The Beauty Pro Book Club: 4 Reads to Inspire Growth and Success
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
by Anne Moratto
Creative’s Founder Honored for Pioneering Efforts
Creative Nail Design's Dr. Stuart Nordstrom was honored for his extraordinary contribution to the field of cosmetology
by Staff
March 1, 1998
At a ceremony inducting Dr. Nordstrom into the Cosmetology Hall of Fame, his wife Mary Nordstrom accepted an award from the NCA VP Jack Humphries of behalf of her late husband and the entire Nordstrom family.
2 min to read
No ordinary dentist, Dr. Stuart Nordstrom was honored for his extraordinary contribution to the field of cosmetology at a December 6, 1997, ceremony at the American Beauty Association’s Dialog conference in Boca Raton, Fla. A 1997 inductee into the Cosmetology Hall of Fame, Dr Nordstrom, the co-founder of Creative Nail Design, was selected for his pioneering work developing new nail products and promoting standards and education at a time when the nail industry was just starting to blossom. He joins other Cosmetology Hall of fame notables such as Charles Revson, Paul Mitchell, and Vidal Sassoon.
At a ceremony inducting Dr. Nordstrom into the Cosmetology Hall of Fame, his wife Mary Nordstrom accepted an award from the NCA VP Jack Humphries of behalf of her late husband and the entire Nordstrom family.
Dr. Nordstrom’s interest in nail technology was first piqued in the 1970s when one of his dental patients, a dissatisfied nail technician, recognized the material he was using to make a temporary crown as having the same odor as the product she used to sculpt nails. The patient complained that the product she used yellowed and became brittle with age, so Dr. Nordstrom went home to his garage laboratory and mixed up some test batches of a product he thought would work well for nails — one that would not yellow, was safe, and was compliant with FDA standards.
By 1978, he was formulating a liquid and powder system for three or four nail technicians. He had devised a four-step system: decontaminate, form, mix, apply. He even had an engineer design a dappen dish that would slow down evaporation.
Soon the family took their product on the road to tradeshows.
Dr. Nordstrom would bottle liquid on the back porch, his son Jim would put boxes together, and his daughter Jan and wife Mary would sew the booth draping. Calling their company Classique Nails, Dr. Nordstrom, Jim, and Jan traveled to schools to work with students. In just a few months, the company moved into a 500-square-foot building and changed its name to Creative Nail Design.
By 1983, when Dr. Nordstrom attended IBS in New York, Creative Nail Design was thriving and a whole industry was springing up with nails at its center Dr. Nordstrom, who had suffered from heart-related health problems much of his life, died in June of that year, on Father’s Day. Since his death, the company has grown into one of the top professional nail care companies. In I 995, it was acquired by Revlon, although Creative’s management team remains in place with Jan as president and Jim as CEO.
“My father loved this industry,” says Jim. “So much so that the night before he died he was actually writing up a patent on nail tips. He believed in quality, education, commitment, and loyalty."
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Business
Create a Salon Suite That Reflects Your Brand and Delights Your Clients
The most successful salon suites balance personality, function, and comfort. Megan Communale of My Salon Suite shares her best advice for designing a space that supports your business goals and leaves a lasting impression on every guest.
by Anne Moratto
Square's 2026 Local Economy Report Reveals the Neighborhood Network Effect
Square data shows that regular customers tip 11% higher and are shared across 32% of businesses in the same ZIP code, driving thousands of dollars in additional revenue per connection.
Precision, Passion, and the Business of Beauty
When Bowie Lau and Jeffrey Ching opened JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon in 2011, they weren’t just launching another luxury hair destination—they were building a business rooted in passion, artistry, and thoughtful growth.
Sponsored by Amex
The Golden Touch: Luxury Service Helps Drive Loyalty at J Gold Salon
Inside the Systems That Power an Elevated Salon Experience From seamless online booking to a team-first culture, J Gold Salon in Atlanta offers more than great hair—it delivers consistent, high-touch service with the help of partners like Boulevard and American Express.
Sponsored by Amex
How to Build Career Connections in Beauty: Expert Networking Advice from K18’s Sabrina Sanborn
Want to grow your career as a beauty professional? K18 Sales Manager Sabrina Sanborn shares advice on networking, mentorship, and self-advocacy—from attending hair shows to finding the right guidance to reach your goals.
How Can I Minimize Cancellations and No-Shows?
A combination of clear policies, effective communication, and strong client relationships has helped me create a more reliable and efficient booking system.
Nailtorious Iconz Beauty Academy Announces the Rollout of its Professional Product Line
Founded by Cleveland serial entrepreneur Shaura Rodgers, Nailtorious has grown to include a nail supply megastore, training facilities, and retail line for nail techs.
Stylists Share Their Advice for the Post-Holiday Quiet Period
This period after the holidays can bring on a huge lull for hairstylists. We asked Cosmo Prof's team of professionals to offer their best advice on how to deal with the January-February slow period.
10 Housing and Interior Design Trends for 2025
Key highlights include a push toward inclusive spaces for all abilities, an emphasis on maximizing livable square footage, and a continued love for modern farmhouse exteriors.
Prepare for Small Business Saturday® with American Express
The busy holiday season is here, and with it comes jam-packed days, last-minute client requests and booming retail sales. For many salon owners, the highlight of the season is Small Business Saturday® (SBS). This year on Saturday, November 30, consumers can take their shopping into the small businesses in their communities.
Sponsored by Amex
6 Quick Tips for Building Financial Mastery
Want to become savvy about your personal finances, but don't quite know where to start? Anna Manukyan identifies six important concepts for building a strong financial foundation.
Success at the Top: Thriving on Madison Ave.
Salon owner Nuri Yurt had a dream of owning a salon on New York City’s Madison Avenue. "Through perseverance, hard work and stellar customer service, he and partner John Kaygisiz founded Toka Salon in 2007.
Sponsored by Amex
The Salon Today 2024 Technology Solutions Guide
This guide is your one-stop shop for a plethora of technology tools, software and services created to keep your salon or spa thriving.
Where Should My Money Live: An Account Breakdown
Anna Manukyan shares a breakdown of what different types of financial accounts should be used for.
Vagaro’s New AI Features and Communication Tool Pave the Way for a More Efficient, Profitable Business
Vagaro has consistently been at the forefront of salon software technology, helping businesses be more efficient, create more effective communication, and even improve company culture. Now, Connect by Vagaro, the platform’s two-way communication capability, and Vagaro’s new generative AI tools are giving owners new opportunities to grow and expand.
Sponsored by Vagaro
Young Nails Biz Talk: Are You Getting Too Close to Clients?
Young Nails' Greg, Habib, and Tracey discuss whether getting too close to clients can damage your business.