Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kc Springberg-dill. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, KC thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Almost every entrepreneur we know has considered donating a portion of their sales to an organization or cause – how did you make the decision of whether to donate? We’d love to hear the backstory if you’re open to sharing the details.
Northern Nail Polish donates $1 for every order, no matter the size, which results in over 1,000 trees being planted each year through our partnership with One Tree Planted. I chose this organization because of their transparency and impact—they allow you to select specific reforestation projects across the country and provide detailed updates on their efforts. Their mission to restore natural ecosystems resonated with me as I wanted my contributions to focus on environmental sustainability, a value that aligns with the ethos of Northern Nail Polish. After the first year, I also polled my customers to ensure they felt connected to this initiative, as their support is key in driving this mission forward.
In addition to supporting reforestation, Northern Nail Polish has also contributed to several local Michigan organizations, including:
~ Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy: Dedicated to preserving natural lands in Northern Michigan, including forests, wetlands, and coastal areas. Supporting this organization is important to me because it protects the beautiful landscapes that inspire much of Northern Nail Polish’s branding and aesthetic.
~ Sleeping Bear Wildlife Fund: Focused on rehabilitating and protecting the unique wildlife around Northern Michigan. This cause is particularly close to my heart because it was founded by my best friend, whose passion and dedication to conservation have made a lasting impact on this treasured region. Supporting her work is a way to honor both her commitment and the special connection we both share with this place, and preserving the native species ensures future generations can continue to appreciate Michigan’s rich biodiversity.
~Women’s Resource Center: Located in Traverse City, Michigan, this nonprofit organization provides comprehensive services, support, and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. They work to empower women and children to build safe and healthy lives through education, counseling, emergency shelter, and community outreach.
~ Alliance for the Great Lakes: Committed to keeping the Great Lakes clean and free from pollution. This organization’s work is vital, as the health of the Great Lakes directly impacts our local communities and ecosystem.
~ Mercy Education Project: Empowers women and girls in southwest Detroit through education and support services, including childcare, transportation, GED prep, and career readiness. Supporting them is important because creating access to education is key to breaking cycles of poverty and helping women build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
By contributing to these causes, I hope to support not only environmental restoration but also the well-being and growth of local communities—values that Northern Nail Polish was built on.
KC, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is KC Springberg-Dill, and I’m the owner and maker of Northern Nail Polish, a handmade nail polish brand based in Traverse City, Michigan, where I’ve been crafting toxin-free, vegan, and cruelty-free nail polishes since 2013. I started this business out of a desire to create a healthier alternative to conventional nail polishes after learning how many harmful chemicals they contain.
What began as a passion project turned into a full-time business where I now get to blend my love for clean beauty, artistry, and my deep appreciation for Michigan.
Northern Nail Polish is inspired by the beauty of the Great Lakes region—its vibrant small towns, serene natural landscapes, and the local culture that makes Michigan so unique. Each shade is thoughtfully named and crafted to capture a piece of what makes Michigan special. I use ethically-sourced pigments and a non-toxic formula to create nail polishes that are not only long-lasting and chip-resistant but also safer for you and your family.
I’m incredibly proud that Northern Nail Polish provides a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on quality or creativity. Customers often tell me they first buy my polishes because of the beautiful colors or the meaningful names, but they keep coming back because of the exceptional wear and the peace of mind that comes from knowing they’re using a product free from harmful ingredients. And while beauty is at the heart of what I do, it’s also about supporting sustainable practices and promoting wellness. Each of my products are designed to be a part of a healthier, more mindful lifestyle.
Northern Nail Polish also goes beyond nail care. I believe in giving back and supporting the small business community that helped me grow. That’s why I created our quarterly self-care subscription box. Each box is filled with 8 or more full-sized, high-quality products curated from women-owned, eco-conscious small businesses, with a special focus on Michigan makers. The box includes items like bath and beauty products, handmade jewelry, stationery, and, of course, our own exclusive polish colors. It’s designed to deliver a little bit of self-care every season while supporting women-owned, small-batch brands who share our commitment to sustainability.
During the pandemic, I took a leap of faith and opened a small brick-and-mortar shop here in Traverse City that operated for two years. The shop was created to be a safe and welcoming space for the community to shop local, handmade products as if they were at a really large craft show booth. I wanted to offer customers the experience of finding unique, handcrafted goods, and self care essentials —all while supporting small businesses at a time when they needed it most. The shop became a place where people could feel good about their purchases, connect with the local artisan community, and see firsthand the quality and care that goes into each product.
My business also became a pathway to independence and empowerment for me. I started this business at a time when I needed to rebuild my life and provide for myself after leaving a situation where I was financially dependent. Being able to create a brand that supports my son and I while aligning with my values of health, sustainability, and local community is incredibly rewarding. Over time, I went from having nothing to being able to buy my own home and vehicle, giving us the stability I never thought possible back then.
One of the most rewarding parts of running Northern Nail Polish has been the incredible people I’ve met along the way. From loyal customers and supportive business owners who proudly carry my polish in their stores to talented makers and artisans I’ve connected with at events, I’m constantly reminded how much this community means to me and my son. Their encouragement and genuine enthusiasm for my brand have been a source of strength, especially during challenging times. Every kind message, every purchase, and every collaboration is a reminder that Northern Nail Polish is more than just a business—it’s a community built on support, creativity, and shared values. It’s because of this amazing network that I’m able to keep doing what I love and continue creating.
What sets Northern Nail Polish apart is our dual focus on clean beauty and community impact. Being able to support the causes previously mentioned is deeply personal for me because I want to use my business as a force for positive change, whether that’s protecting our natural spaces or empowering women in underserved communities.
Northern Nail Polish is more than just a beauty brand—it’s a reflection of my passion for creativity, my love for our Great Lakes region, and my commitment to supporting small, women-owned businesses. It’s my way of sharing a little piece of Northern Michigan with others, while staying true to my values of sustainability and wellness.
What I want people to know most about Northern Nail Polish is that every product is crafted with intention. Whether it’s a nail polish shade that reminds you of a favorite Michigan town or a subscription box filled with locally-made treasures, I want customers to feel that they’re getting something special, made with care and rooted in a love for both beauty and community.
How did you build your audience on social media?
When I first started building my audience on social media, I focused on sharing my authentic story, engaging with customers, and showcasing the uniqueness of Northern Nail Polish. I made it a priority to connect with followers by sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of my creative process, inspiration from Michigan’s beautiful landscapes, and meaningful updates about the business. I also dedicated time to responding to comments and messages, fostering a sense of community. My advice for those just starting out is to be genuine, consistent, and engage regularly—your passion will shine through, and your audience will grow as a result. Focus on building connections, not just numbers, and share what makes your brand special. Don’t be afraid to get in front of the camera.
How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.
I primarily sell Northern Nail Polish directly through my own website that I built myself, NorthernNailPolish.com, which allows me to maintain complete control over my brand, presentation, and customer experience.
Selling directly through my site means I can share my story, educate customers about my products, and build a personal connection with my audience, which is incredibly important to me. I’m responsible for driving traffic to my site, which requires ongoing marketing efforts and a consistent social media presence. In person events can also help grow your audience and social media following.
While platforms like Etsy offer access to a larger audience, they often come with fees and restrictions that can limit how I communicate with my customers. I personally prefer the direct relationship I have with my customers, which helps me gather valuable feedback about my products.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://NorthernNailPolish.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/northernnailpolish
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/northernnailpolish
Image Credits
Lake Superior Agate Nail Polish photo – Valentina Val Photo
Mermaid nail polish photo – A Bit O’ Whimsy Photography
All others – KC Springberg-Dill