What was your first job in the industry?
I owned a mall cart that had nail printers and nail products on it. It was very difficult, costly and the whole mall cart world seemed a little crazy! To be successful at it you have to be really pushy and you have five seconds to grab a potential customer. That’s so not my way of selling or doing business. Right after that, I decided to open an actual storefront.
What inspires you?
Seeing people take great ideas and following them to fruition, whether it’s a product, idea, store, book, album, whatever! Dreaming of doing something and actually doing it, I am inspired and in awe of people like this.
What was your proudest accomplishment?
Designing, building and opening my first store without any help! Everyone told me I was over my head and should hire designers and contractors, but I didn’t have the budget. I just had ideas and am very strong-willed. I mean, I lived in my car in L.A. and didn’t know a single person here. I am just very determined and I felt like if I could go through that, then I could certainly open a business. The fact that I stuck with my gut and didn’t give up makes me feel proud! When I was offered the show, I felt like it was fate! All of what I was working for and trying to show people was going to be taken to a whole new level.
What is your favorite type of music?
I love old school Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Biggie and LL Cool J, but I also love Fiona Apple, Lily Allen, SoundGarden, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mariah Carey and Celine Dion. I love songs that spark a memory of what I was doing and where I was when I first heard them. My all time favs: “Nuthin’ but a G Thang” and, of course, “All I Want For Christmas Is You” (and not just because [my fiancé] Walter wrote it!).
What is your favorite sport?
I was a gymnast and cheerleader growing up, so I love to watch competitions. I also love watching football. This was my year! I did my manicures every weekend to coordinate wherever the NY Giants were playing. My lucky G-Men manicures really worked–Super Bowl Champs!
Are you a morning or night person?
I am not a morning person at all! It takes me an hour to get out of bed and adjust to daylight. I’m a night owl and my creativeness is at a super high at night. Maybe I’m part vampire? Oh! I’m Vampire-Chic!
What was your most recent impulse buy?
All the shoes I own are fun and wild. Imagine going to a serious business meeting in 6-inch glitter platforms! I needed a new pair of just plain, black heels. So I stupidly blew it on a pair of Christian Louboutins. They are so classy and timeless though.
