Brand Bios: J. HANNAH

Inspired by natural elements & the artist's palette, J.HANNAH produces contemporary, highly pigmented, non-toxic nail polish.

Pictured: Eames Nail Polish

Nail polish might seem like an unrelated departure from jewelry, but J.HAHHAH views painting nails as part of a greater ‘handscape’. 

The name J.HANNAH stems directly from the founder’s name– Jess Hannah– and it’s clear to see how the brand is a reflection of the person. In an interview with Into the Gloss, Hannah explains that she “thought of nail polish mostly because [she’s] a former nail biter, and a coat of polish really helps curb that impulse… Nail polish also felt holistically related to jewelry, because you're still adorning your hand.”

Interested in color theory, pigments, and the moods they invoke, there’s an almost philosophical manner to their line of polishes.

Each shade is inspired by the natural elements and the artist’s palette (Akoya– ‘gold leaf, worn opulence, deco’; Saltillo– ‘chalky earth, Coahulia clay, midwestern kiln’; Blue Nudes– ‘inky pigment. Matisse’s palette, midnight’) and even share interesting stories behind different color pigments. Their ‘Compost’ shade was actually inspired by  “the ugliest” Pantone color.

J.HANNAH’s nail polish is an extension of their brand and a departure from jewelry, but they have similar reverence for history, specifically the act of passing an object– an heirloom– on.

Obviously nail polish is not going to last as long as a charmed necklace, but similar to a piece of jewelry, there is a history and stories that connect to specific colors. Pantone’s certified ugliest color transforms into ‘organic drab’ and ‘baroque mulch’, a richly earthy pigment that’s contemporary and sophisticated. 

Colors can also evoke moods and tone, and there’s a clear level of intentionality in how they choose their shades and present them as color stories. Much like their nail polish is crafted as a layer of nuance for a hand adorned with meaningful jewels, the stories behind each variation of J.HANNAH nail polish are themselves multifaceted.

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