Star Nail International president Tony Cuccio may be the one out on the frontlines attending trade shows, presenting seminars, and discovering new products, but while he’s out in the field, his staff continues to grow one of the largest nail manufacturers in the world.

Cuccio attributes much of Star’s achievements to a few good women. “It is women are our customers and our customers’ clients. I do not believe that Star would be the leader in the industry today if it weren’t for the intelligent women and their insight that has taken us from the streets of Venice Beach to five manufacturing plants throughout the world,” says Cuccio.

Star certainly has many great male team members as well, but today it would like to publicity acknowledge some of the busy women behind the scenes who make it all happen. 

Roby Cuccio, Vice President and COO of Financial and International Operations

Roby Cuccio is president Tony Cuccio’s wife, confidante, and co-founder of Star, she has played an integral role in bringing the company where it is today. Born in New York City, she attended the acclaimed Fashion Institute of Technology and ventured into the world of clothing design before moving to California. It is her flair for fashion that fueled the early years of Star Roby’s responsibilities have been involved over the years to sustain the company’s growth.

Patricia Freund, Vice President of Marketing

Patricia may be one of the newest members of the team, joining Star in early 2001, but she certainly warrants a big mention says Cuccio. “Patricia’s diverse background in the beauty industry is a refund.” As a license cosmetologist for over 20 years working with such industry leaders as Sebastian international. May’s for John Paul Mitchell System and J Beverly Hills. Freund understand the salon’s inner working. Her uncanny ability to look through the beauty professional’s eyes helps ensure that each new product service, retail, and education program developed works almost flawlessly for the salon.

Christina Jahn, Vice President

With a marketing degree from the university of Wisconsin and background in cosmetology, Christina knew early on that she wanted to be involved in the beauty world. That is just what she found whe she joined the Star team 18 years ago. Her passion for the beauty industry combined with her creative spirit has helped lunch some of the most successful products in nail care history. Her understanding of the frontlines of the salon industry was further enhanced when she married a stylist and salon owner says Cuccio, “Cristina has the rare qualities it takes to develop, plan and complete projects that are an absolute must for the company to continue to grow. “The Cuccio Naturale division is an example of Christina’s achievement.

Sara Stricklen, Chief U.S. Plant & Production Manager

Sara Stricklen has been the whiz behind Star internal structures since she started with the company 19 years ago. At the time, customers numbered in the thousands. Today, Star proudly services millions of nail technicians internationally thanks to Sara. Managing the entire U.S. facility, she is in charge of 110 people and ensure that the products are in house, package, and ready-to-go “With her magnificent organizational skills and great personality, Sara haw what it takes to keep our busy manufacturing end running smoothly,” says Cuccio. Sara’s innate ability to respond quickly to changes result in the finest customer service possible.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, Click here.