and once again, do your research!!!! My last word of advice to someone starting out would be have fun doing what you love!! I'm thrilled that I followed my dreams, and I love seeing my polishes on so many people!
10. Fun facts :
Astrological sign : Scorpio
Favorite comfort food : Strawberry shortcake
Favorite beauty item besides polish : Mascara! Without it my eyelashes look non-existent!
Favorite fragrance : Gucci Guilty
Favorite vacation destination : I love the beach, but I also love going home to Pennsylvania to visit my family!
Favorite candy : Lindt Lindor Peanut butter filled chocolate truffles
Favorite celebrity : I'm obsessed with Dave Matthews
Favorite family member : Obviously, I love my 3 boys...they actually help me assemble the bottles and brushes! My husband, Jason, has been a huge support through this whole process and has really pushed me to believe in myself and my talent! He's constantly bragging about his wife, the polish maker! My stepmom is also my favorite family member because of her constant love and support.
Favorite friend : My bestie. She is always there to listen to my rants, give support and advice, try my polishes, and more importantly, make me laugh!!!!
Most recent read : I don't really many adult books because I'm usually reading to my kids! So the most recent thing I've read is a Goosebumps book by R.L. Stine
Most recent movie you loved : Once again, I don't watch many movies that aren't for kids! So Frozen was the best movie I recently watched!
Favorite TV show and character : I absolutely LOVE "The Big Bang Theory" and Sheldon is my favorite!
If you won a million dollars, first thing you would buy is? A bigger house so I could rescue more dogs!
So there you have it, my darlings! A little glimpse into the world of Heather of Heather's Hues!
Stay tuned for my review of EIGHT of her polishes soon! In the meantime, you can check out her shop HERE!
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
Lol the 2 ccolors i picked " if i won" are 2 of her favs...sailors delight and love is an open door!!! And totally agree..ANY lindt chocolates are amazing!!!
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