Jim Nordstrom was known as a great teacher of life, nails and even stock advice. With the passion and knowledge to help people grow, the 200+ attendees at his celebration of life were a testament to the impact he had on those around him.
Industry innovator, generous educator and loving family man, Jim Nordstrom, who passed away on March 21st in San Diego, California, at age 69. Nordstrom leaves behind an unmatched legacy and is survived by his wife, Linda Nordstrom, and his daughters Nikki and Carli Nordstrom.
Professional Life
Nordstrom, who was a biology major in college, began his career in the nail industry in 1979, taking over his father's, Dr. Stuart Nordstrom's, company, Creative Nail Design (now known as CND), with his sister, Jan Arnold. Nordstrom served as the Chief Executive Officer of Creative Nail Design for 17 years, before the company was sold to Revlon.
Following the sale of Creative Nail Design, Nordstrom retired in 2000 to focus on his two daughters while continuing to help within the industry.
With growing concerns for the natural nail, particularly with products requiring repeated removal and reapplication biweekly, Famous Names was born with IBX and Dadi Oil as its premier products.
Jim Nordstrom's biology background was essential to the creation of IBX, which became a 3-year project. Famous Names pushed Jim and Linda Nordstromback into the nail industry as co-founders of their own brand, leading them to immense personal success.
Celebration of Life
To continue Nordstrom's infectious influence, Linda Nordstrom hosted a party-forward celebration of life in honor of the beloved innovator at a restaurant.
"I know people will remember him as a people person and the life of the party, which is why I threw him a party," said Linda Nordstrom. "It wasn't a memorial, it was a celebration."
During the party, 12 speeches were made by industry peers, educators from across the country, family and close friends, showing just how impactful Nordstrom was. Tears were shed, but there were more people laughing, enjoying shared experiences and memories.
“There were people there from his personal life that knew a little bit about his business life, then there were people there strictly from his professional life, and it was so nice because everyone felt like they learned a different part of Jim.” Linda Nordstrom noted.
From the laughs and stories shared throughout his celebration, it was evident that Nordstrom was more than an innovator in the industry; to many, he was an uplifting mentor and a genuine friend. His legacy will live on.
