FOREWORD :
1. How did you first get into making polish?
Well after purchasing many other Indie polishes, I started researching on "how" you make your own polish. After over a year of research, I purchased my first "trial" kit. I made one polish and thought "This is the coolest thing ever", so I ordered more products and have been creating ever since.
2. What was the inspiration for the name "TURTLE TOOTSIE POLISHES"? Is there a story behind the name?
I always wanted to start my own business, so after I started experimenting with making polish, I decided I wanted to sell it "officially". I love turtles and all things cute, so I wanted my brand to be "cutesy". I know not everyone likes "cutesy" labels and after coming up with about 5 different names, I kept coming back to Turtle Tootsie Polishes. I had to go with what I loved, so Turtle Tootsie Polishes was officially born.
3. What inspires your collections (or where do you look for inspiration)?
At first I had planned to do all of my collections based on "Emergency Service" terms since I'm a 911 dispatcher, however, I found they just weren't appropriate for every holiday/season/collection, so now I go with what I like and what I like to wear. I try to name my polishes after something humorous.
What inspired your latest collection?
My latest collection is my "Breast Cancer Awareness Collection". I will be a 4-year breast cancer survivor in January, and I wanted to give back to the places that helped me when I was going through my treatments. $1 from every bottle sold goes to The American Cancer Society. I plan to do a similar collection every October, with a different charity each year.
Any hints/ideas about upcoming collections?
I actually have 2 collections coming up. The first one is a duo for Black Friday shoppers. They are named "Midnight Madness" and "5 months of bills". I wanted to do something fun for that big shopping weekend.
The 2nd collection coming up is my Christmas collection. All I will say about it, is that it is very "traditional". When you think of Christmas, certain colors come to mind, and those are what are included in this collection.
The 2nd collection coming up is my Christmas collection. All I will say about it, is that it is very "traditional". When you think of Christmas, certain colors come to mind, and those are what are included in this collection.
4. Do you have a favorite indie maker(s)? Favorite mainstream brand?
I have a few favorite indie makers actually. My absolute favorite indie maker is Kim from "Smokey Mountain Lacquers". Besides her polishes being gorgeous, she's a great friend and mentor. She's always willing to help me with any questions I may have. I also love "77 nail lacquer", her polishes are gorgeous as well and Connie is a sweet and wonderful person too!
As far as mainstream, Zoya. How can you not love Zoya, hundreds of colors and gorgeous finishes?
As far as mainstream, Zoya. How can you not love Zoya, hundreds of colors and gorgeous finishes?
5. What are your go-to products for nail/cuticle care?
I used to use a lot of Julep products, but I've been doing a lot of research and have come up with my own base coats which I also will be releasing at the same time as my Christmas collection. Those are what I use now. I won't sell anything I don't love or use myself.
6. What are your favorite colors? In general? For summer? For fall?
I love ALL colors. From pastels to deep dark jewel tones. I love them all!
7. This may be hard--but which are your 3 favorite creations so far?
So far, my 3 favorite creations are "Silver Bracelets" which is a silver glitter polish, it is just incredibly sparkly and can be worn on it's own or over any other color. My next favorite is "Full Moon", which is from my Fall collection. A dark purple scattered holo. My third and absolute favorite so far is actually going to be released on Black Friday. It's called "Midnight Madness" and I absolutely LOVE it! It's a dark grayish black holo, with holo rainbow glitter in it. This is so amazing for the holidays or any time.
8. Do you have any other hobbies? Are you involved with any other clubs, associations, or recreational activities?
I enjoy crocheting and knitting as well as cross stitch, but lately all of my spare time gets spent making polish.
9. What is your most favorite thing about being an indie maker?
My favorite thing is the friendships I've made with not only other makers, but my customers. I've met so many great people!
What are some of the challenges?
The biggest challenge is getting your name "out there". I have a fan group on facebook where I do alot of interacting with people and it's alot of fun.
What advice would you give to people considering starting their own brand?
It's expensive. Make sure you have the funds to keep pouring into your brand until you get established and can start earning money. It's a huge competitive market and it takes months to gain a good following and be able to turn a profit.
Overall, are you happy with your decision to get into the indie polish world?
I am happy with my decision. It's exciting to see people wearing the polish that I created and to know they enjoy it as much as I do!
10. Fun facts :
Astrological sign : Aquarius
Favorite comfort food : Cookie dough
Favorite beauty item besides polish : Smashbox eyeliner
Favorite fragrance : Estee Lauder's Beautiful
Favorite vacation destination : Hawaii
Favorite candy : M&M's!!!!!!!
Favorite celebrity : Michael J Fox
Favorite family member or friend (you can pick one of each) : My sons, Brandon & Derek and my favorite friend, I really don't have just one. I have a bunch of very close friends that mean the world to me and to pick just one, wouldn't be fair.
Most recent read : I don't really read too much, so the last books I read were the "50 Shades of Grey" trilogy.
Most recent movie you loved : Jurassic World
Favorite TV show and character : Chicago Fire/Taylor Kinney
So there you have it, my darlings! A little glimpse into the world of Chrissy of Turtle Tootsie Polish!
I will have a review of a couple of her polishes very soon but in the meantime, don't forget to enter our giveaway 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
B
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