This profile is part of the Glossy Pop Guide to Influencer-Founded Brands, covering the fashion, beauty and wellness companies started by people who built their careers on social media. More from the series →
While attending the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in 2009, Julie Sarinana decided to start a fashion blog. At the same time, she was juggling an internship at WGSN where she assisted celebrity stylists. What started as a creative outlet evolved into a mega-platform. Sarinana now has millions of followers. In 2021, Sarinana created her nail polish brand, Color Dept. Color Dept encourages the self-care and fashion sides of nail care, while prioritizing clean beauty. The brand uses potato, wheat and corn to produce its natural and colorful nail lacquer. Sarinana considers Color Dept to be self-care without compromise.
Who: Julie Sariñana (Color Dept)
Platform: Instagram
What’s the brand: nail polish
Find it: www.colordept.com, Revolve.com
Why did you decide to bring a brand into this crowded marketplace?
I felt like there was a lack of storytelling in the nail industry. I wanted to be able to elaborate on the fashion-forward aspect of nails, color and self-expression through our branding and imagery. I liked the idea of being a brand that was a hub for fusing unique style with self-care.
What makes the brand different?
Our 85% Bio-Sourced formulas, and brush, bottle and cap all make for a unique nail painting experience! I believe our mission and our voice are a new take on nail design. We are clean, plant-based and vegan, which also brings an added element of awareness to Color Dept. We want to be good to the planet!
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Fun fact: The brand was inspired by my brother’s trendy nail salon in Silverlake. I worked there for four years in my early twenties, and that’s when I knew I wanted to create my own nail polish. I wanted to create something fun and different, compared to what was on the market.
Best Seller: Sugar Cookie
To read the rest of The Glossy Pop guide to influencer-founded brands, click here.
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