What is indie nail polish?
If you’ve ever stumbled into the world of indie nail polish, chances are you either felt instantly at home—or wildly overwhelmed (maybe both). Either way, welcome. You’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
At its core, indie nail polish—short for independent polish—is nail color handcrafted by small creators and niche brands (like mine), made with heart, hustle, and way more shimmer than the drugstore aisle dares to dream of. These aren’t mass-produced bottles churned out by faceless corporations. Indie polish is personal. It’s art in a bottle. It’s storytelling through color, texture, and sparkle.
We’re the weirdos blending pigment at midnight. We’re the ones obsessed with flakies and shifting shimmers and thermals that change with your body heat. We make shades inspired by folklore, cryptids, heartbreak, healing, and moments that matter. We don’t follow trends or stick to the expected—we create colors that mean something.
For me, indie polish started as a coping mechanism during the pandemic. I was stuck at home, chasing moments of joy wherever I could find them—and for a while, that joy looked like DIY gel manicures. Until it didn’t. Improper application led to a self-induced gel allergy that forced me to rethink everything I was putting on my nails. I wanted something that didn’t make me feel like I had to choose between creativity and comfort. I wanted polish that felt intentional. That invited connection, curiosity, and color—not just for me, but for the little girl who wanted to paint her nails with mommy. That’s how Boldly Lacquer was born.
So what can you expect from this world? Here’s the rundown:
- Small batch creations (that means once they’re gone, they’re gone)
- Ingredients chosen with care
- Unexpected colors, finishes, and themes
- Creators who actually talk to you
- A community of people who value artistry over algorithms
If you’re new here, don’t worry. This blog will break down all the sparkly, shifting, multi-chrome magic of the indie world. From how to swatch, to understanding formulas, to finding your perfect shades—we’ve got you.
Got questions? I’ll be answering submissions in future posts too—because this blog isn’t just about polish. It’s about you. Your stories. Your nails. Your boldness.
Welcome to Boldly Spoken.
We don’t do perfect—we do powerful.