I didn't really wear polish for most of my adult life, but in fall of 2012 I started reading the nail care thread at the somethingawful.com forums. There are so many intelligent and talented ladies and gents there, including the creators of Indigo Bananas and Scofflaw. Thanks to the thread, I started collecting polish and trying out nail art, then in April 2013 I started my blog (www.aliquidlacquer.com). Getting into the nail blogging community exposed me to a lot of indies, and I was intrigued by the sorts of things indies come up with--I think most of us can agree that indie brands are way more creative than commercial ones! In fall 2013 I bought some polish making supplies to make holiday gifts for some friends and family members, and the rest is history!
2. What was the inspiration for the name ALIQUID Lacquer?
ALIQUID started as the name for my blog. It's a Latin word that means "something/anything". I chose it because my blog covers an esoteric list of topics--nails, food, linguistics, anything else I feel like writing about (but mostly nails). It made sense to extend the name to my polish brand because my polishes are inspired by whatever strikes my fancy. Plus, "aliquid" sounds like my name: it's pronounced basically like "Alison" except for the "-son" part!
3. What inspires your collections (or where do you look for inspiration)? What inspired your latest collection? Any hints/ideas about upcoming collections?
I love polishes that echo something in the real world, whether it be a book, a place, a kind of flower, whatever. I think they really reflect the personality of the maker. That's how I plan out my collections--I pick something I love, then figure out what color combinations come to mind. My latest collection was inspired by one of my favorite books, The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien. Right now I'm working on two projects: a collection inspired by my home state of Michigan, and a set of cremes in unusual or interesting colors. I plan to keep expanding that one from time to time.
4. Do you have a favorite indie maker(s)? Favorite mainstream brand?
For indies, I have to say Indigo Bananas! Andrea is so creative and makes such professional, high-quality products. I also love ILNP! Mainstream-wise, it's a tough call, but I think I prefer Zoya; I think they're the best at coming out with innovative colors and finishes without crossing the line into "yuck" territory.
5. What are your go-to products for nail/cuticle care?
Cuticle balm is essential if you want nice nails, especially if you're constantly doing your nails like I am. Indigo Bananas makes a great non-greasy balm. I also use NailTek II base coat, which has really kept my nails strong!
6. What are your favorite colors? In general? For summer? For fall?
Green, teal, blue, blue-toned purple, grey, black. Most of my clothes and nail polishes are one of these colors because they look best with my skintone. I don't really wear different colors depending on the season--I just wear what I love!
7. This may be hard--but which are your 3 favorite creations so far?
It IS hard, but I think I sent my three favorites to Babi to review, so you'll be seeing them soon!
8. Do you have any other hobbies?
Other than my blog, which takes up a good deal of time, I love to read. I mostly read nonfiction nowadays: linguistics (I have an M.A. in linguistics), classics, evolutionary biology, astronomy, and anthropology are some of my favorite topics. I also like video games, especially RPGs and city builders.
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?
Favorite thing: When I'm making a polish and realize, "ohhhh, so THAT'S how so-and-so makes this kind of polish!" I feel like I'm uncovering trade secrets! I also love it when other people love my polish!
Indie polish making isn't always fun though. Sometimes the perfect polish I have in my head just refuses to become reality, and that's always disappointing. It can also be discouraging to watch your expenses grow--it's really hard to make a profit when you're starting out! There are so many indies out there that it's a big challenge to make your brand stand out. People are usually reluctant to try out new brands. That's why I would advise new indies to do a lot of experimenting, prototyping and testing before you start to sell--your polishes really have to perform well and look unique!
Overall, I'm very happy to be in the indie business, and I have a ton of ideas for new collections, so I'm not planning on stopping any time soon!
10. Fun facts :
Astrological sign : Sagittarius, but I don't take it seriously.
Favorite comfort food : Anything cheesy! I make a mean mac and cheese (Martha Stewart's recipe)!
Favorite beauty item besides polish : I'm constantly singing the praises of my Jane Iredale mineral makeup to anyone who will listen! They make great stuff for acne-prone people like me. I also don't go anywhere without lip balm, which is why I decided to start making and selling it!
Favorite fragrance : I love food and fruit scents. My favorites are probably the traditional fall/winter scents: apple, cinnamon, clove, and so on.
Favorite vacation destination : My family took many trips to Mackinac Island in Michigan when I was a kid, so I have a lot of great memories of it. No cars are allowed on the island, so everyone gets around on foot, bike, or horse!
Favorite candy : Butterfingers, even though they're terrible for you!
Favorite celebrity : I've been in love with Colin Firth ever since I was sixteen and saw him in Pride and Prejudice. Sigh...
Favorite family member or friend (you can pick one of each) : I have to say my husband for both! He's been incredibly supportive of me as I've started up my business (even though it's his money on the line too!). He's the nicest person I know. Love ya! I also have to give a shoutout to our dog Trudy, who features on my polish labels!
Most recent read : A book called "Unwritten Rome", in which the author uncovers clues about the early history of Rome in later Roman literature. Probably not too interesting unless you're into classics!
Most recent movie you loved : It's not a new movie, but I saw Ghost World over Christmas and really liked it.
Favorite TV show and character : That's hard! I love comedies like Seinfeld and Monty Python's Flying Circus. But my favorite character is probably Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer! (Those cheekbones!)
If you won a million dollars, first thing you would buy is : You mean other than nail polish?? Honestly I'd probably put most of it in the bank to collect interest. I'm pretty boring.
So there you have it, my darlings! A little glimpse into the world of Alison of Aliquid Lacquer!
Stay tuned for my review of her 3 favorites! But 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
I think I want to be friends with Alison - and my dog, Colby, would probably like Trudy, too. :) Great colors and a new brand I haven't heard about - win win!
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