Blogs

Julep Part 2: Interview with Jane Park, Fab CEO & Founder

by on ‎12-21-2012 04:10 PM

Hi, ladies!

While we’re all frantically trying to check off our holiday to-do lists, I thought it might be a nice time to take a break, relax, and read about one of our favorite beauty-bag essentials: gorgeous, glossy nail polish! So, drop the wrapping paper, curl up with a cup of hot cocoa, and check out my interview with Julep’s genius CEO and founder, Jane Park. Enjoy!

Missy: What did you do before you started Julep?

Jane: Before starting Julep, I launched new businesses for Starbucks. Then, I had the idea for Julep and started telling all my girlfriends, who were incredibly supportive and ultimately encouraged me to take the leap.

M: How did you come up with the idea for the company?

J: I’ve always loved sharing color with my girlfriends and getting manicures and pedicures together. I’m like the bossy older sister who tells you what you HAVE to try now. So, when I got together for a pedicure bridal shower for one of my best friends about five years ago, I realized that the colors we had access to were so boring—just the same old shades that had been around for decades. I knew there was a huge opportunity to offer women more vibrant, updated colors in beautiful packaging.

M: Who are your nail colors named after?

J: Our nail colors are all named after women we admire. We believe beauty is about connection, not competition, so we love honoring our girlfriends (both real and imaginary!) through our polish colors.

M: What else makes your nail colors unique?

J: We create limited-edition colors, so when they’re gone, they’re gone. We believe color is as fast as fashion. We have a small core assortment, but most of our colors are about connecting women to what’s trending NOW. Also, our formulas have been tested in our four Julep parlors on millions of fingers and toes. So, even though the formulas are “4-free,” meaning they’re free of toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, and DBP, our polish provides highly pigmented, one-coat coverage with long-lasting, professional wear.

M: Why is the Julep Favorite Things 12-Piece Nail Color Keepsake Box a perfect gift?

J: First of all, the colors Oprah handpicked are GORGEOUS. She did a fabulous job creating a range of colors that cover the gamut from ladylike to trendy, in every finish from crème to sheer to shimmer. She said there’s a color for every mood, and I think she’s right! The box is also beautiful. It’s handmade lacquer, and we specifically made the compartments inside customizable. So, if you have more bracelets, you can make the compartments inside bigger, or if you have more rings, you can make them smaller. I love the way you can keep your treasures, including your favorite Julep nail colors, safe in their own compartments.

M: What was it like working with the “Favorite Things” founder herself?

J: Oprah, Adam Glassman, and her entire team at the magazine were amazing to work with—so creative and collaborative. We really designed the box together. We had ideas, they built on them, and then we ran with the ball. It was a very fast-paced and exciting experience!

M: What are your favorite nail colors from this collection?

J: I’m obsessed with purple right now, so Morgan is a gorgeous royal purple I love wearing for the holidays. It’s also a fast-drying shimmer, so it’s easy to put on before a party. Charlotte is also gorgeous. It makes me feel instantly ladylike. This collection really does have it all, from sheer nudes to vibrant, pigmented pinks. It has all the colors you need for every occasion all year long.

That was a fun distraction, huh? I also promised you an update on how long my Julep mani lasted. Here’s the scoop: I made it a full four days without any damage, and that was without applying a base or top coat. In my book, that’s pretty impressive. On day four, I got my first little chip, and then I got a couple more in the following days. They were few and far between, though, so I got a full week out of my manicure. Not too shabby! {#emotions_dlg.biggrin}

Wishing you and your families beautiful and blessed holidays!

Until next year,

—Missy