4 Indie Polish Makers Share Their Advice For Starting Your ...

Four at-home indie polish makers who started their business from the ground up share their advice for starting your own nail polish brand!

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Leveraging Client Relationships Beyond Salon Visits

Even though your most loyal clients visit only every few weeks, your sessions aren't the only opportunity for them to benefit from your skills. By either creating your own line of nail polishes or marketing your own label, you can offer a premium product that clients can take home as a reminder of the quality service at your salon. Let's hear from four at-home indie polish makers who successfully launched their own brands from scratch!

Andrea of Indigo Bananas

How much initial investment is needed to start making your own polish?

Many successful brands that offer professional-looking products, complete with consistent batches and labeling, started with an investment of over $4,000. This was also my experience. The costs quickly add up with supplies for experimenting and testing, stock materials, promotional items, licenses, and insurance.

Did you ever consider private labeling?

While I explored private labeling out of curiosity, I decided against it for my brand. The stock options from private labels were limited in creativity. To develop unique colors would require larger funds and contracts with labs, making it less feasible for a startup.

How did you choose the right bottles for your polish?

There are only two major glass companies making nail polish bottles, with some smaller companies in Asia. Resellers typically buy from these larger companies. I reviewed catalogs, requested samples, and assessed the quality and capacity of the bottles before making my selection.

How many new colors do you release each year?

In my first year, I released just over 50 colors, with periodic breaks between sets. I aim for collections of 5-8 colors every month or two.

Which suppliers do you recommend for someone starting out?

TKB Trading is a starting point for almost everyone. They provide a wide range of materials at good prices and are essential for both new and established brands.

Are you happy with your decision to start your indie line?

Absolutely, it has been a fulfilling creative outlet and helps me identify commercial and indie polish components. Running an indie brand involves a lot of work, especially in customer service, paperwork, restocks, and quality control. But it's rewarding despite the effort!

Adrianna of Delush Polish

What are the key ingredients in indie polish?

The most crucial ingredient is the suspension base. Without it, other components like color additives and glitters will settle at the bottom of the bottle.

How much budget should one set aside to start making their own polish?

Initially, expect to spend several hundred dollars to gather the necessary components and core ingredients. Testing is vital and can result in some wasted materials. Ultimately, you'll likely spend between $1,000 and $2,000 to get started.

How did you select the right bottle for your polish?

Finding the right bottle involves trial and error. I ordered several samples before finalizing my choice. As time passes, new supplies and styles become available, so it's a continuous process of improvement.

How did you initially promote your products?

I started promoting Delush Polish through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Though these platforms are free, they require a significant time investment. My consistent efforts helped build brand recognition.

Do you involve family and friends in testing new colors?

Testing for wear time, longevity, and consistency is essential. I personally test every color and involve family when possible to gather more feedback.

Are you satisfied with your decision to start your indie line?

Absolutely! I'm proud of what Delush Polish has achieved in a short time and excited about its future.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Custom Label Gel Polish.

April of Pipe Dream Polish

What start-up cost should someone expect when making their own polish?

Your budget is flexible, but I'd recommend starting with at least $500. Basic ingredients and bottles can cost under $200, but having extra funds will help ensure a smoother start.

How did you choose the right bottle for your polish?

Options for bottles are limited for smaller purchases. Most indie makers rely on third-party suppliers. My preference is round bottles, but it ultimately comes down to personal taste.

How did you initially promote your products?

I began with a Facebook page and Etsy shop, later joining Instagram. These mediums continue to be my primary promotional tools.

How many new colors do you release annually?

A significant number. I release a new collection approximately every two months, sometimes adding additional colors in between.

Are you pleased with your decision to start your indie line?

Yes, definitely. It has been a wonderful creative outlet, and I love seeing people enjoy something I created!

Tiffany of Comet Vomit

What are the main ingredients in indie polish?

Liquid bases: There are several kinds, such as suspension base for glitter, luster base for solid colors, and matte base. Glitters: These must be solvent-resistant to avoid breaking down. Pigments: Available as powders, liquids, and micro-fine glitter. You also need empty bottles, mixing balls, and tools like funnels and swatch wheels.

What should one expect to spend when starting from scratch?

Initially, I spent about $150 on supplies like 30 bottles, a bottle of suspension base, mixing balls, and a few pre-packaged pigments and glitters. This was sufficient to get things moving.

How did you select the right bottle for your polish?

I preferred a classic design that wouldn't overshadow the polish. I chose a round barrel bottle with a black cap and have been satisfied with that choice.

How did you start promoting your products?

I started by engaging with a nail art community online, giving away a few bottles and asking for feedback. Constructive criticism from the community was invaluable.

How did you gain your first customers?

Engaging with the online nail art community proved successful. Initially offering low prices, I sold quite a few bottles. Feedback helped me improve polish quality and photos. High-quality images and active promotion on social media are crucial for success.

Which suppliers are good for someone starting out?

TKBtrading.com is an excellent starting point, offering a wide range of products and great customer service. Glitterunique.com also provides fantastic customer service and quality products.

Are you content with your decision to start your indie line?

Every day, I am grateful to do something I love and share it worldwide.

This article was originally published by Nailpro in December 2015.

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