It’s been a minute since I’ve shared a personal post here on my blog and I’ve actually wanted to share this story for a while. Not that it’s going to rock your world—although it might—but because there is more to my obsession with painting my nails than just an affiliate kick back from Olive & June*.
I’ve been painting my own nails since I was a girl. I’ve gone through phases where I didn’t paint, and occasionally I’ve had them done at a salon, but for the most part, it’s a homemade job. As an introvert, I don’t love sitting across from people I don’t know and having them touch me. That’s just never been my favorite.
But a few years back, I stumbled across an ad, probably on Facebook, for Olive & June and something about their vibe piqued my interest, so I placed my first order.
It was 2018 and I was working to grow my YouTube channel. I figured because you were seeing so much of my hands, why not give them a lick and a promise with some fresh manis, right?
I wasn’t great at painting, but I didn’t suck at it either. That said, once I started watching Olive & June’s content (lots of Instagram lives) and following their approach, I got better and better over time.
I fell in love with their polish and their culture, and like any good crafter who loves to collect, I started collecting all the colors. It was Full Set Syndrome for nail polish.
Then the pandemic hit and late in 2020, I began having some serious issues with my wrists and my mental health. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety and needed to find some ways to carve out a bit more down time in my daily life.
And that’s when it hit me: painting my nails is down time.
When I paint my nails, I’m not actually working.
When I paint my nails, I’m not obsessing about things beyond my control.
When I paint my nails, I’m only focusing on a single task.
When I paint my nails, I’m actually slowing the f#$k down and breathing.
It’s now to the point where I literally crave mani time. I look forward to it like you would a vacation. Or a weekend. Or a large serving of french fries.
Over the past year-and-a-half, mani time is literally an act of self care and self love for me. I’m not sure if that sounds over the top, but the process of painting my nails chills me out and when I’d done, I have something pretty to look at with a simple glance down.
And seriously, once I paint them, I glance down a lot.
And it’s always the same: dude! YOU did this.
I like my hands. I always have.
I have struggled with body image during my 55 years on this planet. Strange as it sounds, my hands have always been dependable. I can have a 40-pound swing, but my hands still look essentially the same.
A fresh mani makes me feel good about me. And I’m all about finding more reasons to feel good about me.
You know how when I’m filming a card video and the excitement in my voice comes out at the end? That’s the same way I feel about painting my nails. I think life is too short to not get excited about the stuff that you love. So that’s part of why I share my manis. I want others to experience that little slice of happy, too.
The other thing I love about this company is that they actually care about their customers. The owner, who just goes by SGT, doesn’t care how many followers you have on Instagram. She just wants to help you have a little slice of this happy, too. She really is a nail fairy godmother. Needless to say, I adore her and her entire small but mighty team.
And lastly, nail polish is a little luxury.
I’ve always been fairly budget minded. Part of that is being married to my super frugal Minnesotan hubby. But I feel like an $8 bottle of polish, or even an $80 mani system with all the tools and the colors is an affordable way to give your hands and nails—and yourself—some love. A salon mani-pedi costs about the same but with this system, you have all the tools and colors for many more rounds of fresh color.
I don’t pretend to be some beauty and fashion influencer. You all know I detest bras and wear the same shirt for days on end. But my well manicured hands? They just might fool you.
So that’s the story. Painting my nails brings me joy. It brings me some much needed chill. And it also brings me a bit of affiliate income, which does not suck. I’m always working to make ends meet in my life and if there is something I truly love, I’m going to share it with my crafty community with zero hesitation.
Olive & June is a zero hesitation product.
I’ll end with a few resources here, including a video I shared that shows you their process from beginning to end. Just remember: do NOT wash your hands after you prep. That little tip alone changed my mani life.
Also, be gentle with that buffer! In the video, it might seem like I’m going ham on it, but I promise, I am keeping it gentle.
Oh, and speaking of the tools? The clean up brush is how I get those nice clean lines by my cuticles. That tool alone is a game changer.
You can do this. I promise.
So there it is.
Olive & June is not an MLM. It’s not a cult. Well… actually, it is kind of a cult. But it’s one I’m more than happy to be part of.
You can learn more about Olive & June by visiting their website, as they have lots of educational resources and info!
FOR MY COMMUNITY: As an affiliate for Olive & June, I have a code you can use to save 20% off the purchase of a mani or pedi system. Use code cathyz at checkout to save.
Thanks for stopping by!
CZ CURRENT FAVES: For the record, my current favorite colors are: Pink Sands, Cherry Crush, CV, Honest & True, Angelfish and Grape Soda.
*I have been an affiliate for Olive & June since I discovered them. I think you will love their products.
Leora Henkin says
Thanks for sharing!!!!! Love you!!!!
Cathy Zielske says
You know it, Leora!
Betty says
Thank you for sharing your story. On your recommendation, I gifted my daughter-in-law with their starter kit and a gift card so she could choose more colors. She is Italian and loves fashion, and she really enjoys the Olive and June products. On another topic, you posted about Boom cosmetics but I haven’t seen anything else. Do you like them? Thanks again! Betty
Annie says
Sold!
I have to wash my hands a million times a day and wear gloves constantly, so we will see how this works out. I’m not ~expecting~ it to be a miracle and, if it isn’t, at least I can have gorgeous nails on weekends and holidays! Also…it’s been a minute! Sort of lost touch a bit after the days of Newton’s and 5Ks. Great to see your face again! Like a long lost virtual buddy (at least, on my side. Lol. You on the other hand would have no clue who I am).
Gloria Colston says
I remember when you introduced Olive and June on Instagram. I was not familiar with the company. I loved it right away but thought it was too pricey for me. But I loved the idea because I am an introvert too and a bit frugal. I would paint my nails at home but never take time for a manicure. Thank you for sharing this story. Reading this is a reminder to take time for self care. Think I will treat myself today 😉
Caroline says
You are making me want to polish my nails!! Many years ago in my 20’s, I would paint my nails Friday night & take it off Sunday night as I could not wear nail polish at work during the week. It really is a little treat you do just for yourself. Thanks for sharing❤️
Kathy McConnell says
Your mani obsession totally makes sense to me! As a fellow anxious introvert, I need zen downtime but I’ve never viewed mani time as that. Now, instead of trying to multi-task while my nails dry I’ll take the opportunity to treat it like card-making time. Thanks for sharing!
Cathy Zielske says
Yes! What I usually do is get set up, put some headphones in, start the mani, and then while I’m waiting for the coats to dry (and I always do 10 minutes between each layer), I watch Netflix.
Right now? Burning my way through Grey’s Anatomy. lol! Hadn’t watched it in years and decided to rewatch!
Angie A. says
Because of your love of Olive & June, i took the plunge. These products are amazing! Thanks for pointing me in their direction!
Cathy Zielske says
SO glad to hear that, Angie! Great product, great company.
Michelle says
Kathy, you are an influencer! Because if you I asked for the Mani system fir Mother’s Day and I so love this product! My nails have never looked this good. I’ve been recommending Olive & June to all my friends. When I order product how do I make sure you get affiliation credit?
Cathy Zielske says
If you just click on this link, i’ll get the kick back: http://bit.ly/olivecz
Sue O says
Thanks for this post Cathy. You are all about being honest, which I appreciate. I have never been able to paint my nails, especially as I’ve gotten older and developed a tremor in my hands. But I can appreciate how doing this can take you out of your head and let’s you just be.
Cathy Zielske says
Sometimes when I have wrist pain flare up, I have to take a pass for sure!
Whitney says
This post makes me have all the feels! I’ve been polishing my nails since the 5th grade and now that I’m in my 20’s, I’d like to think I’ve gotten good at it. I love to see your mani’s. I love that this “hobby” provides a peaceful time to relax and downtime for your mind.I feel the same way and I hope you continue showing your manis in the future!
Xoxo.
Whitney says
This post gives me all the feels! Before O&J, I thought I was the only one who loved doing nails. I love seeing your mani’s. I love that painting and caring for your nails brings you relaxation and peace for your mind. I feel the same way. I hope you keep sharing your mani’s in the future!
Xoxo.
Cathy Zielske says
I will , Whitney!
Lori Spicer says
I always like checking out your nails on your videos, and those colours are fun! That said, CCT is one of my faves 🙂
Cathy Zielske says
Lori, I just did a CCT for the first time (that photo above) and I was so surprised at how much I liked it!
Patricia Wilson says
This is such a great story. It’s wonderful that you found something that truly makes you happy and helps with all those little aggravations that come your way. I do that with my card making and if really stressed then do allot of coloring. Thank you for being so honest and forthright with us.
Cathy Zielske says
Coloring can be a great stress reliever for some. Not so much for me, lol, as I struggle with it but yes, same idea!
Ginger says
Hey Cathy, it’s awesome that doing mani’s is working 2 fold for you, you’re getting some down time doing something you both love and enjoy doing and your hands and nails look fab. I personally think your hands should start appearing in the nail pics on the Olive & June site. When I find myself seeing, liking, loving a particular color on one of your videos and I always look in the comments to see if you indicated the color name. Just a wish here, could you, would you think about maybe making an album for your mani pics & colors, I’ll bet I’m not the only one that wishes that (and if you already have such an album that I’ve not found where would I find it) I personally can get a better feel for a color shown on your hand/hands than on the O&J site, I think that is because your skin tone is similar to mine and I also have my nails about the length of yours (well some or most of them, a couple I’ve recently had a mishap or two with) – now if I could only shape mine as well as you do yours, but practice makes perfect and I’m working on getting better. Happy mani time, both you and your nails ROCK.
Cathy Zielske says
Hey Ginger! I will try to remember to always include the color with any pics! I don’t have any public album of that nature, but… I know Olive & June is very helpful too, if you ever see a pic they share, to DM and ask the color!
Fiona Scott says
I do my own nails too, being in lockdown has added some anxiety into my life, and doing my nails gives me peace time. Keep up the fabulous work, thank you Cathy for sharing 💕
Cathy Zielske says
Yes to that, Fiona!
Anne agreen says
If mani time helps you, then you go for it. Your followers and fans want you to be healthy and happy.
You turned me on to O and J and I love it. I hadn’t done my nails in a long time and now I can’t remember when they have looked so good. Thank you and keep painting!
Cathy Zielske says
Love helping to enable!
Kate Haddad says
After seeing your posts over time, I finally dove in. I just received my order, and I can’t wait to try it!
Cathy Zielske says
Kate, I hope you love it! Let me know, okay?
Andrea Murdock says
I love that you found something that brings you so much joy in the chaos of life. I personally look forward to your instagram stories. Something about your voice makes me calm and feel creative. Thank you for doing them. I used to be obsessed with painting my nails and fell out of it somehow. I think it’s time to revisit that self care.
Cathy Zielske says
Appreciate that, Andrea! And yes, I’ve gone in and out of nail painting phases throughout my life, but the latest one? It has stuck!
Janice Harrison says
Started taking better care of my nails since finding you on YouTube. As a nurse my hands tended to age me (wash,wash, wash, and no lotion makes the gloves hard to get on!)
Now I have a desk job as a nurse and can appreciate beautiful I’m kind of appreciate beautiful nails. Yours are an inspiration and I especially like to the information on taking care of your cuticles.
You look like you’re feeling good in your videos these days and that makes me happy! Keep up the good work!
Cathy Zielske says
Thanks, Janice! Appreciate your comment and here’s to nurses like you!
Christine J says
Thank you, sweet CZ! Because of you, it was an OBVI choice and I splurged and got (and did) the O&J bootcamp. I have always struggled with doing my own nails – the mess on my cuticles, the smell of non 7-free nailpolishes. But the 5 mani’s and 2 pedi’s in and I’m hooked on the O&J system. And you are absolutely right – doing my own nails is therapeutic, cathartic and pretty darn relaxing. Thank you for being both a man-i-nspiration but my fave papercrafter!
Cathy Zielske says
YASSSSS! That makes me happy on many levels!
MaryAnn says
I can relate to this post on so many levels! Thank you being so real! I found olive & June thru you and have loved the system. Excuse me – I’ve got to go paint my nails now.. I’m thinking wild orchid today. 😊
Cathy Zielske says
Mmmm. I painted that two manis ago. Underrated and gorgeous!
Arleen says
It’s funny, I just watched your mani video yesterday, and painted my nails along with you! Thanks for sharing your story.
Cathy Zielske says
Love that!
Pam says
That makes perfect sense. Like really deep aha ! sense. I felt that. It’s really made me think. Thank you for sharing this. And I’m glad it’s made such a difference in your overall life. Good good good !!
Cathy Zielske says
Yep, all good!
Rhonda Moitoso says
Cathy, thank you for your honesty about mental health and anxiety. I watch all of your videos and buy your crafting supplies you create and now it’s time to jump on the Olive and June bandwagon!!! Your hands always look gorgeous…the hands of a twenty year old!!!
Cathy Zielske says
Rhonda, you are so kind to say that. My secret? I avoid the sun like the plague. I just don’t tan. I burn like a mother!
Joan Marshall says
You got me started on O&J and I have about 7 colors now. Grape Soda is the latest one. Taking it with me this weekend for a family reunion to paint my little niece’s nails. She loves pinks and purples. I, too, have done my own finger nails for decades (let the salon do my toes), so I’ve built up a stash of colors with a color chart:-). I take my own polish to the salon. That said, I love the O&J polish (lasts a long time), the nail polish brush, and their system so much that I am rethinking the polishes in my stash. I mixed an Orly polish with Grape Soda and O&J polish was so much easier to use. Love it! Got most of the greys, even though I love Lava and XOXO! Thanks and keep taking good care of yourself!
Cathy Zielske says
Love that, Joan! I used to occasionally get my toes done at a salon but I had a foot surgery in 2014 and have only done one since. My feet are nothing fancy but I’m happy to do ’em at home.
Jessica Jobe says
Thank you for sharing this Cathy! You are a pleasure to watch and I love the banter that goes along with it. You are so genuine and authentic and the world needs more of that! My nails are a lost cause but I will live vicariously through yours! They are beautiful!
Cathy Zielske says
My mom also has lost cause nails. Meaning, she is allergic to nail polish so she has never been able to wear it!
But, never says never, Jessica! Keep em short and maybe a simple sheer color? Or even clear? : )
Debra Moorer says
Thank you Cathy I placed a order for you.
Cathy Zielske says
Yay! I hope you love it, Debra!
CANDEE SCOTT says
Cathy, I’ve enjoyed your card making videos since I became unemployed last October. I love your nails. I agree you have nice hands too. I’m happy the O&J system has given you quiet time and increased your well being. You deserve it! I started a new job in April. Today (after a few paychecks) I took the plunge and bought an O&J set (thanks for the discount). I love your sense of humor too! Candee
Cathy Zielske says
Congrats on the new job and I hope you love your set!
Margarita Navarro-Rivera says
Well Cathy, your video and sharing your story really convinced me to give these nail polishes a try. I clicked on you link that stated “visit their website” and I did add the coupon code you provided1 I hope that you get credit for my purchase. I have not polished my own nails in years so I am excited to try these polishes! Please let me know if you don’t get the credit so that I can contact them and let them know that you were the one who inspired me to get the started set!
Cathy Zielske says
Oh, I’ll get the credit Margarita! Thank you and I hope you love it!!!
Lydia says
I took the plunge a couple weeks ago and LOVE looking at my nails. Following their steps is very important. Am anxiously waiting for my recent order of new colors. I was really on the fence about the hot strawberry cause I couldn’t tell how “hot” it wasy. Am thrilled that this makes you happy and that you are sharing your thoughts.
Cathy Zielske says
Hot Strawberry is gorgeous! It’s more pink on me, for sure, but I’m super pale! Hope you love it!!!
Peggy M says
After seeing your success with O&J I started following & using their polish too – yes you influenced me. I used to get them done ALL. THE. TIME. And stopped because Of budget, time, kids & life. My husband was after me for years (“you don’t paint your nails any more”.). During lockdown it because a small joy & self care routine. My hands haven’t looked this good in forever. It’s one small step that is having more influence for care. I’m walking again almost daily, working at other better care habits.
So yes, thank you for sharing O&J Cathy.
Cathy Zielske says
Yes! Small routines for self care. Peggy, I’m getting back to walking more, too!
Carol says
And behold, a voice said unto me “Paint your nails for things could be worse”. So I painted my nails – and behold, things DID get worse! Lol lol. Only joking Cathy.
I have Sjogrens Syndrome and find it hard to grow and keep my nails in good condition but you have inspired me to try AGAIN. So, right now I have clear nail varnish on them to protect them till they grow a bit and I can try to shape them like yours without them breaking. Then – some colour!
O&J should do a colour dedicated to you ‘Beyond Blue’
Keep surviving because it’s a pleasure to watch you craft and to read your ‘stories’
xx
Cathy Zielske says
Well Carol, I adore clear painted nails! : )
Jan Stroh says
Thank you for sharing your story with us. For me card making keeps me sane! I think you are such a wonderful person. I learn from you, I laugh with you and I can relate to you! Have a wonderful and colorful day !
Deb Rymer says
Leave it to you to wax poetic about painting nails – love your perspective and inspiration. Thanks to one of your videos awhile back, I started using O&J for pedis and am loving it. I’m even training my cuticles on my hands now. 🙂
KimberlyO says
Wowzers! I’m an Olive & June fan myself. I decided to spring for the Foot kit just now. On a whim, I entered your code, thinking that I’d get an error message as I’m not a NEW customer. IT WORKED! Thanks for saving me some serious moola!! 🙂 ($56 instead of $70 before taxes.) I’m in dire need of a pedicure but I really dislike going to the nail salon. They do a good job, just that I’m not a fan of strangers touching me. Since I have a LOT of the O&J neutral colors, I sprang for the Hot Strawberry shade for my tootsies. Thanks again!!
Tracey Smith says
I love it when you share your heart. Keep being real.
Terri W says
I finally placed an order and hope my nails look as great as yours!