Becoming Nauti

Even though I was born in Indiana, I tell people I am from Ocala, Florida.  No offense, Hoosiers, but I moved thinking snow was fun since I was so little.  I lived in Ocala until I went to Florida State University. After graduating with a B.S. in English Education, I moved to Bradenton and have been here ever since teaching middle school.  I married my husband, Layne, in 2002.  A few years later he became an offshore fishing Captain and started Snapper Addict.  We had two sons and became a NAUTI family.  The boys love to go fishing, and when Layne isn't on the boat with clients, we head to Egmont Key or other sandbars to hang out with friends and explore or chill.  We never miss a chance to go for a sunset cruise or create memories as a family.

Like many people during COVID, I found a new hobby.  Mine was nail stamping.  September 2020 I posted my first picture of my stamped nails on Facebook, and I was hooked (see what I did there?).  I quickly filled my shelves with store-bought polishes, indie brands, and polish I was making.  My favorite nights have been connecting with family and friends while painting their nails.  And just as great were the random compliments I received from complete strangers and my students about my nails.  Nothing made me walk a little taller than someone gushing over a color or design.  I had to help others feel just as amazing too. There was just one problem. Store-bought polishes and acetone were wrecking my nails.

Because my husband always says I try to turn my hobbies into a business, I couldn't prove him wrong this time.  So NAUTI Nails was born.  In order to be NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFULLY SIMPLE, and SIMPLY NATURAL, I experimented with polishes that would not only repair my damaged nails but be free of the toxic chemicals that ruined my nails in the first place. NAUTI Nails is made in the USA and, more importantly, is 21 free*. The new gorgeous caps are not only cute but resemble buoy markers that help guide boaters. The polish names pay tribute to the things that make my NAUTI-Florida life wonderful and have a sassiness that just make me laugh. More importantly, NAUTI Nails pays it forward.  Polish with Purpose is a collection of polishes that represent organizations who are working to maintain Florida's waterways and ecosystems.

Our first nonprofit group is Captains for Clean Water. I am so proud we will be able to play a part in preserving this beautiful state for future generations.

Be NAUTI and have fun!

XOXO - Erica and her Nauti family

*Crystal River Top Coat is 10 free.