Founder of OPI and Company Origins
OPI Products was founded by George Schaeffer, a chemist and entrepreneur who launched the company in the early 1980s with a focus on professional nail lacquers. Schaeffer built OPI into one of the most recognized names in nail cosmetics by combining chemistry expertise with branding and distribution partnerships in the professional beauty channel read more on Forbes.
The company started as a small manufacturer of nail treatments and grew through a strategy of licensing pop-culture themes, expanding color lines, and supplying professional salons worldwide. OPI is headquartered in Calabasas, California, and operates as a subsidiary of Coty Inc., a global beauty company that acquired the brand to strengthen its professional and color cosmetics portfolio Coty official website.
OPI Products, Brands, and Market Position
OPI is best known for its extensive nail polish collections, including the famous "I'm Not Really a Waitress" line and dozens of themed sets tied to entertainment, sports, and cities. The brand also offers base coats, topcoats, nail treatments, and hand care products sold through professional salons, beauty retailers, and e-commerce platforms.
OPI Product Categories
Key product categories include classic lacquers, gel and soak-off polishes, nail lacquers with added nutrients, and seasonal limited-edition releases. OPI also markets tools and accessories such as files, brushes, and dryers, and the brand is frequently cited in industry rankings for professional nail polish innovation and salon distribution reach.
Ownership, Leadership, and Recent Developments
Coty Inc. acquired OPI Products in 2020, integrating the brand into its Professional Beauty division led by president and CEO Sue Nabi, a former L’Oréal executive SEC filing on Coty acquisition. Under Coty, OPI continues to operate as a standalone brand with its own product teams while benefiting from Coty’s global supply chain, R&D resources, and retail partnerships.
OPI’s Role in Coty’s Portfolio
Within Coty, OPI is positioned alongside other professional beauty brands and prestige color cosmetics labels, supporting Coty’s strategy to grow in the salon and at-home beauty segments. The brand maintains a strong presence in North American professional salons and has expanded distribution in Asia, Europe, and Latin America through Coty’s international infrastructure Bloomberg coverage.