I Am An Indie!!

Let's face it, anybody can get some pigment, mixing it with some glitter, chuck it in some base and say "oooh look! I made a polish!" To make polish it takes more than that! You need to know what your customer want, what colours with go together! Yes you can chuck it in and hope for the best but it's the fine tuning of a polish that makes it just right and prefect! 

It's something you need passion for not something to picked up and dropped once you get bored, it takes dedication and the effort to push and promote your brand!

I get far too excited when I know I have glitter arriving soon, also the buzz I get from knowing my polishes will be shipped off and loved is great! I adore reading the feed back people give me, the good as you know people love your product but also the bad so you can see were you need to improve. 

Anyway enough waffling for one day ;) here is something I created to day in the half hour gap I had between jobs today! 

Hot pink holo? Yes please?! This is going in to testing on Sunday, with the view to be release in middle to late February. It will be along side a few other polishes which will be designed this weekend so watch out for previews on here. Sunday is going to be so busy this weekend! I have polishes to design, belle to muck out and ride, mix some polishes for my mum for presents, mixing polishes for my nails mail buddy annndddd I have Liam over too, guess I should maybe leave some time aside for him too lol!

xXx

How Not To Make Nail Polish! How I Started!

Before I begin this is not a post where I will tell you how to make polish, I did months of research before I was able to make polish and I feel that if it is something you really want to do then you will put in the hard work before the fun starts! 

So many of you may have seen on YouTube and on google "how to make polishes" stating all you need is cheap clear nail polish and eye shadow! Now don't feel bad if you fell of this as I did to! I went the cheap make up shop and bought 2 top coats and a powder eyeshadow (I then wouldn't have to crush up an eyeshadow, genius I thought) I got home and mixed it altogether feeling like a scientist, I swatched it on my nails and loved the colours! 

I woke up next day to find a solid layer of eye shadow at the bottom of my bottle and the lovely cheap clear polish was clear once more! 

What all the videos and tutorials don't tell you is clear polish won't hold the pigment up! It is too thin and just let's is sink, same with glitter if you chuck some pretty glitter in to a clear polish is will sink, it may also bleed and curly (but that's a post for another day!) 

After my first creation failed me I was gutted but then thought there must be a way to do this for real that will work and not leave a mess! After that Nails Inspire Polish was born. 

I hope this helps somebody out there! I wish there was a post like this when I first saw "how to make nail polish"

xXx

Slightly Over Whelmed But Very Happy

So I went to my other fair on Thursday, I hoped to do better than I did as my last. I barely broke even last time and it really dishearten me. 

Well what a change it was last night!! I sold 15 bottles of polish!! Everybody was so lovely and load of people where amazing I was making the polish myself! The custom top coats where a big hit and I ended up with glitter everywhere whoops!

I had such a fab time! It makes me want to go out and do lots more fairs! 

I also met a lovely blogger, Sarah of My Mint Nails (http://mymintnails.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1) came to the fair just to see me :') which I was extremely touched by! I am not hoping to do a Christmas Flea Market week before Christmas if I can fit it in around work and belle.

Last night I was mixing polishes of my secret santa when I created this:

Quite possible the most perfect hot pink I have ever seen!! As usually I don't think the picture does the polish justice but that might be just me! I have a plan for this polish so watch this space ;) 

xXx

 

No More Nubs?

I have never had strong nails, ever! They have always been the bendy, peeling and breaking type! I used to have gels up on which did help but they would still break a lot :( but this is how my nails look currently....

Looking rather long (this is extremely long for my natural nails!) all expect my little finger :( I get very bad eczema on my hands and it seems to be effecting my nails on my little finger as above and my ring finger on my other hand. Due to the state of these two nails I don't swatch my own polishes which I'm gutted about! I love my swatcher they are lovely ladies but I would love to do my own :( oh well I can hope one I'll be able to! 

I just really hope they stay like this till Thursday! My last fair is then and I want to be able to show people the gradient effect of my thermals and you can't will nubs :( if the break it will have to be extensions :( 

My site is coming on nicely, my lovely Liam has sorted the shop and put all my polishes in and just finished my blog too!! So excited to put the link up once I have added my graphics and content!! 

xXx

Over The Moon But Also Disappointed...

My hoodie arrived yesterday just in time for my fair!!!

I'm so so happy with it! Once my website has been coded I will get that printed on the bottom I think! 

Also... 

www.nailsinspirepolish.co.uk

It's not finished yet but is it in the process and going well, I think! 

Now for the disappoint meant, I went to my fair last night, I was very excited! Lauren came a long and was a massive help! But I hardly sold any :( my mum only sold one book so made a loss and a lady behind me didn't sell a thing! No body was seeming to buy anything, I just scraped a profit but only just less than a £1 I think :( 

But it was fun and I have another one on Thursday next week too so hopefully I will do better at that one! Here are some pictures from the event-

Lauren making some bags up to make the table look all pretty!

Lauren and myself with my table (never trust my mum with a iphone, the pictures come out fuzzy)

Xx

He Has His Uses :)

As of last night I am totally sold out of my Christmas thermals untill the 1st of December! Really rather proud of my little business, it's doing rather well! 

I am wanting to move my blog and my shop on to my own website, I got a step closer last night as my lovely boyfriend bought me my domain :D once set up it will be nailsinspirepolish .co .uk

He is currently coding it all for me so a massive thank you goes out to him! Thank you Liam!!! <3

(Honestly dating computer geeks has it's perks!)

Finally I getting very excited about my fair tomorrow night! My hoodie should be here and my best friend Lauren is coming along too!!

Can't wait!!!

"2 balls, put the brush in and twist on the lid!"

Mad rush home today to try and get some bottles sorted for Thursday! My mum and me were sat at our kitchen table putting mixing balls in to empty bottles. 1 ball in 31 5ml bottles and then assembled 20 10ml bottles and put 2 balls in those! Yet I still don't feel like I have enough prep done! I won't have time to do any on Thursday and might not tomorrow as my bestfriend is home from uni so we are taking our horses out for a ride! 

I might try and squeeze some prep in when I get home tonight before bed :/ I still have the following to do:

- write out my labels with my sliver pen.

- find my sliver pen.

- organize my stock.

- give my dad my fairy lights get him to figure out why they aren't working. 

- print off some business cards (might not happen at this stage) 

Plus loads more which I can't remember at present!

I also have more ideas running around my head for my next thermal collection, plus wanting to have a play with glow in the dark polishes anndddd I have some red (yes real red! Not brick colour but red) pigment I want to have a play with!

Arrrrrggggg!?!? I need a week of work! 

X

Mixing, Riding and Forever Covered In Glitter!!

So this is how I sent Sunday morning: 

Mixing up a new batch of my thermals ready for my fair on Thursday night! All very exciting!! I also mixed up some more holo too coat which should be in my shop by 1st of December a long with thermals and my NI Polish Kits!!

I then spent the afternoon at the stables. I took Belle out on a hack with a young girl on her show pony. Belle was meant to be the nice calming influence on Pip but instead decided that the orange road blocks where far too scary and had to be snorted at and run away from -.- 

Also I have just approved the design for my hoodie and it should be here on Thursday too :D all very exciting!!! 

I Think I Have A Problem....

I have known for a while about my glitter problem, but since I placed myself in a glitter ban I have been good and not bought any! (Check me out!)

But I have not noticed I new thing I tend to collect...hoodies :/ I have about 9/10 and have just ordered a new one...whoops! I meant to be saving my money for when I go to the Olympia Horse Show next month but the one I have ordered is just awesome!! It should arrive in time for my first fair which is in Thursday, if it doesn't heads shall roll! I will post a picture when it arrived but think alone the lines of black, pink and GLITTER!! 

I am sorry about the lack of nail news as of late but I have been soo busy with work I just haven't had chance! I will be mixing polishes tomorrow night ready for my fairs tomorrow night so there will be some pictures and maybe a couple of limited editions. 

I am in desparate need of a holiday, Centre Parcs world be nice!

On a final note Belle was clipped today, me and Becky (yard owner) both expected full blown fire works from her and to be a pain in the back side! But she wasn't, she was a total star and I'm very happy with her!! 

xXx

I Think I Have A Problem....

I have known for a while about my glitter problem, but since I placed myself in a glitter ban I have been good and not bought any! (Check me out!)

But I have not noticed I new thing I tend to collect...hoodies :/ I have about 9/10 and have just ordered a new one...whoops! I meant to be saving my money for when I go to the Olympia Horse Show next month but the one I have ordered is just awesome!! It should arrive in time for my first fair which is in Thursday, if it doesn't heads shall roll! I will post a picture when it arrived but think alone the lines of black, pink and GLITTER!! 

I am sorry about the lack of nail news as of late but I have been soo busy with work I just haven't had chance! I will be mixing polishes tomorrow night ready for my fairs tomorrow night so there will be some pictures and maybe a couple of limited editions. 

I am in desparate need of a holiday, Centre Parcs world be nice!

On a final note Belle was clipped today, me and Becky (yard owner) both expected full blown fire works from her and to be a pain in the back side! But she wasn't, she was a total star and I'm very happy with her!! 

xXx

To Holo, Or Not To Holo? Not Really A Question!

I have had some stunning holo pigment for quite a while now but when I asked my lovely Instagram followers if they wanted holos or thermals first they came back with a definite longing for thermals. So that is what they got! But I am now looking to do a holo collection soon. I want a collection of 4, maybe a red and a teal but what colours do you want to see?

Competition Time!!!

Who would like the chance to win a £10 gift card to my shop? 

If so here is how to be in with a chance! All you need to do is buy a bottle of polish between now (12th November) and the 25th of December 2013. This includes buying one from my etsy shop or if you see me at a fair! On the card label with the polish name on there will be a number, the numbers will start at one and go up. The more polishes you buy the more numbers you will have and the more chance you will have of winning ;) on Christmas Day (after I have opened my presents and given Belle her presents) I shall be picking a number at random and announce the winner! 

~*Rules*~

1⃣ Each polish will have one code.

2⃣ You can buy as many polishes as you want, for each polish you will get a new number.

3⃣ Custom polishes made at fairs will get one number too.

4⃣ My decision is final.

 

It is really that simple! If you have any questions then please post below or drop me an email :)

Good luck to you all!! xXx

Note Books, Stands and Yet More Bubble Wrap!

I got very excited when I recieve my customized polish stand - 

The writing is in a lovely pink which you can't really tell from the picture :( but you should see the amount of bubble wrap I got with it! I don't think I'll ever need to buy any for packing again! The tape came off to easy and didn't reck any of the bubbles!! Very happy lady here!!

As some of you may well know I work in a pizza shop 5 nights a week. So when's it's quiet (early in the evening and later on) I have chance to get all sorts of work for my polishes done! So I have this - 

While I'm here I write ideas, costing, prices and stuff I need to buy in my little book! It's a great way to keep track of everything :) 

And finally for tonight I got my little funnels this morning so hopefull the kits will be in my shop next week! They will cost £14.99 and you will get:

- 2 x 10ml bottles with base with mixing balls

- 2 x 5ml bottles with base with mixing balls

- 1 x little funnel

- 4 x glitter 

- 4 x pigment

What colours do you want to see? Ransoms or shades? Let me know inspirers! :)

xXx 

Release, gift wrap and a rosette!

Okay, firstly My Hero! is now I'm my shop! For each bottle which is sold £2 will do the Help For Hero's charity! The is a fab charity so please do show your support!!

Next!

I am thinking for putting a listing up for a gift wrap option in my esty. Normally when you receive one of polishes it comes wrapped in bottle wrap and the tissue paper with ribbon attaching the tag with the name of the polish. For an extra 50p you will get the above wrap but instead of the ribbon attaching the tag there will be a elastic beaded ring that matches the colour of the polish for you to wear alway as the little organza gift bag for it to go in. 

Here is an example on My Hero!

Will option should be in the shop over the weekend :)

And finally!

I enter Belle in to a photo competition on Facebook the class was called "my horse things he's a Pegasus" the rule was the horse was not aloud more that one foot on the floor so I enter this - 

Out of 60 other entires Belle came an extremely respectable 4Th!!!

Very proud of my girl!!

Bye inspirers! Keep dreaming!!!

Sit and Breath!

Is it bad that my seemingly only sit down of the day is at my second job? Hmm...

Well today has been rather hectic to say the least! Working at the stables and sorting Belle, going home via the pub to book a tables for Sunday, mad dash home to pack an order and a prize, stop at the post office to send said packages and now sat at work blogging....can I go to bed now please? No? I have to work here till midnight? Urg great!! 

In brighter news I have booked Nails Inspire in for 2 Christmas fairs :D exciting stuff I know! 

Also the last Christmas polish has been mixed and bottled:

I'm leaving the colours secret untill it's release on the 1st of November ;) mean I know! 

Also I have my new bottles:

This means I can restock Touch of Pazaz in my etsy shop!! I love the new bottles, but what do you think?

Bye Inspirers, Keep Dreaming!!

Another Day At The Office (Kitchen Table)

Some people have swanky offices, with spiny black leather chairs. Some people have a small posh wooden cabin in their back gardens (glorified sheds if you ask me) but do I? Nope!

I have been sat at my kitchen table working this morning. Washing machine spinning in the background, occasional being jumped on by one of our 6 cats, sharing the big pine table with my mum who is emailing about her next print run for her latest book (link below please take a look) and listening to some rather random music on my itunes. But I started Nails Inspire on this table and that's where it shall be staying for the time being!

This mornings work has consisted of a new limited edition polish, Fallen Leaves.


















Fallen Leaves is a glitter topper with fine gold glitter and chunky red, garnet and rainbow shifting glitter! There is only 3 5ml bottles of this available in my shop and will be posted at 8pm tonight, get there quick as not to miss out!

Bye Inspires - Keep Dreaming!!

Today's Links -
Lost In A Book facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lost-in-a-Book/145249238859854?fref=ts
web site - http://www.anne-m-stephenson.com/
blog - http://annesbooks.blogspot.co.uk/

Nails Inspire Polish Kits!

Tonight I have been online shopping again, I know I really stop that but it's for items that are very much worth it!

I posted on my instragram yesterday about polish kits, were you would get a 5ml or 10ml polish bottle with base in it (depending on the kit for how many bottles,) a small funnel, pigment (choice of colours), glitter (again colour of your choice) and (easy to follow) instructions! So this evening I have ordered and small grip seal bags for the glitter and pigment plus the organza bags the kit will come in! Theses will be released in to the wilds of my shop as soon as I have all the components, as the funnels are coming from America it may take a week or two but as always I'll keep you posted! 

Bye Inspirers, keep dreaming xXx

Fiz, Pop, BANG!

Although it is Halloween first I have decided to do a fire works collection instead, these will hopefully be in my esty shop on Sunday night! All of the polishes are a black base with different coloured glitter to add the some sparkle!

Here they is a bit more about them:

This polish has my favourite chunky green holo glitter in it mixed with a smaller teal holo and a fine aqua/teal glitter.

The pink has a lovely chunky bubblegum pink glitter, a smaller chrimson glitter and a fine hot pink holo glitter for a girly sparkle!

Here in the blue there is a chunky medium bluey/lilac, a vibrant blue squares and fine blue too.

  And last but by no means least there is red, there is chunky red holo dots, smaller garnet and red glitter too!

So what do you lovely lot think? Comment below :)

xXx

Talk Glitter To Me...

Let's just get things straight, glitter is amazing! With all if the colours, sizes, shapes, mattes and so on the glitter combos you can create is mind boggling!

But what do you like? What glitter combos do you want to wear? That colours? Do you want a mixture of sizes and shades or random mixes? 

I fall in love with some of my glitter combos but that doesn't always mean that will be favourites with my lovely customers!

So what would you like to see? Tell my your favourite colour combos and what you want to see! 

Kim xXx

**SOLD OUT** Hang on, Pardon?

I just got a message on my etsy that one of my polishes has sold out...one moment just let that sink in for me. Sold...out...WOAH!! I set my shop up a week ago today and already 1 of my polishes has sold out! That's pretty staggering in any measure. I'm over the moon! So I would like to say thank you to all you lovely guys out there who have bought one of my polishes!

Not sure if anybody reads this so please post me a comment if you do :)

xx