Who knew that the result of happy childhood memories mixed with red nail polish and a devastating diagnosis could be responsible for the creation of a nail care product line? 
 
LaPierre Cosmetics, a new cosmetics brand based out of New Orleans, LA, honors the founder's mother, J.M. LaPierre, a woman who embodied elegance and class whom also loved to polish and take care of her nails. For years, LaPierre created many fond memories with her daughter, Brandi Blocker, over a fresh bottle of red nail lacquer.
 
In August 30, 2013, LaPierre was diagnosed with lung cancer. A few weeks after receiving her diagnosis, LaPierre moved from Louisiana to Maryland to begin chemotherapy and radiation treatments at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. The move gave her daughter the honor of being her caregiver, and enabled them to carry on a tradition that, in recent years, had been limited by the thousands of miles between them.
 
“When I would do mini-manicures, polish or even clip and file my mom nails, she would smile as if that simple gesture would giver her a moment of freedom from her reality,” explained Blocker.
 
Unfortunately, LaPierre lost her battle with lung cancer on Jan. 1, 2014. In her memory, LaPierre Cosmetics donates a portion of its proceeds to the Livestrong Foundation.
 
LaPierre Cosmetics nail lacquers appeal to the naturals consumer as they are “4 Free;” i.e., they do not contain formaldehyde, toluene, camphor or dibutyl phthalate (DBP). All products are not tested on animals and are manufactured in the US.
      
“Not only do we support a great cause, our unique product designs make us stand out. LaPierre Cosmetics trendy and long lasting lacquer collections all have mocha colored engraved wooden lids and are adorned with a linen pouch,” Blocker told Happi.com in an interview. “Our biodegradable natural Soytone Nail Lacquer Remover is an eco-revolution. Its non-toxic ingredients not only moistens nails and cuticles, its chic serum bottle only makes removing lacquer a super girlie experience.”
 
As of now, the primary distribution for LaPierre Cosmetics is in its online store at www.LaPNails.com.
 
Blocker explained, “Although our products are not currently sold over the counter in stores, we are focused on sending our product samples to distributors, salon owners and different media outlets while using the power of social media.”
 
To further drum up interest, LaPierre Cosmetics recently attended The Make Up Show in New York, NY handing out flyers and samples to attendees to gain more exposure.
 
“Our future plans are not only to expand our product line to hand and foot balms, but to other cosmetics as well,” Blocker told Happi. “However, for now, our plan is getting the world’s attention.”