NailGurl Asks: “AstroWifey”
If you haven’t heard of AstroWifey, then I suggest that you grab a seat and glue your eyes to the screen. AstroWifey is a Chicago native, with a skill in nail art that has garnered so much buzz in the industry that you can’t help but to love what this woman can do, her skills are limitless. AstroWifey emblazoned her technique with polish starting back in 2008, and has since then creating a grassroots cult following from globally, and has also been featured in the international hit documentary NAILgasm. She has also managed to kick start the first U.S. Nail Art Lifestyle Magazine, Tipsy Zine which provides nail art enthusiasts with a candid yet unadulterated view of how nail art has managed to sweep through the industry as we see it today. So sit back & relax, and let’s get the scoop on what AstroWifey is currently up to.
Name: Ashley “AstroWifey” Crowe
Location: Chicago, IL
Occupation: Freelance Designer Manicurist, Creator/Owner of Tipsy Zine
Current Obsession: Undecided
Q: Which Social Media Platform Are You Most Frequent In Using?
A: I love using Instagram, I feel like it is the best platform for me since my art is so visual and images is the best way to share what I am up to. I have so much fun with it. I also love documenting.
Q: I have to ask, how did you come with the name “AstroWifey”?
A: This is always a funny story to tell. I was searching in the “slang dictionary” online of all things, looking for cute slang words for a woman. I found cute things like birds, betty, babes and a few others but then I stumbled across “Astronauts Wife” which was defined as a woman out of touch with reality, yet strangely attractive. I loved the idea of beauty in something strangely attractive but wanted to change the part about out of touch with reality since I translated that as head in the clouds or an air head. So I decided to change it from Astronauts Wife to AstroWifey because to me AstroWifey stands for a woman that is independent and ambitious, yet has naturally nurturing qualities. A woman who sees the beauty in her flaws and use them as strength.
Q: What is “AstroWifey” most inspired by?
A: I am inspired by all things around me, from fashion, art, music and just about anything I can lay my eyes on. When it comes to nail art many clients bring in pictures of outfits, patterns, and art to inspire nail designs. I am specifically inspired heavily by street and pop art and really enjoy doing recreations of these kinds of styles on nails.
Q: What Are Five Favorite Nail Lacquer Brands That You Can’t Live Without?
A: My number one in Shellac by CND because most of my clients want their polish to last as long as possible and with Shellac’s two weeks wear it is definitely crucial in my kit. I only use Shellac when it comes to no-chip brands because I feel it’s extremely gentle on the nail and does not damage the nail when you remove it. I also love the unique colors of Floss Gloss, RGB Cosmetics, NCLA, and Bernadette Nails by manicurist Bernadette Thompson.
Q: You have been such a pioneer in the nail art community, how did the concept of Tipsy Zine come about?
A: I appreciate that so much and am totally humbled by that statement. I don’t consider myself a pioneer; I just have decided from day one that I would always try to at least follow my dreams even if there could be possibility of having struggles along the way. In all my business adventures I always believe whole heartedly in my capableness and believed in all projects I have been blessed to be a part of. I guess it’s a certain passion I have for what I do, it makes me happy. I wanted to start Tipsy Zine because I personally wished there was a place I could find all the nail news in one spot and there was nothing out providing that. I also felt responsibility for supporting the nail art community and being a nail artist myself I knew what other nail artists and enthusiasts may want to see and read. So I started this dream of Tipsy by contacting friends to help the dream a reality. It really could not be possible with all their talent and hard work. Running a magazine is not easy and we hit bumps in the road all the time, but it’s so rewarding when you see the final project and hear all the support from the nail community.
Q: What nail art trends would you like to see change in the current scene?
A: There is not really anything I want to see change because the scene is changing all the time. I love seeing artists and indie companies’ growth and really believe in our community. Most of us nail artists are really supportive of one another and are actually close friends, kind of a nail art sisterhood if you will. We text and call each other with advice on a daily and stay connected whenever there are cool projects in the works. I never feel like anyone is possessive of the scene, we all just want to learn from one another and support each other.
Q: Since you are the natural nail care guru, list three nail care essentials that you just can’t live without?
A: I am obsessed with Horse Power by butter London. It’s a nail hardener that has a herbal ingredient called horsetail that strengthens and repairs nails. If I see a bit of a peeling nail I put on a layer of this to restore the nail back to a healthy state. My nails are bare of color quite often, but I always make sure that I at least have a coat of this on if they are stripped of color. I also love CND’s Solar Oil which is cuticle oil with Vitamin E and Jojoba oil. I even rub this into the cuticles when pedicures needs a pick me up and it looks like you just got a fresh one done. My last product is Zoya’s Remove + which is a polish remover, nail cleanser and nail prep all in one. It’s a gentle remover and has a gentle smell. It actually nourishes the nail unlike harsh acetone removers.
Q: What can nail art junkies across the globe expect from Chicago’s own AstroWifey & Tipsy Zine in the near feature?
A: With AstroWifey I will just keep doing my thing with my art and sharing it with everyone. I plan to get my “Go Hard in the Nail Paint” t-shirts back stocked in my shop and hopefully create additional product. In the far future I would love to open up a nail school to teach proper nail techniques and build an awareness and respect for proper nail care and manicurists. There is a healthy way to do all nails, even artificial enhancements. I have a lot in mind for that project, but will keep it under wraps for now until I have everything in place for that. For Tipsy Zine I would love to see it grow and become a nail art staple. I believe in Tipsy Zine because I believe in all of those involved. Everyone, even the nail artists that contribute their work put in so much time, effort, and share so much of their talent and I am so thrilled to see the excitement and buzz around it. It’s truly a girl power movement, although I don’t discriminate and have seen some pretty awesome men out there holding down the community. In that case, boy power as well
You Be Sure To Follow “AstroWifey” :
@AstroWifey on (Facebook/Vine/Twitter/Instagram)
Blog: www.astrowifey.wordpress.com
And Be Sure To Check Out “TipsyZine Magazine”:
@TipsyZine on (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram)
Website: www.tipsyzine.com