On the latest episode of the B2B Breakthrough Podcast, host Ciara Cristo sits down with Brittany Golden, the Founder and CEO of IGL Nails, to explore her inspiring journey of turning a personal passion into a thriving business. From overcoming personal challenges to revolutionizing the press-on nail market, Brittany shares valuable insights on inclusivity, resilience, and building a brand that empowers women.
Table of Contents
From passion to business
Addressing nail bed diversity
Building strong supplier relationships
Networking for retail success
Resilience through challenges
Manifesting future success
Wrapping up
From passion to business
For Brittany Golden, IGL Nails started as more than just a side hustle—it was a form of therapy during one of the most challenging times of her life. After losing her father and finding new creative outlets in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brittany painted custom press-on nails as a creative outlet while nail salons remained closed. What began as a small passion project quickly gained traction as she started sharing her designs online.
Brittany noticed a glaring gap in the market: press-on nails rarely catered to the diversity of nail bed sizes. This realization became the pivotal moment that sparked the creation of IGL Nails. Her brand quickly evolved into a solution for customers who had struggled to find press-on nails that fit comfortably and securely.
Her journey is a testament to the power of identifying and transforming an unmet need into a full-fledged business. For Brittany, IGL Nails wasn’t just about creating beautiful products—it was about building something that resonated with people and brought inclusivity to an overlooked corner of the beauty industry.
Addressing nail bed diversity
One of IGL Nails’ defining features is its commitment to inclusivity. In a market that often takes a “one-size-fits-all” approach, Brittany recognized the importance of catering to diverse nail bed sizes. She could adapt and refine her product offerings to better serve their needs by maintaining an ongoing feedback loop with her customers.
Whether it’s longer nail beds or flatter shapes, IGL Nails now provides options that empower customers to feel confident with nails that fit perfectly. Brittany’s dedication to listening to her audience and responding to their unique challenges has set her brand apart. This focus on inclusivity elevates her products and builds trust and loyalty among her growing customer base.
Building strong supplier relationships
Starting and scaling a product-based business comes with its share of challenges, and for Brittany, one of the biggest hurdles was navigating relationships with manufacturers. In the early days of IGL Nails, she faced significant issues with her initial supplier, leading to delays and inconsistent product quality.
Through trial and error, Brittany learned the importance of diversifying her supply chain and building strong, reliable relationships with multiple manufacturers. By prioritizing clear communication and trust, she established partnerships to maintain the high quality her customers expect while ensuring stability in her inventory.
Her experience serves as a reminder that behind every successful product is a network of partnerships and processes that require careful management and attention to detail.
Networking for retail success
Taking IGL Nails from an online store to retail shelves was no easy feat, but Brittany approached this challenge with strategy and persistence. She shared how participating in accelerator programs and attending industry conventions played a key role in expanding her network and securing retail opportunities.
Brittany successfully landed IGL Nails in major retailers like Hot Topic and TJ Maxx by actively pitching her business and building connections with decision-makers. These partnerships have helped grow her brand’s visibility and credibility in the beauty market.
Brittany’s story highlights the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, networking strategically, and positioning your brand for success through proactive outreach.
Resilience through challenges
Entrepreneurship is never a smooth journey, and Brittany openly shared some of her most challenging moments. The first challenge is related to securing funding as a black female entrepreneur. Additionally, during a high-risk pregnancy, her ability to focus on IGL Nails was significantly impacted, leading to a staggering 113% decrease in revenue.
Despite the setback, Brittany’s experience taught her a valuable lesson: the importance of self-care and allowing yourself time to heal. She used this period of reflection to renew her commitment to building IGL Nails—not just as a business but as a legacy for her daughter.
Her resilience in the face of adversity is an inspiring reminder that even in our most challenging moments, it’s possible to return stronger with a renewed sense of purpose.
Manifesting future success
Looking ahead, Brittany has bold plans for the future of IGL Nails. She shared her vision for launching a new GELX collection specifically designed for athletes, highlighting press-on nails’ versatility and durability.
Brittany is also exploring licensing opportunities with major sports organizations, a move that would bring her products to an even broader audience. These plans reflect her ambition to push the boundaries of what press-on nails can be while continuing to empower women and redefine beauty standards.
For Brittany, the future of IGL Nails is about much more than growth—it’s about making a lasting impact.
Wrapping up
Brittany Golden’s journey from side hustle to CEO is an inspiring story of perseverance, innovation, and inclusivity. Through IGL Nails, she has not only created a successful brand but also paved the way for others to feel confident and represented in the beauty industry.
Her story reminds us that success often comes from recognizing opportunities in the face of challenges and having the courage to pursue your passion. Whether it’s building strong partnerships, overcoming personal setbacks, or envisioning new possibilities, Brittany’s journey is a powerful example of what it means to turn a passion into purpose.
Tune in to the full episode of B2B Breakthrough to hear Brittany’s story firsthand and gain insights into building a brand that truly resonates with its audience.
