Are you bored with your OPI or China Glaze nail polishes? Looking for colors that not only pop, but are inspired by the red carpet? Check out the Chicago-based line, Pear Nova, founded by Rachel James. After graduating from the International Academy of Design & Technology in 2012, James found business inspiration in the streets of Chicago, aligning herself with the city’s up-and-coming artists, musicians, and like-minded creatives. Wanting to further improve her craft, James traveled to Paris and attended Cosmetagora, an annual trade show featuring prominent cosmetics companies from around the globe.
I received Blue Magic ($11.50) and LSD at Three ($11.50). Blue Magic is a luscious shade of periwinkle blue, best suited for spring or summer.
LSD at Three is a rich shade of plum that seems more apt for the fall.
Both polishes had a smooth application and considerable color retention. The formula isn’t thin or watery and I didn’t need excessive coats to achieve full coverage. The names of the colors are spunky and clever, matching the vibrancy of their respective swatches.
I was able to speak to founder and CEO Rachel James via e-mail about the creative process and what’s next for Pear Nova.
Vanessa Willoughby: What is the hardest part about the creative process? How do you stay inspired without burning out?
Rachel James: The hardest part is probably being set on a color because it’s what I’m feeling for a collection but having to tweak it so it isn’t something that we have all seen before. I stay inspired by not only drawing inspiration from the runway but from many other avenues such as art, music, film, architecture and travel. There’s inspiration all around us so I don’t think there will ever be a burnout point.
VW: Do you have a particular set of runway and/or high fashion designers that continuously appeal to your sense of style?
RJ: I do have a few designers who always catch my eye and inspire me to create, Olivier Rousteing from Balmain Paris being at the top of the list.
VW: What is the importance of 3 Free nail polishes?
RJ: 3 Free nail polish ensures that the three big toxic chemicals aren’t being put into our polish and onto your fingers. It’s important to not only make a beautiful product, but to keep in mind health and safety. We are moving to make all of our new polish 5 free and even 7 free.
VW: What made you decide to go into this sector of the beauty industry? Why nail polish?
RJ: I’ve always been a nail polish freak since I can remember. After going to beauty & fashion school, nails just seemed to be the perfect mix.
VW: How many new colors or collections do you typically develop per year?
RJ: We try for a new collection every season.
VW: How large is your team?
RJ: There are three of us working for Pear Nova. I am the CEO & take on the role of creative director and we have an Operations Manager and a Financial Manager/assistant. We all mesh our jobs and responsibilities together and get our hands dirty where need be so our job titles may change daily.
VW: If you weren’t a business owner, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
RJ: Possibly working in merchandising or as a colorist for beauty products or accessories.
VW: What is the future for Pear Nova? Where do you see yourself and the company in five years?
RJ: I see Pear Nova on the runway in Paris, in the kits of every celeb manicurist and on nails on the cover of Vogue Italia. I want to push the limits for an indie nail lacquer company.
Pear Nova nail lacquer is only available via their website. Check out their Facebook and/or Instagram for the latest news and product updates.
