12 mins
Icon Of Industry
As Jan Arnold steps down from her role at CND™ after 46 years, Scratch shares her inspirational career story that combines style, science, creativity & success
Renowned worldwide as a creative visionary, Jan Arnold’s colourful career in the nail sector has been fuelled by passion, innovation and an unwavering dedication to the craft. Her industry journey started in 1978, when her father, Dr. Stuart Nordstrom, a practicing dentist, had the idea for a nail enhancement product, and subsequently launched SolarNail™ Liquid. This monomer set a benchmark for liquid & powder systems and changed the future of the Nordstrom family, proving to be an invitation to expand into a new area of imagination: one that Jan seized with both hands.
“Building on a foundation of hard work and smart chemistry, our company, then Creative Nail Design, formed in 1979, and pursued and achieved one innovation after another,” shares Jan. “My father shared his vision with myself and my siblings, Jim and Tom, as well my mother Mary. From the sidelines, sisters Ann and Carol were there to witness the madness.”
The Nordstrom family.
Jim and Jan with representatives from MAHA Cosmetics, Germany: the first international distributor for CND™.
In the years since, Jan and the CND™ brand have shaped and elevated nailcare and artistry, building on the brand’s portfolio with Brisa Gel™ and CND Shellac™. She has been instrumental in getting nails noticed on global runways, and her personal affinity for fashion is woven into her visions, which have inspired countless nail professionals to elevate their craft.
Representing Creative Nail Design at a trade show.
Jan’s ability to merge science with beauty, art with technique and business with creativity is one that has left an indelible mark on the industry. Continually championing the pro, she has judged internationally and served on influential boards, such as the Beauty & Barber Institute, American Beauty Association, Professional Beauty Association and The Nail Manufacturing Council. A keen philanthropist, Jan is a founding board member of Beauty Changes Lives, a non-profit organisation that empowers individuals with mentorship, inspiration and scholarships, to help make the beauty profession a viable career.
Jan congratulating a
Beauty Changes Lives
scholarship recipient.
Beyond her professional achievements, Jan’s warmth, generosity and boundless enthusiasm have made her a true icon of industry. She celebrates the talent of nail artists worldwide and helps them push the boundaries of what’s possible in nail design. Jan hasn’t just helped build a brand: she has built a community rooted in excellence, artistry and innovation. As she steps down from her role at CND™ after 46 years, her legacy remains intact – firmly woven into every product, trend and nail tech she has inspired.
Jan judging on Oxygen TV show,
Nail’d It
, in 2014.
A post on CND™’s
Instagram
reads: “Jan, your groundbreaking innovation and unwavering commitment have not only shaped our brand, but set new standards in the industry. Your visionary leadership and passion have driven us to achieve some of the greatest milestones in nail art and care, inspiring us to push boundaries. We are profoundly grateful for your brilliant ideas, relentless pursuit of excellence and the legacy you leave behind.”
“Nails do for the hand what a stiletto does for the leg!”
Jan Arnold
A MESSAGE FROM JAN…
“After 46 incredible years since co-founding CND™ with my family, I am stepping down from my role.
“This change fills me with nothing but inspiration and excitement for the future. I feel immensely blessed to have had an extraordinary career, filled with entrepreneurial adventures, growing a business from the garage up, realising my father’s vision, building the nail enhancement category, protecting the health of the natural nail and expanding CND™’s product portfolio through revolutionary science and best-in-class education.
“From day one, I have been dedicated to the growth and success of nail professionals, supporting their rise to the top as influencers and taste makers. This rise has been driven by a relentless pursuit of innovation, enabling salon services to become easier to wear with no nail damage – a process that continues to evolve.
“Building global online nail competitions in partnership with Scratch: the World’s Star Nail Artist (WSNA) and North America’s Star Nail Artist (NASNA), has been incredibly rewarding. We continue to cast a spotlight on the best-of-the-best nail professionals, who go on to find fame and fortune. What glorious programmes to be part of, as we demonstrate to the world why choosing to become a nail professional is a first-choice career.
“The most meaningful part of my time with CND™ and Revlon has been meeting so many people. I have had the privilege of working with wonderful, talented and visionary individuals. Over the years, these relationships have been at the core of my inspiration.
“I am beyond excited to continue my missions in beauty and the arts, including philanthropy. I thank you for an extraordinary career and vow to stay connected and continue my commitments to the future of the beautiful nail profession.”
Samantha Sweet, Pam Hogg and Jan Arnold at
London Fashion Week
SS20.
CND
T
M
for The Blonds at
New York Fashion Week
AW25.
Watching the SS19 Libertine show at
New York Fashion Wee
k with late designer, Iris Apfel.
With Vivienne Westwood.
FASHION FOCUS
In 1995, the team at CND™ realised that runways were void of nail colour and asked an emerging designer, Cynthia Rowley, if their pros could polish models’ nails with watercolour shades for her spring 1996 runway show. “She was so surprised by the question that she said, ‘Nails? Hmm, why?’” chuckles Jan, who is revered for her own sense of style. “We said: ‘because they are 10 – or with toes, 20 fashion accessories that all women can wear to express themselves in a fashionable and affordable way’.
“Our goal was to elevate the role of nails in fashion and in doing so, boost the status of the nail professional,” reflects Jan. “After this success, we created nail looks for the Nicole Miller show, then were granted a meeting with designer, Oscar de la Renta. We went on to do show after show until we did 75 shows in a single New York Fashion Week season, making our mark on the fashion industry and shifting the dial in fashion accessibility for all women.”
HAPPINESS
“So many things make me happy,” Jan reveals. “Inspirational people, sunshine, a fresh haircut, new and exciting nails, fresh air, the beach, coloured pencils, plaid and polka dots, a warm towel after a hot shower, ultra-fine black Sharpies, dancing, Patrón tequila, eggs and continuous learning.”
INSIGHT
“My mother made sure that my siblings and I had a treat, private moment, story, special meal or delightful event that made us happy every day,” Jan shares. “She instilled in us the sense of living in the moment and doing it with joy. This guides my life every day, and I thank my mum for this amazing gift. She also gave us spirituality, a belief in God and a higher power, that helps us live with humility.”
“When I started my nail journey in the 1980s, there was little understanding about the chemistry of nail products. I have a science background and had questions – and it was the CND™ brand that gave me answers. To this day, it has my heart and trust.
“I became an educator for the brand’s UK distributor, Designer Nails, which was owned by Simon and Gigi Rouse, and was invited to CND™ HQ in San Diego for its International Bootcamp. It was there I met Jan Arnold and learned of the importance of excellence in application skills, product chemistry and nail unit anatomy – lessons that have formed the basis of my long and eventful career.
“Jan said then, and still says now: ‘You can’t educate what you don’t innovate’, and CND™ has innovated on the global nail stage. For several years, Jan and I collaborated on many fashion shows and still enjoy monthly phone calls. While my interest in science started at school, my knowledge developed thanks to CND™ and Jan, who has always been a force of nature and inspiration in my world.”
Marian Newman BEM, nail industry expert, author & educator
“Every industry needs its beacons of light: visionaries with avant-garde spirits to take it into thrilling, uncharted territory. Jan Arnold is one of those rare forces, guiding the nail world with fearless creativity, illuminating a once-shadowed path with brilliance and boldness. She hasn’t just put nails on the map; she’s turned them into art and expression. A true pioneer, an engine of inspiration and a force of nature – we have followed her light with joy, fuelled by her energy and vision.
“To have worked alongside Jan on so many groundbreaking projects has been nothing short of an electric, mind-expanding ride. From pushing creative boundaries to shaping the industry’s future, every collaboration was a fusion of vision, passion and pure magic. Her legacy will continue to shape its future in ways we have yet to imagine.”
Alex Fox, co-founder of
Scratch
& global director of
Nailympia Competitions
“There are few individuals in the professional nail industry who embody vision, artistry and leadership quite like Jan Arnold. Her passion for nails and creativity is evident in everything she does, and she has consistently led with originality and generosity.
“When she approached Scratch to launch the World’s Star Nail Artist and North America’s Star Nail Artist contests, it further testified her commitment to championing nail professionals, and she continues to work tirelessly to ensure their recognition. I am honoured and overjoyed to have worked with Jan on these projects to empower nail artists. Her character is as colourful as her outfits – and I am forever grateful for her mentorship and the insight she brings to every Zoom call and industry event.
“Jan – your impact on the nail industry and its individuals is immeasurable, and I can’t wait to follow your next steps in industry elevation. I have no doubt you’ll be taking those steps in fabulous shoes!”
Helena Biggs, editorial & partnerships director at
Scratch
& organiser of the
North America’s Star Nail Artist
contest
“I met Jan in 1992 at Earls Court, London, while I was seven months pregnant with my first son, Haydn. She was astride a Harley Davidson, and I remember thinking: ‘wow!’. She was at my CND™ Bootcamp in 1997 and called me a future rock star, introduced me to sushi and told me I should work in PR.
“Jan supported my husband, Samuel, and I when we took over UK&I distribution of CND™ in 2007, and she sent me to New York on her behalf when she couldn’t attend Fashion Week. How could anyone else represent Jan? I have so many amazing memories with her, and most of them are hilarious!
“Even though Jan has taken the decision to step down from her role at CND™, her number one priority is, and will always be, the nail professional. She has instilled her values in me: to elevate the nail industry, make nail pros feel empowered, encourage them to charge what they’re worth, and help them to be proud of what they do.”
“Both Samuel and I are so very grateful for the myriad of moments, memories and journeys that we have been lucky enough to share with Jan over the years. Sweet Squared has grown for many reasons, but fundamentally we were taught core values by the Nordstrom Family.
“We are part of one another’s journeys and Jan will forever be part of our story and lives. I look forward to enjoying a glass of Chardonnay with her, either in Del Mar, Paris or Tokyo!
“We love and salute you, Jan. You are a legend and we thank you so much for the opportunities that brought us to where are today. We will continue to honour our CND™ commitments to you and all nail professionals – and always with Sweet Squared’s renowned ‘Love & Respect’.”
Samantha Sweet, co-founder of Sweet Squared, CND™ UK&I distributor
INSPIRATION
“My husband, David, is my life partner and design idol. He’s the most brilliant designer and most open-minded artist I know,” says Jan. “He designed the first official logo for CND™ and continues to blow my mind daily with his perspective on life. He sees things most people don’t.
“I’m also inspired every day by the nail pros I have the good fortune to spend time with. They are interesting, fascinating, colourful, smart, creative, unexpected, fun and amazing people.”
“In the 28 years I have worked in the nail industry, it was not until two years ago that I had the privilege of meeting Jan, and I wish it had happened earlier. I was nervous to meet an industry iicon, pioneer and celebrity, but she showed warmth and interest that never falters.
“Jan’s passion for the nail industry is as strong as ever, and she continues to embrace innovation and champion individuals. She is one of the kindest and most approachable people I know. Thank you Jan for the nail world you sculpted that we all enjoy today.”
Scott Derbyshire, CEO & publisher,
Scratch
“I met Jan at the first nail show I ever attended in London, in around 1981. Later, I went on to head up the demonstration show team on the Creative Nail Design stand and worked with the then CND™ distributor in London as its Northern sub distributor. A few years down the line, our big adventure with CND™ began when Jan rang me and asked if we would like to take over its exclusive distribution for the UK. The timing couldn’t have been better for my husband, Simon, and I.
“I owned three nail salons in the North of England and had also started the Leeds School of Manicure, teaching nail techs the art of nail enhancements. Simon was a businessman wanting a change. Thus began a business partnership with CND™ that helped us make friends that are now family (literally).”
Gigi Rouse, former CND™ distributor &
Scratch Stars Services to the Nail Industry
winner 2012
“There is simply no one else in the history of nails who has transformed and shaped the industry like Jan. She is the driving force that fuses education, fashion, aspiration and accomplishment into the very soul of our profession, and has inspired (and continues to inspire) generations of professionals to be more than manicurists. She certainly did for me.
“I had known of Jan since my early days as a salon nail pro, but I first met her in person in 1997 at CND™ Bootcamp, where I was training to become a CND™ educator. Her work ethic and uncompromising dedication to precision and polish set a high bar, producing some of the top educators of all time.
“Within a year, I was on the Bootcamp trainers team when she called and asked if I had a passport. I said: ‘Of course, don’t all Americans?’ – and yes, I lied to Jan. Within weeks (and a rushed passport request), she had flown me to Leeds, UK, to lead my first solo Bootcamp. Jan’s parting advice? ‘You’ll meet Samantha, and you’ll love her, but I trust you’ll remember you are representing me.’ No pressure. When Samantha and I finally met, Jan’s prophecy came true, and we fell head over heels for one another. Jan couldn’t have been happier or more supportive. She has given me the gifts of unforgettable experiences, inspiration, moving mentorship and the confidence to chase my dreams.”
Samuel Sweet, co-founder of Sweet Squared, CND™ UK&I distributor