KathleenLights takes on the nail category with Lights Lacquer
Lights Lacquer, a vegan and cruelty-free nail polish company founded in 2019 by beauty YouTuber and influencer Kathleen Fuentes, best known as KathleenLights, is making its mark in the nail care category.
The Latina-founded brand features color story collections inspired by its founder’s passion and knowledge of makeup, color theory and the world around her.
To learn more about the brand and its origins, Inside Beauty spoke with KathleenLights about all things Lights Lacquer.
Inside Beauty: Can you tell us about your background and how your career as a beauty YouTube vlogger and influencer began?
KathleenLights: Growing up in Miami as a first-generation Cuban-American, beauty, and fashion were always a significant part of my life. Watching my mom, who had a makeup bag full of MAC products, inspired my love for beauty. I started my YouTube channel in 2013 out of boredom and what began as a hobby quickly turned into a passion as I realized how much I enjoyed reviewing beauty products and connecting with an audience. My authenticity and genuine love for beauty resonated with viewers, and my channel grew rapidly. Today, I have over 4.13 million YouTube subscribers, and I am grateful every day for the loyal audience that has supported me since day one!
In 2019, I founded Lights Lacquer, a Miami-based brand that specializes in vegan, cruelty-free, and Twelve-Free nail lacquers. Beyond nail polish, Lights Lacquer offers press-on nails, jelly lip balms and nail care treatments. My days are filled with creative brainstorming sessions for new nail collections, discovering emerging beauty brands, and testing and sharing innovative products with my followers!
IB: Where did the inspiration to create Lights Lacquer come from and what sets the brand apart from other nail products currently on the market?
KL: The inspiration for creating Lights Lacquer came from my close collaborations with major brands via YouTube and other channels, which sparked my passion for product development. Wanting to create something unique, I avoided starting a makeup brand to maintain my ability to review diverse products. Instead, I chose nail polish, a personal passion I hadn't explored much on my channel. Since childhood, I've loved nail polish and dreamed of naming shades. One day, frustrated with existing options, I complained to my mom while doing my nails, and she suggested I create my own brand—and Lights Lacquer was born!
Our collections are inspired by my Cuban heritage and Miami roots, each telling a unique cultural story.
IB: Why was it important to create an ethical and performance-focused product that is designed by a women-led team?
KL: Creating an ethical and performance-focused product was crucial for me because I wanted to offer something I would personally use and recommend. As someone who loves animals and is mindful of product ingredients, ensuring our polishes were free of toxins and cruelty-free was non-negotiable. Being a women-led team, we understand the needs and preferences of our customers intimately, which allows us to design products that are not only safe but also high-performing and beautiful.
IB: Can you share a little of where the inspiration for each collection stems from?
KL: Each Lights Lacquer collection is a reflection of my personal interest and experiences, cultural heritage, and seasonal celebrations. I draw inspiration from everything around me—be it my childhood memories, the places I've traveled, or the cultural tapestry of Miami.
IB: Where do you see Lights Lacquer in the next year?
KL: In the next year, I envision Lights Lacquer expanding its reach and product offerings apart from what we’ve already expanded to. Our goal has always been to be available in retail stores and nail salons nationwide, starting with my hometown, Miami. We'll continue to innovate with new collections and products, ensuring we stay true to our commitment to quality and creativity. I also hope to see our community grow even stronger, as we continue to engage with our customers and incorporate their feedback into our brand evolution!
IB: Are there plans to launch any new collections for the remainder of 2024?
KL: Absolutely! We have several exciting collections in the pipeline for the rest of 2024, including our always popular Holiday collection. We’re also exploring new product categories. For example, with “Something Borrowed,” we launched a new product category including chrome powders and sponge tools. Our goal is to continue offering innovative, high-quality products that our customers will love and feel good about using. Stay tuned for more unique and inspiring collections coming your way!
