FOREWORD :
1. How did you first get into making polish?
Long story made short, I thought "Hey, I can do that!", so I did. I've always loved painting my nails and once I fell down the indie polish rabbit hole, I knew I was never going back. When I realized there was a way to make your own creations, I knew I had to try it. In my day job, I am an environmental engineer, so I have a strong chemistry background. Making polish combines my love of nail polish and chemistry. It's the perfect craft for me.
2. What was the inspiration for the name "LE POLISH"? Is there a story behind the name?
Like most women, I wear a lot of different hats - wife, daughter, engineer, polish maker, but by far my favorite is mother! L & E are actually the first initials of my two sons. They are my world and are my inspiration for almost everything I do, so it was a very natural choice.
3. What inspires your collections (or where do you look for inspiration)? What inspired your latest collection? Any hints/ideas about upcoming collections?
My collections are usually based on my interests, or things that are prevalent in my life. My last collection (The Darth Valentine Trio) was inspired by Star Wars. Star Wars is a big part of the Tyropolis household. My kids were Darth Vader and Yoda for Halloween two years ago. This year they were Mario and Luigi, so that's probably coming at some point too!
4. Do you have a favorite indie maker(s)? Favorite mainstream brand?
One of my favorite parts of being a maker is getting to meet and work with other makers through collaborations. It's very fun! I just did the Puppy Love Valentine's Day Box with Angie from Sassy Pants Polish, Cassie from Lemming Lacquer, Chrissy from Turtle Tootsie Polishes, and Kristen from Poetry Cowgirl Nail Polish. They were all fantastic to work with and I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them. I have some really exciting collaborations with some other fantastic ladies coming up too!
5. What are your go-to products for nail/cuticle care?
I use a lot of cuticle balm. They are easy to throw in my bag or have at my desk. My cuticles are usually a total mess though. It's something I'm working on.
6. What are your favorite colors? In general? For summer? For fall?
My favorite color is purple, in general. On my nails, I'm pretty equal opportunity though. I paint them as the mood strikes me. I don't really have set polishes for summer/winter. I'll wear hot pink in the winter and black in the summer, I don't discriminate.
7. This may be hard--but which are your 3 favorite creations so far?
Morning Frost from my Fall Shimmers Collection, You'll Shoot Your Eye Out from my Christmas trio, and Together We Rule the Galaxy from my most recent Darth Valentine Trio. Not necessarily in any specific order.
8. Do you have any other hobbies? Are you involved with any other clubs, associations, or recreational activities?
I do rarely knit and sew, and I'm generally pretty crafty, but I have two young kids and a full time job, so polish making is my only hobby right now.
9. What is your most favorite thing about being an 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 about polish making is having a vision and making it reality. It's not always as easy as that, it usually takes a couple of iterations to get exactly what I want, but the finished product is worth it! My only advice for people looking to get into polish making is take your time and do your research. Think about things like where are you going to mix during the winter when the windows are all closed? I'm very lucky, my husband built me an awesome exhaust hood to mix under. He's so sweet; he cares about my lungs! I am so happy I started my brand! I love my customers and the creative process. I call it my me project. It's something that's all mine - Mommies don't get that very often!
10. Fun facts :
Astrological sign : Leo
Favorite comfort food : Ice Cream or Red Lobster Cheese Rolls
Favorite beauty item besides polish : Lip balm
Favorite fragrance : I don't really wear perfume.
Favorite vacation destination : The Cape (Cape Cod, Massachusetts for you non-New Englanders.
Favorite candy : I am an equal opportunity candy enthusiast, but I like peanut butter M&Ms, Skittles, Starburst, Kit Kats.
Favorite celebrity : I don't think I really have a favorite celebrity.
Favorite family member or friend (you can pick one of each) : Nope, not going to do that! Everyone in my life is important for different reasons and I'm grateful for all of my family and friends.
Most recent read : Hands Are Not For Hitting - Oh, did you mean adult book? I recently read Gone Girl, I read a lot of Jodi Piccult.
Most recent movie you loved : I don't often get to watch adult movies, but we saw the new Star Wars and I really liked it.
Favorite TV show and character : Gilmore Girls is my favorite show of all times, but my current favorite show is The Walking Dead because it's the only show my husband and I both watch together.
If you won a million dollars, first thing you would buy is : I'm so boring, I would probably pay off my mortgage and put the rest in the bank. Maybe some projects around the house, but I'm not the type to run out and buy a Ferrari or something.
So there you have it, my darlings! A little glimpse into the world of Allison of Le Polish!
I have a review of her The Darth Valentine trio HERE and if you like what you see and want a chance to win one of them, 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