Fun, festive, and cruelty free, Virgo & Gem dip powders and nail products make it easy to attain long-lasting, gorgeous nails right at home. Committed to making nail care safe, accessible, and affordable, I had the pleasure of speaking with the founder Graciela Diaz to learn about her background, her products, and more.
Thank you for joining us Our readers would like to get to know you two a bit better. Could you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share a little about myself and my daughter. My name is Graciela Diaz, and I’m originally from Puerto Rico but now call Florida home. Over the years, I’ve tried a little bit of everything, from studying science to working at FEMA, serving, and bartending, but my proudest adventure has been building my own business.
I love picking up new skills. Right now, it’s tennis and chess, and next I want to try sewing and piano. I speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and I’m always excited to learn and grow. I’m also a proud mom of two, which is one of the most rewarding parts of my life. When I’m not working full-time on my business, you’ll usually find me with my kids, traveling, or exploring new restaurants, breweries, and vineyards. Working in the service industry during my early 20’s turned me into a bit of a foodie, and I love discovering new flavors wherever I go.
My daughter, who’s now six, is the most playful, sweet, and loving girl. She’s full of energy, has a big heart, and loves helping her friends, playing endlessly, and caring for animals. She even dreams big. Her goal is to go on a missionary trip to Africa to feed kids in need. She’s also the reason behind the name Virgo & Gem, which I’ll share more about later.
What was the motivation to start your own nail dip powder business?
I’ve always loved doing my own nails, but I struggled with traditional products. Nail polish took forever to dry and chipped easily, so I found myself doing my nails almost every day. When I tried a gel nail kit, some of those issues were solved, but I worried about the constant use of a nail lamp and the toxic ingredients in both systems.
Then I came across a dip powder and felt like I had found the best of both worlds. It was instant drying nails without a lamp and a final result as strong as acrylics. I didn’t set out to reinvent the wheel, but I noticed there was room for improvement. Many brands had topcoats that weren’t shiny enough, and powders that weren’t fully pigmented or made with clean, cosmetic-grade ingredients. I wanted to create powders and dip liquids that are high-quality, safe, and beautiful.
I’ve always dreamed of running my own business. When I saw the opportunity in an industry I loved it felt like the perfect match. It gave me the chance to build something I’m passionate about while staying home with my daughter and creating a brand and legacy we can be proud of together.
What sets Virgo & Gem apart from others, and who is your target customer?
What sets Virgo & Gem apart is our commitment to quality and our focus on continuous improvement. We’re always listening to our customers and finding ways to make our products and packaging even better. Our goal is to make every at-home manicure effortless, reliable, and enjoyable. We back that up with attentive customer service to ensure our community feels supported every step of the way. Our target customers are women who want salon-quality nails at home without the hassle. They might be busy moms, professionals, or DIY nail enthusiasts, but they all share a desire for products that are consistent, easy to use, and made by a brand that truly listens to their needs.
What is the significance of the brand’s name?
The name Virgo & Gem comes from me and my daughter. I’m a Virgo, and my daughter is a Gemini, so the name reflects our connection and the inspiration she brought to everything I do. It’s personal, meaningful, and a reminder of why I started this business in the first place. I’m now a mom of two, and while the business began as something for her, both of my children continue to inspire and motivate me every day.
What is the best way to use your product?
The best way to use the Virgo & Gem dip system is to start by prepping your nails well. This means gently pushing back your cuticles, filing your nails to your desired shape, and lightly buffing the surface to remove any shine or oils. Clean your nails thoroughly so the product adheres properly. Next, apply the base coat to one nail at a time and dip it into the powder. Repeat this process until you’re happy with the color and thickness. Once you’ve built up the layers, dust off any excess powder with a brush and apply the activator. The activator helps the powder harden and ensures your manicure lasts. Finish with the topcoat for a glossy, professional finish and apply cuticle oil to keep your nails and skin hydrated. For extra guidance, we have step-by-step tutorials on our website and a Facebook community where you can find tips, tricks, and share your manicures with other nail enthusiasts.
Working in the nail care industry for so many years, do you have a couple top tips you could share with us?
Definitely! Over the years I’ve learned that a few small things make a big difference. First, always take your time to prepare your nails. Clean, buffed nails are the secret to a smooth, long-lasting manicure. When dipping, it’s better to do thin layers and build up gradually rather than go heavy all at once. Don’t skip the activator, because it really makes your nails strong and helps the topcoat shine. Most importantly, have fun with it! Try new colors, play with designs, and don’t stress if it’s not perfect at first. Practice makes perfect.
Anything else we should know?
One thing I’d love people to know is that we’re always learning and improving. We listen to our customers, test new ideas, and find ways to make at-home nails easier, faster, and more fun. I’m really proud of the community we’ve built. People share their manicures, tips, and tricks, and it’s so inspiring to see the creativity and confidence our products spark. We also care about education, which is why we have tutorials and guides on our website, plus our Facebook group where people can ask questions, get support, and connect with other nail lovers. Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue adding new products to our line and creating more tutorials to help people take their designs to the next level. Hopefully one day, people will also be able to find our products at salons. At the end of the day, Virgo & Gem isn’t just about products, it’s about helping people feel confident, creative, and proud of what they can do at home.
Create salon quality nails in the comfort of your home and go to https://virgoandgemnails.com/.
