The Painted Nail by Nubar polish collection includes a Polka Dot Top Coat, Malibu Dreams, Electric Blue (named by ’80s pop star Debbie Gibson), Legendary Lavender (a percentage of proceeds will go to the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation), Fairy Wings, Citrus Sparkle, and Mestiza (named by High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens).

NAILS: Tell our readers one thing we wouldn’t expect about you.

Katie: I am absolutely obsessed with educating people about nails and that’s why I want to open a nail academy that would focus solely on nails. Students can not only become certified to do nails but will learn all of the new nail technology (gels, French wraps, Virtual Nails, nail art), plus customer service skills and the business side of operating a nail salon. Students would graduate ready to work in higher-end nail salons and spas or be ready to open their own nail business.

NAILS: Do you expect things to change once the show airs? How have things changed already?

Katie: I’m sure people will be more aware of everything we do. We are putting ourselves out there; and that can bring a lot of opinions — good and bad. Things have definitely changed already. People seem to be a lot nicer to me then normal and I have zero free time. I take five minute showers now!

NAILS: What’s your wish for the nail industry?

Katie: I just wish more people would look at nails the way I look at it. The nail industry is such a fun industry and I love all things nails. Why don’t people get it? Look at hair people. It’s totally different. I think a lot of people still see nails as the black eye of the beauty industry. But we are awesome too. I don’t understand. We deserve some respect. There are stars in the hair industry. Why don’t we have any nail superstars? I want everyone to love nails as much as I do.  

Read Katie’s Shgow Recaps

Nail Files premieres on TV Guide Network on Tuesday, June 24. Check your local listings to see when it’s on in your area. Katie will be blogging after every episode. So make sure to log on to blogs.nailsmag.com/editor for her weekly updates where she dishes about what really went down behind the scenes.