Jan Arnold: Cofounder of CND (Creative Nail Design)

Jan Arnold is a pioneering force in the beauty industry and the iconic co-founder of CND™ (Creative Nail Design). With over 45 years of trailblazing leadership, Jan has redefined what it means to be a Nail Professional, elevating the category through science-backed innovation, world-class education, and bold, unapologetic advocacy.

Founded in 1979 by Jan’s father, Dr. Stuart Nordstrom, a dentist and organic chemist whose discoveries revolutionized the nail world, CND was built on a foundation of chemistry, artistry, and health-first performance. Jan took that mission and ran with it, transforming CND into a global beauty powerhouse and setting the standard for pro-grade nail care. As the high-fashion face of the brand, Jan has brought nails to the front row, leading CND’s presence at Fashion Weeks for 27+ years and collaborating with elite designers like Louis Vuitton, Libertine, The Blonds, and Marc Jacobs. Jan’s visionary approach turned nails into wearable couture and Nail Pros into backstage heroes.

A lifelong advocate for professional growth, Jan helped establish Beauty Changes Lives and co-created three major CND scholarships, raising over $450,000 to fund future nail talent. She has also championed top competitions like NTNA, WSNA, NAILYMPIA, and NASNA, believing competition is the ultimate form of education.

Jan’s legacy is more than polish and runway, it’s a movement. One that has empowered thousands of Nail Professionals to rise, create, and thrive. Her passion for innovation, commitment to community, and fierce belief in nails as a first-choice career continue to shape the industry’s future.

Interviewed by Winn Claybaugh, Jan describes CND’s origins, the company’s respect for Nail Professionals, and the value they can bring to a salon. While their conversation was recorded in 1999, Winn would eagerly want Jan to repeat everything she said for today’s listening ears.

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