GLITTER!

What’s the difference between biodegradable and “regular” glitter?

“Biodegradable” means it can break down without oxygen and turn into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass “within a reasonable amount of time.” Biodegradable glitter is made from sustainably sourced eucalyptus tree cellulose, or the pulp from the eucalyptus tree bark, so it’s not made from plastic like “regular” glitter. It can break down in nature within several months and is ocean-safe.

The truth behind “regular” plastic-based glitter isn’t so fabulous. It’s typically made with toxic metals like aluminum, and these micro shards land on the ground and then eventually end up in our land and water systems where they will never degrade. That means they’re lingering in the environment, ultimately circulating back to humans through the food web.

Is biodegradable glitter affordable?

New Orleanians love glitter, so my main mission has always been to offer an affordable biodegradable glitter alternative. I’ve always tried to keep sustainability at the forefront of my business.

I offer hundreds of glitter mixes in various colors, as well as shimmery oils, lotions, scrubs, and other plant-based botanicals. You can order them from my website for shipping or local pick-up: glitternymph.com.

How did you start Glitter Nymph?

I started making glitter mixes as a junior at Loyola University and a few friends told me it would make a great business. It got me thinking—wait, I really could do this. All it took was a few supportive friends. I started investing a small amount of my savings, just $200. It took time and work, but that investment eventually earned me a $200 profit, and I just kept reinvesting the profits.

What have you learned from running Glitter Nymph?

As an artist, the crafting and creating came pretty easy to me. But as a small business owner, you have to do many things: be the creator, source the materials, market the products, do the finances and accounting, build the website, pack the orders, do the taxes, rinse and repeat. Some things came naturally to me, some didn’t.

To be honest, I’ve been learning many of the facets as I go, and while I’ve learned a lot, I’m sure there’s still plenty I don’t know! Some lessons have been harder than others, but I have stayed positive and kept with it. I came out on the other side with new skills. The important thing is to find balance, appreciate every step of the process, and remain authentic.

What are you most proud of?

I donate a portion of Glitter Nymph profits to a different environmental or social justice organization each month. The rest of the profits have been helping me pay off my student loans, which to me is a huge accomplishment.

What’s your favorite way to wear glitter?

I like to incorporate glitter into my makeup using a little bit of aloe vera gel. I have customers who use glitter when making candles and bath and body products.