I believe that it's about time that I'll finally post this interview, that's been sitting in my inbox for a month [!!!] now. Today's interviewee is Leah Ann LaRowe and she's different then any other interviewees in this blog past. Why you ask? Well, A- She's not a blogger. B- She has her own line of polishes. C- She owns an e-trailer many brands of nail polish, indie and otherwise, from all around the world! Let's move on to the interview!
Tell us about yourself in general.
My name is Leah Ann LaRowe. I am married with a son who is 18 and another "adopted" son who is also 18 and now lives with us. I am an animal lover and have a virtual zoo at home. Any stray usually ends up living with us much to the aggravation of my husband who always ends up falling in love with them. I am an avid snowboarder, water skier and sports fanatic. I love my job and I love what I do! The next item on my bucket list is to skydive which I will be doing this summer!
Do you prefer a complex nail art or the simplicity of just the nail polish itself?
I love both. The color of polish, finishes, shimmers and complexity amaze me, I love to see nail art and hand painted art is just amazing, but stamping can be just as spectacular.
What came first- your nail polish brand or your store? How and why did you start each one?
The store cam first. I started the store when I realized that I could not find unique nail polish colors in the USA. I was browsing blogs and cam across Glitter Gal and at the time holographic polishes were very hard to come by in the USA. I fell instantly in love and knew I had to bring these polishes to women in the USA. Then A England was added and now, here we are.
As of our line, Colors by Llarowe, I ordered a few ingredients as I wanted a certain color of polish and couldn't find it. I thought it would would be quick and easy to make one. I had no idea. I found though that I loved making polish as it was very relaxing and a creative outlet. Two years later, Colors by Llarowe was launched.
I imagine you get nail mail on a daily basis- How does it feel to only admire all this beauty and sparkle without actually using it?
I do use it! I get samples from polish makers on a daily basis who want us to consider their line. I always swatch each polish on a nail wheel and then wear each polish to check the formulation, wear time, etc. I usually have 10 different colors on my nails at any given time. Whole manicures are luxury!
Just for us to droll, how many polishes would you say you have at storage at any given time?
Llarowe usually has 20,000 to 40,000 polishes in stock on a daily basis.
How big is your personal stash?
My personal stash I have never counted, but my husband says way too many.
Do you own one of each polish you put up to sale?
No. I try to get at least one polish from every launch but they sell out so quickly that I do not want to withhold polishes from a customer who wants it. Colors by Llawore I do, as I keep all of the prorotype samples!
What is you favorite nail polish from Colors by Llarowe ever?
The Mighty Red Baron. I have worn it more than twice, and that is really unusual as I am always wearing and testing new polishes.
How do you keep track with every nail polish you ever made?
I have a sample room with a bottle of each polish I have ever made with a nail wheel swatch above the samples. I have shelves for current inventory, past inventory and future possibilities.
Do you keep multiple bottles of each of your own nail polish, so you'll never lack them?
No, just one bottle for my personal use as I can always make another if needed.
Where do you get inspiration for your polishes from?
Everywhere. Nature, flowers, songs, words. The possibilities are endless.
From 1 to 10- how much glitter sticks to your cloths while working on new polishes?
10. I look like a fairy at any given time. I am quite messy.
Is there a collaboration you wish to do, or a collection you've been thinking about for ever and haven't done yet?
Yes, and will surprise you guys with it in the future!
Read more ...
Tell us about yourself in general.
My name is Leah Ann LaRowe. I am married with a son who is 18 and another "adopted" son who is also 18 and now lives with us. I am an animal lover and have a virtual zoo at home. Any stray usually ends up living with us much to the aggravation of my husband who always ends up falling in love with them. I am an avid snowboarder, water skier and sports fanatic. I love my job and I love what I do! The next item on my bucket list is to skydive which I will be doing this summer!
Do you prefer a complex nail art or the simplicity of just the nail polish itself?
I love both. The color of polish, finishes, shimmers and complexity amaze me, I love to see nail art and hand painted art is just amazing, but stamping can be just as spectacular.
What came first- your nail polish brand or your store? How and why did you start each one?
The store cam first. I started the store when I realized that I could not find unique nail polish colors in the USA. I was browsing blogs and cam across Glitter Gal and at the time holographic polishes were very hard to come by in the USA. I fell instantly in love and knew I had to bring these polishes to women in the USA. Then A England was added and now, here we are.
As of our line, Colors by Llarowe, I ordered a few ingredients as I wanted a certain color of polish and couldn't find it. I thought it would would be quick and easy to make one. I had no idea. I found though that I loved making polish as it was very relaxing and a creative outlet. Two years later, Colors by Llarowe was launched.
 |
| Glitter Gal Crushed Ego. The hunt for holo started the store. |
I imagine you get nail mail on a daily basis- How does it feel to only admire all this beauty and sparkle without actually using it?
I do use it! I get samples from polish makers on a daily basis who want us to consider their line. I always swatch each polish on a nail wheel and then wear each polish to check the formulation, wear time, etc. I usually have 10 different colors on my nails at any given time. Whole manicures are luxury!
Just for us to droll, how many polishes would you say you have at storage at any given time?
Llarowe usually has 20,000 to 40,000 polishes in stock on a daily basis.
 |
| One of thousands just waiting for you. Dance Legend 178. |
How big is your personal stash?
My personal stash I have never counted, but my husband says way too many.
Do you own one of each polish you put up to sale?
No. I try to get at least one polish from every launch but they sell out so quickly that I do not want to withhold polishes from a customer who wants it. Colors by Llawore I do, as I keep all of the prorotype samples!
What is you favorite nail polish from Colors by Llarowe ever?
The Mighty Red Baron. I have worn it more than twice, and that is really unusual as I am always wearing and testing new polishes.
 |
| The Mighty Red Baron |
How do you keep track with every nail polish you ever made?
I have a sample room with a bottle of each polish I have ever made with a nail wheel swatch above the samples. I have shelves for current inventory, past inventory and future possibilities.
Do you keep multiple bottles of each of your own nail polish, so you'll never lack them?
No, just one bottle for my personal use as I can always make another if needed.
Where do you get inspiration for your polishes from?
Everywhere. Nature, flowers, songs, words. The possibilities are endless.
 |
| Songs are great inspiration. Black Gold, Texas Tea. |
From 1 to 10- how much glitter sticks to your cloths while working on new polishes?
10. I look like a fairy at any given time. I am quite messy.
Is there a collaboration you wish to do, or a collection you've been thinking about for ever and haven't done yet?
Yes, and will surprise you guys with it in the future!
