The Brains and Beauty Behind the Brand - Cuter Cuticles

May 23, 2017

Today's spotlight features Ontario cutie Sammy, from Cuter Cuticles. She will be exhibiting her amazing nail and hand care products, all hand made with love and quality.

Indie Expo Canada: How long has your company been in business? Please tell us a bit about your company, its mission, and goals.

Cuter Cuticles: This is our third year! I find that crazy to even say out loud. I didn’t start on this path with the intention of becoming an independent business owner, but it kind of took on a life of its own and here we are. As time passed, I knew I had to get more serious about it and it wasn’t just a hobby anymore. I got serious about becoming a businesswoman and now my brand has become something that I’m fiercely proud of.

Indie Expo Canada: Tell us about your brand. What sets you apart?

Cuter Cuticles: I think what sets us apart is personality! We’re full of it. I never do things in the “normal” way and have to put my own spin on things. That’s why when I decided to make nail care products three years ago, it was because I looked in the market and didn’t see anything that interested me. There wasn’t a lot of choice – and I knew that I could make my own and add whatever crazy scents I wanted -which is exactly what has made my brand stand out. I make products that I love using.

Indie Expo Canada: What is your workspace like? Do you have any employees? Do you have plans to expand in the future?

Cuter Cuticles: My workspace is slowly taking over my house! For instance, I have two printers, one on each side of my couch – one colour for labels and one black and white for printing postage. So that’s my living room décor. Luckily for me, my husband is very understanding. He is my only casual employee and is responsible for running my website. He also designed my logo. I’m so lucky to have him and can’t imagine doing this without him. I do spend most of the time managing the business completely on my own – but he’s always there when I need him!

Indie Expo Canada: What inspires you in your creative process?

Cuter Cuticles: My customers are my biggest inspiration! The Cuties are such a huge part of the creative process – whether it be a suggestion they make, or a custom they buy, or a contest I run – they are always there for the brand. They are always engaged. I am eternally grateful for them.

Indie Expo Canada: Do you have a favourite product or collection that you have created?

Cuter Cuticles: My favourite product so far was the Peanut Butter and Jelly collab. I was so proud of that set. It did well in the world too.

Indie Expo Canada: What are your favourite scents?

Cuter Cuticles: My favourite scents are fruity and foody – so anything from oranges and strawberries to brownies and cupcakes. I bet that’s easy to tell by looking at my scent list. The criticism I get the most often is that my product list makes people want to break their diets! I have gotten much better at including scents that I wouldn’t normally buy but know that others want, such as florals and earthy scents.

Indie Expo Canada: Is Cuter Cuticles a full time job, or do you have another job as well?

Cuter Cuticles: Cuter Cuticles is not my full time job, although there is certainly enough work to keep me busy enough! Both my husband and I have full time, out-of-the-home jobs. I do all my Cuter Cuticles work on weekends and evenings.