In Conversation with... Love Angeline

Today on TLBG, our nail guru, Amanda Rieter from Polish & Plates, has been talking to the founder of Love, Angeline nail polishes, Natosha...

When my family and I moved across the U.S. from Virginia to Colorado I was lucky to meet Natosha from Love, Angeline polish. Coincidentally we only live about 10 minutes away from each other. We've become quick friends and today I'd love for you to get to know her and her brand better - because not only are her products fantastic, but she is a very special lady with a special message in the indie polish community. I recently interviewed her about her brand and her initiative called Spread Indie Love, Not Hate and I wanted everyone to know about it and about her.

When did you start Love, Angeline and why?

I was previously a professional make-up artist before I started Love, Angeline. I needed something that would allow me to stay home more frequently while also being able to support my family. As a make-up artist I was gone Thursday-Sunday 12 hours a day working and often on week nights, too. That made it hard as a working mom and wife. My intention was never to actually start a brand but instead just have some fun, but when I realized that there *was* potential to earn a little extra income, I decided to open my shop.

Tell me a little about the story behind the name?

I enlisted the help of my mommy-friends, whom I met after having my first pregnancy loss, to help me name some polishes for my first collection, released on 2/14/13 (Valentine’s Day). I still hadn't yet chosen a brand name and one of my good friends suggested to use Love, Angeline as my brand name (rather than a polish name). Angeline is our little baby girl in heaven who I lost at 11 weeks. It's like every polish is signed with a little love note from my baby girl in Heaven.

What do you feel makes your brand different/unique?

There are so many great brands that I am lucky to share with in this community. I think what sets me apart is my heart. I try to see that everyone is human with a heart in this world. I've made mistakes and have been humbled in this business as have my counterparts. At the end of the day, we're all just trying to spread the love for each other and find common ground with artisan nail polish. As far as my actual polish, I think I am best known for my Harmonious Gemstones (full coverage micro-glitters) and white crellies.

 

Swatched by LacquerLoon

Do you have a favourite of all the polishes you've ever made? if so, which?

Ohhhh that's so hard! I literally cannot stop making full coverage micro-glitters. So I think my favourite of those is Triadic Gemstone. It's a top seller. I made it as a Christmas gift for my two indie besties Yvette from Bliss Polish and April from Pipe Dream Polish. I took the main colours in each of our brands and combined them in one fabulous micro glitter polish. It was such a hit with them that they convinced me to put it up for sale and it's been a best seller for me every since. 

Swatched by ThePolishedOkie

Tell me about your campaign Spread Indie Love Not Hate - What made you start it? How do you hope it will inspire/change the indie world?

 I hear people say that what draws them to the indie world is the sense of community. Like any community, there are always moments of hardship. Let's face it, we're a giant bunch of polish loving, nail obsessed, fabulous people! It's really easy to let your filter go when you're behind a computer or a smart phone in order to get your point across. I am the kind of person who will stand up for what is right no matter what. And when the people I love are being attacked, it really gets my goat. So, instead of letting my own filter go (which I've done a time or two and am not proud of), I decided to do something different.

The #spreadindielovenothate was sort of a spur of the moment thing. Someone I cared for was experiencing a really hard time so I wanted to show her how much people love her! What better way to do that than to collaborate as a community and shower her with love and support? Every month a new indie maker is selected and customers, fans, and others post photos on Instagram using their polishes by that brand and the #spreadindielovenothate.

I want people to speak positively (including myself, I am not exempt in these efforts!) instead of negatively towards someone. I want people to realise how much blood, sweat, and tears goes into building a brand. And while, yes, it is our job to take the bad with the good, sometimes we all need to be lifted up and supported rather than torn down and hated. The only thing I hope comes out of it is the people who are nominated each month feel that they are appreciated. Any other good things to come of it are just icing on the cake.

What is the most important thing you want your customers to know about you and/or your brand?

That I am absolutely honoured to have my customers and supporters. Whether you're a regular, first time Love, Angeline customer, an admirer, or a loyal supporter, it means the world to me that any one person would take a little bit of time out of their day to support my brand let alone choose to spend their hard earned money on my products. Not many people get to say that they LOVE what they do. But I am blessed to be able to say that!

Love, Angeline offers a variety of polish finishes and textures. Her Gemstones (full coverage micro-glitters), white crellies  and holo polishes are impeccable. In addition she is known for her 'Stuck on Love Nail Shields' which you can use to create some fantastic nail art.

Only recently has Natosha expanded into bath and body products releasing Love Notes - Mani Crush Fizzies and Cuticle Oils. These fabulous fizzes and oils come in 5 scents including Blood Orange & Peppermint (my personal favourite), Champagne Pear & Mint, Watermelon, Coconut Lime & Mint and Black Raspberry & Vanilla.  You can find my review here.

Watermelon Fizzie

Love, Angeline ships worldwide so be sure to check out her website. LIKE the Love, Angeline Facebook page to stay up-to-date on new products and sales. Of course, be sure to follow Love, Angeline on Instagram too, and search for the #spreadindielovenothate to participate in this positive, uplifting initiative.

                                                                                                                Amanda Rieter, Polish & Plates