When Elliot Costello met Thea, a young girl whose story would change his life forever, his trip through Cambodia took a sudden turn for the better.

Thea had been sexually assaulted, even though she had a beautiful smile and colourful nails. While she painted one of Elliot’s nails, he promised to remember how hard things were for her. This made him want to stop child abuse.

Because of this random meeting, the #PolishedMan movement was born. In this movement, men paint one nail to represent the one in five children who are sexually abused. It’s a strong sign of unity and a call to action to stop using abusive words and behaviours that keep abuse going.

Elliot wants to stop more abuse and make the world a better place for kids by supporting educational programs for child survivors and starting conversations.

A single painted nail has an effect that goes far beyond how it looks. It starts conversations, makes people more aware, and moves people to act. Elliot wants guys, even famous men, to join the movement and do something about it.