We were lucky to catch up with Ainsley Fox recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ainsley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I started Palate Polish in 2014 when there wasn’t a health-conscious nail polish brand on the market. Creating a product with a formula that omitted toxic chemicals was my highest priority. I combined that with my love for food which is why all of the polish colors inspired by foods.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

This was initially a side project for me to give to friends and family, it wasn’t until a local shop here in Portland asked to carry my product that I researched turning this side project into a small business. At first I was mixing minerals and topcoats in my studio apartment kitchen. I have since created a formula with a chemist who mixes my product at a large facility on a bigger scale.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

In the beginning I made a KickStarter crowdfunding profile that provided incentives for donations. My goal was $1,000 – just enough to get my project off the ground. It really helped me be able to hire a chemist/manufacturer and get my first small batch of 21 colors into my hands.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Back in 2014 people weren’t as apprehensive or conscious as they are now about putting harmful ingredients in or on their bodies. Nowadays it’s a main concern in the beauty industry and I am glad to have been a part of that movement.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.palatepolish.com
• Instagram: @palatepolish