Wendy Fisher, owner/designer
1. How did you first get into making polish?
I “discovered” the indie nail polish community during a search for Doctor Who manicures. Once I realized you could make your own polish – not just frankens – I knew it was for me. I’ve always wanted to run my own business, and indie polish design and sales are the perfect blend of creative endeavor and entrepreneurial adventure.
2. What was the inspiration for the name "MicroBrews Nail Polish"?
2. What was the inspiration for the name "MicroBrews Nail Polish"?
“Indie polish makers are to nail polish what microbrews are to beer” is how I explain just what indie polish is. Most people get it right away. We all know there are people making beer at home, craft beer companies that have smaller batch sizes, and then larger companies that mass produce beer. I find the analogy fits the nail polish industry, too. AND, I liked that it could be a play on words – I work in small batches, brewing up mini bottles of magical color. So that brew/witchy/magic connection is definitely something I liked. And it’s easy to remember
3. What inspires your collections (or where do you look for inspiration)?
3. What inspires your collections (or where do you look for inspiration)?
What inspired your latest collection? Any hints/ideas about upcoming collections? Everything?! I think it’s harder to weed through new ideas than it is to find inspiration. Indie polishes are niche products and I love that you’ll find people who love what you love through polish. My first collection, “Raise Your Glass”, was inspired by the idea that I’d love to have a drink with characters from my favorite TV and book series. The upcoming “Hometown” collection is a set of polishes inspired by the cities I’ve called home. I’m kicking around an idea around “favorite things” and “best friends”, too.
4. Do you have a favorite indie maker(s)? Favorite mainstream brand?
4. Do you have a favorite indie maker(s)? Favorite mainstream brand?
DigitalNails is near and dear to my heart because Raph has some amazing Doctor Who - and Harry Potter-inspired polishes. She was also my first indie purchase. I am loving Scofflaw Varnish, too – her polish names alone are fantastic! Favorite main stream brand is China Glaze – I find that the formula is almost always perfect, the price is right and they are always on trend.
5. What are your go-to products for nail/cuticle care?
5. What are your go-to products for nail/cuticle care?
I keep it simple – Burt’s Bees Cuticle Balm and Sally Hansen 18-hour protective hand creme are my go-to products. I will admit that since starting MicroBrews, my nails have taken a backseat to my polishes (oh, the irony…!)
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 like to be “seasonably appropriate”! Summer is brighter colors, mainly pinks and glitter top coats. Fall is my favorite season and darker, vampy colors and grays are in rotation more often. My day job is conservative, so I actually like pushing things a little bit with polish color – but not typically nail art. An accent nail is as crazy as I get.
7. This may be hard--but which are your 3 favorite creations so far?
7. This may be hard--but which are your 3 favorite creations so far?
“Free Radicals & Tannin” from my “Raise Your Glass” Collection, “Mint Julep” from an exclusive set of 10 polishes I did for a local boutique and “That’s so Fletch” from my hometown collection. They each turned out better than I had planned, which is a great thing to have happen. “Mint Julep” is hands down my favorite, though!
8. Do you have any other hobbies?
8. Do you have any other hobbies?
Yes! I knit. And, I read – a lot.
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?
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?
My favorite thing is having an idea and being able to execute it well – and being able to translate someone’s idea into a custom polish is pretty cool, too. It’s challenging to build brand awareness – there are so many indies, which is what makes this such a great and inspiring community. It means that customer service, responsiveness, quality and unique products are critical factors. Instagram is window shopping and doesn’t necessarily translate to sales – building a solid customer base is a slow process! I would advise anyone looking to start an indie brand to plan out financials – how much of an investment can/do you want to make? How much can you lose? Is your polish brand a hobby or business? Know WHY are you starting a business and what you need to get out of it for it to be worth your time and energy. No right or wrong answers, just be sure you’re going in with your eyes wide open. (One other business idea I have is small business/craft consulting – leveraging my passion for hand crafted awesomeness and solid business know-how!) And, last – am I happy with my decision to get into the indie polish scene? YES. Our community is filled with awesome people committed to brightening the world in small, lovely ways.
10. Fun facts:
Astrological sign: Taurus. And I fit most stereotypes about the sign of the bull!
Favorite comfort food: chicken matzo ball soup
Favorite beauty item besides polish: Mascara
Favorite fragrance: Lancome Tresor or Banana Republic Rosewood
Favorite vacation destination: Anywhere with water – lake or ocean!
Favorite candy: Swedish Fish
Favorite celebrity: Bono, mainly because he uses his powers for good in the world.
Favorite family member or friend (you can pick one of each) : I can’t pick a favorite! I have family who are friends and friends who are family, and feel lucky to have such a great circle of loved ones.
Most recent read: The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt. Simply amazing.
Most recent movie you loved: Frozen! I love anything animated.
Favorite TV show and character: Doctor Who and River Song.
If you won a million dollars, first thing you would buy is: Well, I’d pay off my student loans. So, finish buying my education? I know, not fun. After that, I’d buy a cottage by the sea somewhere.
So there you have it, my darlings! A little glimpse into the world of Wendy of Microbrews Nail Polish!
Stay tuned for my review of her 3 of her polishes, including two she mentioned as 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
10. Fun facts:
Astrological sign: Taurus. And I fit most stereotypes about the sign of the bull!
Favorite comfort food: chicken matzo ball soup
Favorite beauty item besides polish: Mascara
Favorite fragrance: Lancome Tresor or Banana Republic Rosewood
Favorite vacation destination: Anywhere with water – lake or ocean!
Favorite candy: Swedish Fish
Favorite celebrity: Bono, mainly because he uses his powers for good in the world.
Favorite family member or friend (you can pick one of each) : I can’t pick a favorite! I have family who are friends and friends who are family, and feel lucky to have such a great circle of loved ones.
Most recent read: The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt. Simply amazing.
Most recent movie you loved: Frozen! I love anything animated.
Favorite TV show and character: Doctor Who and River Song.
If you won a million dollars, first thing you would buy is: Well, I’d pay off my student loans. So, finish buying my education? I know, not fun. After that, I’d buy a cottage by the sea somewhere.
So there you have it, my darlings! A little glimpse into the world of Wendy of Microbrews Nail Polish!
Stay tuned for my review of her 3 of her polishes, including two she mentioned as 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
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