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SEARCHSouthern California’s Venice Beach is known for its canals, its sunny climate, and its sometimes eccentric residents. It’s also the birthplace of Star Nail International, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
Star moved into this 70,000-square- foot, state-of-the-art building in Valencia, Calif., in 2003.
Star moved into this 70,000-square- foot, state-of-the-art building in Valencia, Calif., in 2003.
Southern California’s Venice Beach is known for its canals, its sunny climate, and its sometimes eccentric residents. It’s also the birthplace of Star Nail International, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
In 1981, Tony Cuccio, his brother Steven, and wife Roby arrived in California from Brooklyn with 13 suitcases, one of which was filled with nail polish and lipsticks. They set up shop on a Venice street corner and found their products in high demand. Their focus in the early days was private label products at low prices. And while the company grew and their name became well known in industry circles, their mantra stayed the same: Help the nail tech make money.
As Cuccio told NAILS in a 1985 interview [see cover models Tony and Steven below], “It’s the manicurist. We have always had her best interests in mind and always will. When we started we wanted to prove to the manicurist that she can get any product at the best possible price, so she can still pay her rent and stay in business.”
Today Star offers over 400 brands of nail products in 120 countries. Total sales of all Star Nail factories over 25 years are reaching $1 billion dollars.
1981 Tony Cuccio, wife Roby, and brother Steven found Star Nail Products on the streets of Venice Beach with a startup investment of $200.
1983 Helps develop a professional Extra Heavy Emery Board to assist professionals who use acrylics cut down their time.
Tony Cuccio and brother Steven graced NAILS’ cover in 1985.
1985 Starts producing gel formulated by Lumé International Chemist.
1986 Inc. magazine features Star as one of the fastest growing companies for 1986.
1990 Introduces a white sanding block, replacing the Disco Buffer. The Natural Nail Kapping System is introduced.
1992 Opens its first facility in South Africa and is one of the first to hire and provide formal training to black men and women in Johannesburg.
1994 Offers the light-cured acrylic system, Ultimate Lyte.
1987 Works closely with New York State nail technicians to develop Client Guard Kit.
1991 Becomes a partner in Star Nail UK and places its first manufacturing plant in Europe.
1993 Star Nail Canada launches. The Flash Silica Sculpting System is introduced.
1996
Introduces the brush-on wrap, known today as the Ultimate Fiberware Brush-On Fiberglass Kit.
1998 Sells Star Nail Europe to venture capital company for European distribution and introduces T3 Fiber Gel System
1999 Introduces the brand Cuccio Naturalé to addressing the needs of the natural market.
Tony Cuccio, circa 1985.
2001 Introduces Ultra Clear Acrylics.
2003 Star Nail moves to a new 70,000- square-foot building and increases on-site inventory to $10,000,000 for global distribution.
2004 Launches AcryGel, the hybrid UV technology combining gel and powder. Besides basic manicures and pedicures, Cuccio focuses on care for hands, arms, feet, and legs.
2005 Purchases Cina Nail Creations. Cuccio judges and hosts a nail competition and awards ceremony in Beijing, China.
2006 Partners with a manufacturer in Venezuela to provide a full line of nail products there.
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