My Gears are OVERLY Grinded

first of all, let me start by saying...
I LOVE indie polish!!!
I loved it before I started my line, and I continue to love it, now!!!
I, HIGHLY, respect all makers!!! I do!!!
I know what goes into this business.. I know how cut throat it CAN be, but mostly it is just fabulous!!!
I have had 99% GREAT experiences on every front of the Indie scene..
From interactions with makers (before & after starting CCNP), to most product quality, to customer service...
I would NEVER, bad mouth another Indie ((p.s. there is a difference in giving an honest review, etc & "bad mouthing".. just saying..)).

Now, before we get to business (the main focus of this post), I would like to add one more thing...
Making nail polish may not be rocket science.. but, sometimes it may feel like it is. Honestly, most aspects are fairly simple!!! Sometimes it can be VERY frustrating (i.e. my adventures in attempting to make a glowing red, creme!!! 😒)!!!
NO matter how much you know, you are ALWAYS learning..
For instance, when I first started I only tested my polish for 3 to 4 weeks.. THEN, the "Vader Fiasco" happened (long red metallic bar glitters.. curling.. not good!! 😯)
After that, I began testing, a minimum of, THREE months, depending on what is included & whether or not I have used the ingredients before!!! (now a days it is closer to 7, mostly 6)
Well, most things that go wrong, will usually do so within the first month or so..
(ALL approximate)
Bleeding glitters will bleed immediately or within a week..
A polish will usually stain your nails within the first 24 hours..
Glitters will usually curl within the first month..
(BUT.. NOT ALWAYS..)
cue "Star Spangled Fiasco".. AGAIN, red metallic bar glitters curling.. NOT the same ones!!! NOT the same length!!! NOT the same supplier!!! They were fine for OVER 3 months!!! they curled a WEEK before release!!!!!!!!! 😒
**right then and there I swore off metallic, red bars, FOREVER!!!!!!!**
ANYWHO.. my point is.. THOSE are the tougher aspects of dealing with owning/operating a polish brand!!!
THOSE are the types of things that we should be trying to figure out, or have a small struggle with.. luckily, it's smooth sailing, for the most part lol

NOW.. down and dirty on what is grinding all my gears...

WHEN my customers are coming to me (let me point out that I have had SEVEN of them come to me, privately, about similar matters.. and not all about the same indie) and asking me for advice on what they should do, and if what is happening to them is a normal thing to happen... THAT is unacceptable... I just can NOT wrap my head around things like taking MONTHS to ship something, when you are shipping everyone else's orders of the same thing!!
OR lying about shipping a package out, KNOWING you haven't..
OR continuing to give excuses WHY you haven't been able to ship yet (AFTER lying twice about shipping it!!)!!!
OR accidentally forgetting an item (ok, understandable.. shit happens.. we are only human.) BUT, when you take SO long to ship, said forgotten item, that it becomes discontinued & is no longer available to be shipped.. THEN you promise something else & never send that either!!!

HOW HAD IS IT?!?!?!

1) order comes in..
2) look at order.. maybe even print out an invoice..
3) pack up order, carefully.. be sure you have included everything.. double or triple check if you have to..
4) print shipping..
5) attach shipping label to package..
6) drop off at PO OR, if you do like I do, leave out for Mailman..

THAT IS IT!!!!!!
this is the EASIEST part of our jobs!!!
ALL we have to do is package it safely & ship it off!!!!!!!!!

I shouldn't have my customers having to come to me & ask if this is something that happens often for Indies... NO ONE should have to deal with this & I have been getting so angry!!!
EVERY TIME someone else comes to me asking about something like this, it just infuriates me more!!!

I have kept quiet long enough!!!
and, even now, I doubt many people will see this.. BUT it is out & off of my chest!!!

THE WHOLE POINT of our business IS to sell a product & SHIP it.. if you can't even handle shipping something, THAT SOMEONE PAID YOU FOR, then you DON'T need to be in business!!!!!!!!!! & you DAMN sure don't need to be spending that money!!!!

I may not be perfect.. I've had my fair share of problems/mistakes, BUT I have ALWAYS owned up to them & compensated in any & every way that I could.. our customers are all that really matter..
if you don't treat them right, they won't stick around!!! sure.. you can always "find another customer", but you shouldn't have to.. you should value the ones you already have and earn new ones.. not dupe them into the same trap as the ones before them!!!😒😡

ok.. end rant..

thanks for reading.

*** no indies were named or called out in the making of this blog.. it is not my intention to disrespect another maker.. it is my intention to let my customers & everyone else know that you do NOT & should NOT have to deal with this type of treatment!!! it is NOT the "norm" for Indie Customer Service!!! most of us go above and beyond to make you feel loved & appreciated.. PLEASE, do not let one bad apple ruin this amazing world for you!!! ***

Family Vacation 2015

I am starting this blog post at 12:30pm, on Day 2 of our vacation. :)
I will, periodically, update this same post..
I will keep it updated throughout the week, and let you in on all of our (mis)adventures!!! ;)

Day 1: Sunday, June 21, 2015 (aka Father's Day):

We didn't do much, hung around the house, relaxing.. Went to Ale House for dinner, with Eric's dad.

Day 2: Monday, June 22, 2015:

Woke up at 5:30, got ready & hit the road to Cape Canaveral...

About half way there, a strange (just meaning we had never seen it before) dash warning light, lit up..

Google to the rescue... & pulling off of the highway..

It turned out to be the transmission temperature warning light... UGH!!!

So, we headed back... stopped at a Napa half way here, got a transmission dipstick to test the fluid...

I decided that I would pay for a rental car..
We are sitting at the house, waiting for our reservation to arrive lol..
We have decided to go to St. Augustine for the rest of today (after we pick up the rental lol).
We will do the Fort and just walk around.. have some dinner, etc...
Tomorrow will be attempt 2 for Kennedy Space Center.
Ty has no idea where we are going & I am hoping that he LOVES it!!!

On another note, I am still trying to talk Eric into doing Wild Adventures, too hehe

**p.s. it may be nothing serious with our car, but we are playing it "better safe than sorry" with the rental.. the warning light never lit back up on our return trip.**

Day 3: Tuesday, June 23, 2015 (8:20am):

St. Augustine was so awesome, HOT, but awesome.
We went to Castillo de San Marcos.  I took 108 pictures bahahaha.. uploaded most of them to FB.. (thinking that I may come back through here, and add a few of my faves from the week ;) we will see..)
Anywho.. it was my first time & it was really interesting, and SO beautiful!!!
After that, we drove to the lighthouse so Ty could see it.
Then, we drove to see if we could check out Fort Mantanza.. we saw it, across the water.. hahaha
Chili's for dinner.. then home.
Was a nice family day :)

I was so tired, last night, that I fell asleep, in my chair, in the living room a little after 9 hahaha..
Well, what that means is that I forgot to reset my alarm (for 5..).. LUCKILY, my internal alarm still woke me up a little after 7... My eyes opened & my room was not dark, I freaked a little..
We are on the road, now..
I am sipping on a caramel frappé, from Burger King, lol
Google Maps says we will arrive to Cape Canaveral around 10.. which is only an hour late.. Not too bad, I suppose..
I mean, do we really expect it to take the full 10 hours?! (KSC hours 9a-7p).. I don't think so, we should be fine! :)
Anyone who has ever been, how long did it take you to get through the whole thing?

Alright.. that's all, for now..

(to be continued...)

Influenster Vitality Vox Box FULL Review

***ALL of the products in this blog were provided, complimentary, by Influenster for testing/review purposes!! ALL opinions are MY OWN & honest!!!***


ITEM ONE:
First Degree: Advanced Burn Cream .... $5.97-$8.99
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This product was a bit of a worry for me, at first.. I was hoping that no one would get burned for me to have to test it!! LOL
BUT, upon reading the description, I noticed that it is recommended for ALL types of burns, INCLUDING razor burn!!!!! :)
After reading that I felt a lot better!!!
I have VERY sensitive skin (especially in "REALLY delicate areas"... you ladies know what I'm talking about!!) ;) This stuff is cool & refreshing.. Calms the itch from the razor burn.. Of course, it isn't perfect, & it doesn't heal it in one fell swoop, BUT even the temporary relief was a blessing!! :)

Although, it was nice to put on my razor burn, I am not sure if I would be willing to pay 6 to 9 dollars for this product.


ITEM TWO:
Playtex Sport Fresh Balance .... $3.99
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Ok... I am STRICTLY a Tampax Pearl girl... Always have been (I don't even like other Tampax products)..
THAT being said.. The day I recieved the box, I had just started.. I decided to give them a try..
Upon insertion,  I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable they felt & the scent was nice.. but that is where the good ends.. :/
After only an hour it started leaking!!! (disclaimer; I am NOT a heavy flow..)
I gave it the benefit of the doubt, I tried another.. 2 hours later, leaking AGAIN!!! :/
I was fed up!!! I compared the size & shape to my Pearls.. The Playtex tampons are substantially smaller, in every way.. lenght, width, etc..
As I stated, I have a light to medium flow.. Regular Tampax Pearl ONLY leaks when there is user error.. I have been using tampons for 12 years & I have NEVER had a leak twice in one day.. LET ALONE, twice in 3 hours!!!! :/
I do not like Playtex Sport tampons, & I would never buy them.
Maybe if someone has a VERY LIGHT flow, these will work for you? I do not see how these are supposed to protect you during "sport-like" activities, if they couldn't even hold up to a few household chores & some Netflix binging!!!


ITEM THREE:
Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Powered by Ceremide Caplet Serum .... $60 for 1 oz.
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Just like last time, I am still fairly young.. (25 in November)..
I do not "need" hep with wrinkles, BUT the other benefits of this serum are great!!!
They include: reinforcing your skin's moisture barrier, helps even skin tone, & helps even texture as well..
It is a nice thought, but I can't, honestly, see any results dure to the fact that I have pretty even skin tone & texture.. But it IS very moisturising!! :)

I would NOT pay $60 for this tiny amount, at least not in this stage of my life LOL
However, I am planing on giving the rest to my Mema (my grandmother) & seeing how she likes it!!! :)


ITEM FOUR:
Pure Leaf Iced Tea .... (no price given)
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I do not like tea.. Let me put that out there before I continue with this review..
I immediately put my bottle of Unsweetened Pure Leaf Iced Tea in my refrigerator.. If I was going to be tasting tea I had to give it the best advantage I could LOL
After several hours of chilling.. I shook the bottle, opened it, & took a a BIG swig.. then a couple of tinnier sips.. At first taste, especially for UNSWEETENED tea, it did not taste TOO bad!!! It wasn't too strong, as is the problem with most tea.
After a couple of sips, I couldn't do it anymore HAHA.. I added some sugar to it.. that helped.. add some lemon, I drank the whole bottle no problem lol
I would not, peronally, buy this tea... simply because I prefer water lol (& I don't like tea). But if you like tea, you may enjoy it :)


ITEM FIVE:
Softlips Cube .... $3.49
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I am a Chapstick ADDICT!!! I never leave home without it AND I am constantly applying it!!
I have tried other brands (Blistex, etc) & have never liked any of them!!
I was really excited to receive this adorable little cube!!! <3
It SMELLS SOOOOOO GOOD!!! AND it tastes even better!!! (although, I normally refrain from licking my lips, I just HAD to try it!!) ;)
This stuff is AMAZING!!! Moisturizes amazingly.. I will DEFINITELY be puchasing more when I run out!!! But I will still use my Chapstick too!! ;)


ITEM SIX: (select Influensters)
Bikini Ready Energy Gummies .... $14.99
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I was so excited to receive an ENTIRE bottle of these gummies!!!
They taste pretty good.. I was expecting more of an energized effect, but I think the fact that I am an avid coffee drinker, counteracts the small amount of caffeine that is in one serving (5 gummies).
Although, the taste was fine, the fact that you have to take 5 a day, that makes a full 15 dollar bottle of these last ONLY 10 days!!!!!! :/ So, obviously, I don't like the price!!!

All in all, I was fairly happy with most of the items in this vox box.. It had a great, diverse, collection of things to try!! The Softlips is my FAVORITE!!! <3

Again, if you read this WHOLE shpeel, thanks a million!!! :)

Love, Kayla! <3 <3 <3

My FIRST post of MY Indie Polish line!!!

So.. There has been A LOT going on & a LOT more to come in the next few weeks!!!

I JUST realized that I have NOT posted a blog about MY polishes, in the 5 months that I have been open!!! :/

**cone of shame**

WELL.. That changes....... NOW!!! *points vigorously towards the ground while stomping one foot*

I am going to be sharing  my swatches of my "Fall Down, Like Autumn Leaves" Trio!!! <3

This polish trio is a collection of perfect, creamy, well... CREAMS!!! <3

I thought long & hard about which colors I wanted to include.. Now, the collection's name MAY suggest that I went with "leafy" colors (reds, yellows, browns, etc..) (which would have been beautiful, too)), but I did not.. I wanted to go with a couple of, lesser thoughts when it comes to Autumn, and one VERY appreciated aspect!!! :)

*** ALL SWATCHES ARE TOPPED WITH HK Girl Top Coat, with a matted accent using Essie "Matte About You" top coat!! ***

The first color I decided on was orange.. I didn't want too dark of a shade, & my FAVORITE thing about Fall is PUMPKIN EVERYTHING!!!!! So, naturally, that was my inspiration.. AND the polish's name choice!! ;)

This is 2 easy coats & a top coat (one coat would have sufficed, BUT the polish addict in me insisted on an extra, just for polishing's sake LOL..

The NEXT color I decided on was green.. BUT having just done a green in my recently released Collab Collection with KicKass Beauty (Boyfriend Approved), I had to make sure it was different.. Seeing as how the BA polish (All-Star) was a BRIGHT, pistachio, lime green, I figured it wouldn't be TOO tough to Autumn-ize it & make a warmer shade of green.. I went with an olive green & it is, again, PERFECT!!!
Everyone always thinks of the leaves falling off of trees  when they think of Autumn, I created this polish, in honor of  the least thought of trees of Fall., "Evergreen"!! :)

This is ALSO 2, perfectly smooth coats (only one needed) & top coat!!! <3

The FINAL color choice I made, for this trio was, of course, blue!!! <3
I know there are TONS of blue cream polishes out there, but I wanted to give it a shot myself.. I feel that this deep, dark, soft blue is just GORGEOUS & PERFECT for Fall!!! <3
It is inspired by the amaxing, cool nights during the season. It's formula is just as crisp as the Autumn air!! <3
Here is "Autumn Nights"!!

Again, 2 luscious coats of this streak-free, cream, polish creation & a top coat!! :)

I hope you love these 3 polishes as much as i do!!! <3

They will be available for purchase in my shop in early September.

Follow my Instagram for ALL future updates, other swatches, & pricing!! ♡♡

Love,

Kayla

Influester TLC Vox Box- FULL review!!!

So, I was selected to receive the TLC Vox Box, from Influenster..

****ALL OF THESE ITEMS WERE GIVEN TO ME, COMPLIMENTARY, FOR TESTING/REVIEWING PURPOSES.****
****I WILL BE POSTING MY HONEST OPINIONS OF EACH ITEM!!****

ITEM ONE:
Breyer's Gelato Indulgences .... $4.49-$5.99
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My local Winn-Dixie only had 3 of the 4 offered flavors, in stock. Triple Chocolate, Raspberry Cheesecake, & Vanilla Caramel (Tiramisu was not available).
I had a tough time choosing between Raspberry Cheesecake & Vanilla Caramel ;)
Eventually, I decided to start with Vanilla Caramel, & if I liked it, I could always buy the raspberry later!!

My first thought when opening the container, was that it looked very neatly decorated. It is nice to see manufacturers taking the time to make their product appealing to the eyes.
I smelled it, prior to tasting it (lol), it definitely smelled as great as it looked!!

Now, onto the taste test!!
First bite was refreshing & cool. The flavor kinda reminds me of frozen cool whip (which I prefer to regular ice cream). The caramel was a great accent to the vanilla base, it added that extra flavor & texture.

I have never eaten gelato before, so I have nothing to compare it to, but it is very sweet & rich. I couldn't eat more than about 5 bites, but that is simply because I am not much of a "sweets" person.
I feel that if you have a huge sweet tooth (or at least a bigger one than I do..), you would enjoy a larger helping, no problem!! :)

All in all.. definitely worth the $5.99 price tag, from my grocery store!!

ITEM TWO:
travel size Puffs Plus Lotion .... $0.49 (per single pack)
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I have, actually, used Puffs Plus Lotion tissues before, & I love them!!!

I have horrible pollen allergies, & these tissues are so so soft. They don't rub my nose raw, when using them for long periods of time, like other tissues, or paper towels do.
The perfect size of the travel pack fits, conveniently in my purse (unlike the whole box would haha).
Each Pack comes with 10 tissues, not too many, but not too little either.

I would definitely buy them. I have before & will again!! :)

ITEM THREE:
Neosporin: Neo To Go! .... $4.79-$7.50

I have had my eye on this adorable little antiseptic for the longest time!!! I ALWAYS buy the Neosporin in the tube, but have never ventured onto the spray.. Between my 4 year old, my boyfriend, & myself, someone is always getting hurt!!! lol I am an Antibacterial queen!!! I add some to every single cut or scrape on my son & myself!! I'd rather be safe than sorry!! ;)

I can't wait to have to use this bad boy (which will probably be sooner than later.........)

Literally FIVE minutes later, my son fell on the sidewalk at school!!! haha.. (not funny that he fell, funny that I was right lol.. come on, I'm not that mean!!) ;)

I used it on him once & now, EVERY SINGLE TIME he gets ANY kind of "boo boo", he comes running... "Mommy, you need to put Neso-sporin on it!!!" LOL!!!

I LOVE my Neosporin spray!!! It is SO much easier to deal with when we are out, just spray & add a bandaid.. No rubbing necessary. It is in my purse, for immediate access, when Ty falls, like he always does. When I run out I will be FORCED to go buy a couple more!!! DEFINITELY worth the price!!!

ITEM FOUR:
Ivory Original Bar Soap .... $3.99 (10 pack)
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I haven't used bar soap in the LONGEST time!!! I am more of a liquid soap kinda gal (Nutrium to be exact) :)

I am not too crazy about the smell of this soap.. I will probably be using it to shave with for my review......

In all honesty, I am not too thrilled with this soap.. Now, this is JUST MY opinion!!! It is different for everyone!!! I don't know if I have been spoiled by liquid body wash & soap for my shower, OR if I am just weirded out by soap that isn't antibacterial for washing hands, but I just can't get into using bar soap..The smell is not the greatest either (not that it "stinks") I just prefer a scent (usually Cherry Blossom or Pomegranate (or a mixture of both lol)).. Also, it doesn't moisturize my skin very well.. I would not purchase this on my own, but if you prefer bar soap then you can try for yourself, it is fairly priced & it lasts quite a while.

ITEM FIVE:
Avon Anew Reversalist Renewal Express .... $30
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WOW.. try saying THAT 10 times fast!!! (if you follow my Instagram, this joke is probably getting old :) lol)
Seeing as how I am only a few months away from a ripe age of 25, I don't really need this product, but I will still use it.. even if only for moisturization!! :)

Well, as I originally hypothesized, there is no noticable difference in my, relatively young, firm skin.. lol
But I know that my Mema, who is 63, uses this product & loves it!! :) Hope that helps.

ITEM SIX:
Shell Fuel Rewards Network Card
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Who DOESN'T love to save money on gas?!?!?!?!?!
I already registered my card & can't wait to save that complimentary $0.25 per gallon!!!

It says on your second fill up, so it will be a little while before I can use it, seeing as how we JUST filled up the other day ;)

I have not purchased anything towards this card, but I appreciated the discount for signing up. I feel like this is very similar to the Winn-Dixie rewards card, but I like the fact that I know I have the freedom to use it elsewhere.




All in all, I was EXTREMELY pleased with the items in this VoxBox!!!
Again, ALL products were given to me, complimentary, by Influenster, for testing purposes!! :)

If you read his WHOLE post, I appreciate you!!! ;)
<3 <3 <3 <3

<3 Kayla!!!

New Indie Line: Heather's Hues!!!

So, I have been wanting to try Heather's Hues for a while now!!!
VERY happy to say that, I FINALLY got my hands on some!!!

Today I am going to show you 3 polishes from her.. All 3 are completely different, but all very beautiful as well!!! <3
Let's get started.........

First up is

"Pier-fect Blue"

This deep blue jelly polish is loaded with scattered holo & the name DEFINITELY suits it well.. It is a "perfect" blue!!! <3

In my swatches I used 2 coats & my HK Girl Top Coat.

in the shade

in direct sun light

glossy macro, in sunlight

matte macro, in sunlight

The formula was a little bit thick, but it didn't hinder application. As I said, I used 2 coats in these swatches & it was completely opaque <3 So so glad that I chose this polish.. I've had my eye on it ever since I saw the first swatch!! It is the most gorgeous color & the holo is just UGH!!! <3

Next up is

"Part of Your World"

This polish is basically a glitter topper. It is mostly glitter, but it has a tiny bit of a periwinkle-esque base :)

It is inspired by Disney's Ariel <3 (aka The Little Mermaid)

For my swatches I used one coat over China Glaze "Liquid Leather", Color Club "Lavendarling", & KicKass Beauty "California Girls".

in shade

in direct sunlight

macro in sunlight

The application of this glitter was AWESOME!!! <3

I ONLY used ONE coat!!! So many glitters in one swipe & NO placement!! I did have to search for red glitter a little, just wish there were more of them (there probably are in a full size bottle.. I know how finicky mini bottle are!!) ;)

The color combo is PREFECT, I DEFINITELY see Ariel when I look at it, no doubt!!! <3

Finally, we have

"Colors of the Wind"

This BEAUTIFUL polish has a nude base (NOT tan, ACTUAL NUDE!!! <3) & has tons of tiny gold & black glitters, small teal squares, small dark brown hexes, & some small bronze glitters. It is inspired by Pocahontas!!! <3 

For my swatches I used 2 coats & my HK Girl Top Coat!!

in shade

in direct sunlight

glossy macro, in sunlight

matte macro, in sunlight

This creamy crelly polish has an AMAZING formula & perfect application!!! <3

This was the icing in the cake, for me.. I had been wanting to order for a while & then this baby came out & I couldn't wait any longer.. I spent money, that wasn't supposed to be spent, just to order, mainly for this polish!!!!! <3 (of course, I DO love the others too <3)

I am, currently, STILL wearing this polish & I will probably not take it off for a couple of days, at least!! <3 LMAO

All in all, Heather's Hues makes some beautiful polishes, with a GREAT eye for deatail.. Great color combinations & unique takes on old classics!!! <3

I can't WAIT to see what is up her sleeve ;)

be sure to click on the links that have been added into this review (Heather's Hues, Glisten & Glow, & KicKass Beauty).. they are ALL AWESOME indies & they are worth a follow & an order (or 6) haha!!!

I hope you enjoyed this review.. I will try to get on the ball & post more of them!!! ;)

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If you like what you see, follow me!! <3

Also, be sure to follow me on:

Instagram

and

Facebook

AND, if you haven't already check out MY indie line, while you're stalking the ones listed above!! ;)

Creative Cuticles Nail Polish

& stop by my store www.ccnp.storenvy.com <3

Creative Cuticles Nail Polish

As, I stated in my previous blog.. I am starting an Indie Polish line!!!
It is called "Creative Cuticles Nail Polish".

My first 4 releases are:
"Duuuval"
"Gator Bait"
"Nail Besties"
&
"A Great Red"

I made a seperate Instagram account for my line CCNP IG,
I also have a shop!! www.ccnp.storenvy.com

Be sure to follow the IG to keep updated on all important information regaurding pre-orders, sales, new polishes, & releases!!

I am planning a pre-order for my first 4 releases (date TBD).

I already have my whole year, & into next year, filled with polish collections!!! :)
I even have a few pre-order & release dates set!!! :)

I hope to do well enough in this endeavor to move forward so that I can keep making polishes.

I would TRULY appreciate your support!! <3 <3 <3

Thanks!!!
<3 Kayla