Nail industry mourns passing of Jessica Cosmetics founder, Jessica Vartoughian

The nail industry has been deeply saddened by the passing of founder & former president of Jessica Cosmetics, Jessica Vartoughian.

Here, Scratch remembers how Jessica inspired and shaped the nail sector.

Jessica Cosmetics shared a post to Instagram on 28 April, announcing the passing of its founder. The caption paid tribute to Jessica’s ‘extraordinary legacy’, stating: “A true pioneer and visionary, she built an empire through her relentless hard work, passion and unwavering dedication. She was a pivotal force in shaping the nail industry and empowering countless professionals around the world.

“Jessica was not only an innovator and icon in the world of nails, but a true trailblazer whose passion, creativity and vision shaped an entire industry. She always put her best foot forward to bring the latest trends and innovations to life.”

The announcement was met with more than 200 comments from industry pros, who shared their condolences and personal memories of Jessica. Many described her as an ‘amazing woman’, ‘icon in the nail industry’ and ‘inspiration’.

Nicknamed the ‘The First Lady of Nails’ by the New York Times, Jessica was born and raised in Romania, before moving to Los Angeles as a teenager. With no knowledge of English, she enrolled in beauty school: a decision that would unknowingly spark a long and impactful career in the beauty industry.

Her passion for nailcare emerged when she began studying the anatomy of the nail and its unique needs based on nail type. In an 2015 interview with Scratch, she said: “I developed a passion for upgrading the manicure experience, making it sophisticated and luxurious for both the client and the professional. I opened my own salon in 1969: the Jessica Nail Clinic in Beverly Hills. It was the first ever nails-only salon and enabled me to teach my cutting-edge technique to professionals whom I call my ‘Nail Cultivists’. I inspired them to pass the knowledge onto the customer.”

Image: @jessicacosmetics

A-list stars, including Barbara Streisand, Diana Ross and President Ronald Reagan, became fans of Jessica’s techniques, and she launched product line, Jessica Cosmetics, based on the philosophy of treating the nail from the foundation. Its range of products, which includes natural nail treatments, over 250 Custom Nail Colours, Phēnom Vivid Colour, GELeration Soak-Off Gel Polishes and the ZenSpa Pedicure range, are available in over 60 countries worldwide: a testament to the brand’s success.

In her 2015 interview with Scratch, Jessica revealed her work motto to be ‘do it with passion or not at all’ and offered advice for nail professionals: “I believe education is one of the best tools in nailcare. To be the best, you need to invest in yourself, so attend as many training workshops and industry events as you have the opportunity to. Not only will this add new techniques to your skill set, but you will meet new contacts in the industry and reignite your passion and motivation.”

Jessica with Scratch founders, Alex Fox and Scott Derbyshire, at Beautyworld Middle East 2014.