Episode 272: Hoes of History: Mary E. Cobb

The Homance Chronicles

Nail polish dates all the way back to Babylonian times starting in Egypt, then making it's way to China and India. It didn't make it's way to Europe and the United States until the 1800's. Throughout history it was used as an identifier of wealth, royalty, and the upper class. Often times, certain colors depicted which class of people you were. The first nail salon opened in Paris in the late 19th century. Mrs. Mary E. Cobb was from America, but visiting France when she learned the art of manicuring. She made edits to their process when she came back to New York and turned manicuring into a full-on business. She branced out across the nation and added other services like hairdressing and skincare to her salons. She took the nail industry to new heights with her innovative techniques and products. Her and her ex-husband invented the emery board and red and pink nail polishes. They had the market cornered. Mary became one of the most successful businesswomen in the world.

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