It had been 15 years since I visited the offices of DeEnterprises, a Chicago-based manufacturer of professional nail products and originator of Aqua Nails, an acrylic system that cures in water (click here for the story I wrote in 1997 after my visit). I visited while I was in town for the ISSE Midwest show and stopped in to say hi to the DeSantis family. Patriarch Frank DeSantis has turned over day-to-day operations to his sons Frank Jr. and Peter (in the photo, it’s me, left to right, Frank Jr., Frank Sr., and Peter). The company still does the majority of its business selling products in bulk, specializing in pedicure products, acrylic systems, and now, a gel-polish line. Peter, a recent college grad and self-taught graphic designer, showed me how the company is now private labeling products for salons with custom labels (with minimum orders). 

DeEnterprises flies a little “under the radar,” and their primary business is through distributors. They do offer discounts to salons that buy in bulk and Peter wholeheartedly recommends that nail techs team up with each other to buy products together and save money. "The more you buy with us, the more you save,” he says.

They’ve recently launched a gel-polish line that is also designed for the budget-conscious. Called Angelic, the gel-polish line comes in 29 colors. If you order 20 half-ounce bottles you’ll save $7 a bottle.

Frank (the younger) says he welcomes requests for samples of any product they sell. He’s convinced that you’ll love the quality of the product as well as the price. To review the full scope of the company’s offerings, visit their website at www.deenterprises.com.

— Cyndy