Get an update on how Pam's business has grown at this link.
One of the best ways for you to be inspired in your business is to learn from the insights and experiences of others. When you see someone else using a business to define success on their own terms, you can't help but want to have a similar experience. Today's featured Indie Business Network member uses glitz and color to help women make fun and unforgettable fashion statements with handmade nail polish. Introducing Pam Rodgers of Paint Box Polish in Richmond, Indiana!
Pam's colors are jaw dropping and are inspiring me to do something a bit less traditional with my own nails. You'll be inspired too, plus there's a discount code in it for you once you get to the bottom of this article. But first, learn a bit about the person who makes your nail polish for you.
Q1 TELL US ABOUT PAINT BOX POLISH
I started making polish as a hobby. There were colors I had in my head, but couldn't find in stores or online. Lots of research led me to suppliers, and trial and error led me to the high-quality, reliable suppliers I turn to regularly now.
I remember getting my first sale. I signed in and out of my account a couple of times to make sure it wasn't a mistake. The idea that other people would spend their hard earned money on something I made was (and still is) very humbling.
Q2 WHAT ARE YOUR BEST SELLING PRODUCTS?
Mama Lion (pictured below) is my best selling polish to date. I love the rich brown shimmer! I have also sold quite a few of my hand blended, organic cuticle oils in the citrus scent.
Q3 WHAT INSPIRES SOME OF THE BRIGHT COLORS AND DESIGNS IN YOUR NAIL POLISH?
I take a lot of my inspiration from books. I am a total nerd and LOVE the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings series — so much that I created a line of polishes after them! In fact, just yesterday, I released my new Harry Potter inspired “Sweets & Treats Collection.” Inspired by items you can find in the Honeydukes and Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes shops in the Harry Potter World, the collection includes colors like Acid Pops, Pygmie Puff and Fizzing Whizbees.
I also love space and the night sky, which inspire me to create deep colors with lots of layers and textures.
Space and the night sky inspire me to create deep colors with lots of layers and textures.
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Pam Rodgers, Paint Box Polish
Q4 WHAT IS YOUR STUDIO LIKE? WHERE DOES THE “MAKING” MAGIC HAPPEN?
Right now, my studio is in a small corner of a spare bedroom. It is not my ideal space at all, but I'm making it work temporarily. My husband and I are looking to buy a home with studio space so I can spread out a bit more. The one we have our eyes on has a room with giant corner windows that look out over a great yard and woods. That will inspire me even more for sure!
Q5 WHAT SORTS OF THINGS DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU'RE NOT WORKING ON YOUR BUSINESS?
I have a traditional full-time job as a Nurse Practitioner, so that's pretty much what I do when I'm not working on Paint Box Polish. When I do have time for non-work activities, I love to knit! I have little stashes of projects in gallon ziplock bags around my house and office. I also spend a lot of time with my husband, son, and dog at my in-laws' farm helping out with odd jobs. It feels good to get your hands dirty every now and again, especially when you have an endless supply of nail care products to make things all pretty again!
Q6 WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO PRESS FORWARD IN YOUR BUSINESS WHEN THE MOST CHALLENGING TIMES COME YOUR WAY?
Paint Box Polish isn't my main source of income right now, so I think that makes it much easier to press on. I'm still having fun as I'm growing. I'm trying to lay a good foundation now so when the challenges do come, I am ready. In fact, that's one reason why I joined the Indie Business Network — so I could learn what to do and what not to do, so I can be successful in the long run.
Q7 HOW DO YOU MAKE SURE YOU WORK “ON” YOUR BUSINESS AT LEAST AS MUCH AS YOU WORK “IN” YOUR BUSINESS?
Working ON my business is something I've been doing much more since I've joined the Indie Business Network! Having so many resources available and in one place is something that I love taking advantage of.
Q8 WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING A MEMBER OF THE INDIE BUSINESS NETWORK?
I love that there are so many resources available in one spot. I have only begun to unearth all of the gold that is there! Anybody have a metal detector??
Best and success,
Question
What inspires you about Pam's story? I love that she's inspired by space. That certainly gives her an endless amount of color palettes and textures to choose from. How does color and texture inspire you to make better products?
