Today we’d like to introduce you to Paveyana Bangs.
Paveyana, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I begin my journey almost two years ago, November 29th to be exact. A few months prior I transitioned to a Seagan lifestyle. That’s how I started doing research about products and how harmful our everyday products were and you guessed it nail polish was at the top of the list. As an avid nail polish lover, I was intrigued, yet annoyed I didn’t know this information prior. Then I really begin digging, learning what made it harmful, how all nail polish is not made equal and it dawned on me. There was not enough vegan nail polish company’s, let along black owned and woman owned. I made contact with several wholesalers, it was like a needle in a haystack, I kept searching for the right partnership and I found it.
Stella was born in a month of transition, I knew this move of mine had to be not only passion fueled, but it had to be purposeful as well. I truly loved coming up with names for the colors, designing the bottles and everything that went into making this business successful and here we are. Almost two years later, we are re-branding, discovering who our true customer is, understanding that no matter what the industry is, there is space for you and your ideas. That was something I was nervous about when I first started. However, I remember when I had my first online order, the feeling was euphoric, someone I never met before saw a video of me and wanted to support me. That was such an eye-opening experience and definitely solidified my decision to start Stella in the first place. This journey has had ups and downs, yet I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I learned more about myself, my support system and life than I could imagine, this is just the beginning and I am ecstatic to see what is to come.
Has it been a smooth road?
I would love to give a perfect answer but there isn’t one. I poured my entire savings into this business and I would do it again and again. It was difficult to keep pushing on some days, but I am thankful I have gentle reminders of why I started in the first place. I know that this was legacy, generational wealth building, and for those reasons alone, quitting was not an option. The sacrifices have never been in vain, some days were harder than others, but the love, belief and overall joy I have for this business keeps me going day after day. The heart of the company is what sets us apart, we know we aren’t the only vegan nail polish company now. However, the amount of detail, love, and time I have put into this company will allow Stella to stand the test of time and stand apart. We are the stiletto in a room full of flats.
Stella By Paveyana – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Stella, is a vegan nail polish company, we sell ten free, non-toxic, cruelty free nail polish. Yes, it is a thing! We have vibrant colors, rich in pigment, and typically don’t chip for five days. The thing that makes me proudest about my company is that we not only have a healthy product, but it creates awareness in our community about the health benefits. It stirs conversations that typically don’t happen often. I’ve had talks with people from all walks of life, and they are genuinely surprised that vegan nail polish even exists, so this leads us to caring about what we put in and on our bodies. That makes me so happy, to know that this company will create moments, that educate others and shows them that they have options for a better lifestyle.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Houston is booming with entrepreneurship, real movers and shakers, so it is easy to surround yourself with like minded individuals and you can feed off of their constructive criticism and learn valuable lessons. Something I struggle with is that is can easily become clique-ish, sometimes people will only support you if they know you or if you have something they want right now.
Contact Info:
- Website: stellapolish.com
- Email: stellanailpolish@gmail.com
- Instagram: stellapolish
- Twitter: stellapolish
Image Credit:
Miesha Williams-photographer
IG- mieshaaw
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