Frustrated with the largely unregulated beauty industry, Vanessa Ungvarsky has created a service that puts the fun in toxin-free fashion. Her Taylor Made Polish line of over 200 non-toxic color pigments allows customers to mix their own nail polishes—great as a group activity or to finally get the shade you've been searching for.
When it comes to beauty products, how difficult and how important is it to find stuff that's non-toxic and eco-friendly?
It can be difficult, especially if you're not quite sure what you're looking for. What makes something toxic? What ingredients are unsafe? Labels can be deceiving, and maneuvering through aisles of products with hard-to-read verbiage and ingredients is overwhelming. I wanted to make it easy because it is important. Many of my customers come because they're unsure about something they've read, and/or they want to match all aspects of their beauty with their lifestyle choices.
How do you choose the shades and names for your ready-made polishes?
The shades could be a combination of what's on trend, in season or how I'm feeling when creating a new color. Other times, it's for a special person or occasion. The names are usually something meaningful to me, typically reflecting a memory growing up, trips I've taken or for friends and family.
What made you focus in on nail polish?
Although she didn't work in a salon, my mother became a licensed nail tech and did a lot of nails—mostly her own. Being a working military mom, I wanted something that gave me a little time for myself and made me feel feminine. It was the little things that mattered when faced with challenges of motherhood, work and school. Over several years, I began making changes to better my health and environment—organic foods, CSA workshare, switching hair and skin care products. I knew there were nasty chemicals in polish, but I wasn't willing to give up the satisfaction of my nails. How bad could it really be? I started reading more and more, and what I found was very unsettling. I decided I just needed to make the change, and if I couldn't find it, I would make it.
What's the process of making your own polish at Taylor Made like?
The process is a fun, interactive experience where you're able to learn some basics about nail polish but also create something very unique. The sessions last on average a half hour for individuals or small groups, and around an hour to an hour and a half for more than four people. It can be a social experience to connect with friends or family. Aside from creating a safe, quality product, people love the experience and that they can name and label their custom creation!
Taylor Made Polish designed mani/pedi services at LV Beauty Loft that utilize and complement the Taylor Made Polish product line. What sets these mani/pedis apart from other nail salons?
All of the metal tools are sterilized using a three-step process, and files or buffers are not shared between clients. In addition to using Taylor Made Polish colors, we have developed our own 100 percent pure organic cuticle oil. We have the highest concentration of Vitamin E on the market with no fillers or water, only 100 percent pure organic oil.
We also offer steam pedicures. The feet are immersed in a steam barrel and the skin is detoxed from the knees down. Aside from an amazing, refreshing feeling, essential oils can also be added to the barrel for additional relaxation.
What are some upcoming nail trends?
Looking at New York Fashion Week, we saw a lot of metallics, along with some bold colors and designs, like a deep purple—maybe a Prince influence?—or splash of blue. There were a lot of nude nails with simple geometric shapes. The pale pinks seemed to be replaced by more nude colors. Taylor Made Polish will follow these trends for the upcoming seasons as well as keep some of our traditional colors.
Who's your personal fashion icon?
I have several! It depends on the decade. I think my top three are Marilyn Monroe, Bianca Jagger and Jackie O.
437 Northampton St., Easton | 484.548.0367 | taylormadepolish.com
