Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Patton.
Hi Jill, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up in punk and hardcore scenes, I had always been appreciative of a DIY approach to business. In this spirit, I ran a candle company in Austin for over a decade. If you’ve lived in Austin for a while, it’s possible you purchased or were gifted a Luna Tigre candle.
Then, in the summer of 2023, I discovered nail polish. I fell hard into this new hobby and the self-care/beauty routine of doing my nails at home gave me so much joy! I immediately began fantasizing about creating my own polishes. As a maker with experience in formulating, maybe I could make something amazing. I dove in deep and started experimenting with my own formulations. Eventually, I was happy enough with my creations to think about taking it to the next step – a business! Collaborating with my creative director husband/partner, we built a brand as unique as what we hoped to bring to the polish game. Prism Parade officially launched in September 2024.
In the last year and a half we have released 10 collections featuring over 60 nail polishes using specialty ingredient shimmers, glitters, neons, flakies, and more. Rooted in inclusivity, we believe nail polish is for everyone and that your nails can be your own unique form of expression – and today, we need that more than ever.
We were honored to win a Best of Austin 2025 award from the Austin Chronicle and are looking forward to continuing to create dazzling, beautifully unruly shades for everyone’s nails!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a business is never smooth – this is our third! I think one of the biggest challenges in this space is navigating ingredients that are only available overseas. In today’s unfortunate political landscape, things are ever-shifting, so having to deal with price changes, taxes and tariffs, regulations and rules, and inconsistent shipping practices can be a nightmare. It just has to be taken one day at a time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Prism Parade, we’re known for creating beautifully unruly shades for your nails. We use specialty effect pigments, which make our polishes shift and change in different lighting. We’re striving to create a next level premium product with colors that are loud, arresting, and designed for unapologetic self expression. Plus, all of our polishes are handmade in Austin.
What does success mean to you?
What is success? To me, it’s how I feel at the end of a long day. Did I do “good work”, get sh** done, give my team my best? Do I feel happy with what I put out into the world that day? If I can say “yes” to those questions, the day has been a success.
Pricing:
- Nail polishes $12-$14.50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.prismparade.com
- Instagram: @prism.parade
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560709345786
