Cocktails With… Nadia Stanley
As co-director of Stanley & Empress boutique and a television and music production insider Nadia Stanley is always on the go. Luckily, she pauses long enough to catch her breath in the garden at Starapples Restaurant, share a drink and tell us of her latest venture — Fashion Nails.
What are you sipping?
A rum punch, but it has to be prepared with white overproof rum.
What do you like so much about the garden space at Starapples?
I’m a real city girl — love the pace and the high-rise and stuff — but I really appreciate nature. The area is very relaxing and I can gather my friends and talk about what others aren’t supposed to hear. And it’s also close to the boutique so I can check up on things.
Socialite or homebody?
I’m dead-even on everything. I try to balance both.
Flats or stilettos?
I’m really a sneaker-type girl, but I understand the value of stilettos.
Who does your hair?
I did it by myself, but Neah Lis is my main hairstylist… she gives a great cut and that affords me to style it in-between visits.
What’s hot about Fashion Nails?
What isn’t? It’s clothing for your nails…in a place like Jamaica, where the tropical weather means that fingers and toes are usually out, it’s the ultimate fashion accessory.
What’s your style?
Street-chic; having an urban edge but still influenced by classic beauty.
What’s in your clutch?
My BlackBerry, because business is important to me; lip gloss, bronzer and my nail file. I have a sweet tooth so I will always have sweets.
What’s your idea of the perfect date?
I think getting away. I don’t usually date guys outside of my social circle, as I’m more about getting to know another side of him. So, driving to ‘Portie’ and talking on the way in does it for me.
What’s your idea of the perfect man?
One who is going to love me for all that I am. Definitely one who is honest and loyal…everything else can come in different shapes and sizes.
What’s your latest obsession?
Fashion Nails…to the point where my other businesses are like ‘what’s going on?’ I really think nail polish is about to be obsolete because of this trend.
Who or what inspires you?
People who rise above their means.
What’s in your car stereo?
I work with Big Ship, so I mostly listen to the musical stylings of Chino, Stephen McGregor and Laden. I’m a dancehall type of girl.
What projects are you currently working on?
A couple of music videos and we’re working on opening another Stanley & Empress boutique at Strawberry Hill. And Fashion Nails launches this Wednesday at Fiction.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Know who you are and be comfortable with it.
And 10 years from now?
I hope to be retired and I would have had a lot of businesses that do the work for me so that I can travel and concentrate on philanthropic efforts. Of course, what would 10 years from now be without being married with children?