How would you like to go behind the scenes of one of your favorite nail polish brands? I had the opportunity to live the dream when I recently visited OPI headquarters with Leslie from Work/Play/Polish. I had to take some photos and videos to share with you guys, so come with me as we pull back the curtain and peek into their world of nails!
One of the first things you may notice upon arrival is a big mural on the side of the building. Among other elements, it's got a huge OPI polish, a GelColor, and a Nicole bottle!
Leslie and I entered the building, got all signed in, and waited anxiously for our tour to start. We'd only been sitting there for thirty seconds when Miss Pop walked in! We both recognized her immediately as one of OPI's star nail artists. As it turned out, she was going to be joining us on our tour!
While Miss Pop got settled in, Leslie and I had the opportunity to meet with Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Executive Vice President and Artistic Director of OPI. You may recognize her name from polishes like "Where Did Suzi's Man-go?" and "Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees." I may have geeked out a little. It's fine. Let's pretend I played it cool.
We got to peek into their offices before our tour officially began. There were inspiration boards, stylized photos, displays from past collections, and ad campaigns decorating the interior. We got to see a few special rooms, including the manicuring room, where OPI techs apply and test products, and a marketing room, where they shoot a lot of their social content.
As we geared up for the factory portion of our tour to begin, we were given super sexy safety goggles. I immediately proceeded to take a selfie, obviously. We took a second to shoot a pic of our nails together, and our tour guide Sergio got in on the mani shot too (see above)!
Words can't properly express the experience of seeing OPI products being assembled, filled, and packed! You've just got to go watch the video at the top of the post, if you haven't already. Everything was so efficient... and seeing those polishes in mass quantities made my eyes get reallllll wiiiiide.
What do you think? Was it like you envisioned it? I know I was surprised by how non-industrialized everything seemed. OPI ships to 125+ countries internationally, and yet every single polish is manufactured in this one location. I couldn't believe that!
As Miss Pop said, the tour was the nail addict equivalent of getting the golden ticket and going on the Willy Wonka factory tour! I'm so thankful to have been able to have this opportunity, and I want to give a huge thanks to Jaq and Sergio who helped make the day amazing.
Awesome to see the behind the scene of the OPI Headquarters. Must have been so fun to tour.
ReplyDeleteWow that is super awesome and that shot of all of the silver capped polishes, nestled neatly in their compartments was enough to bring a tear to my organized, OCD little soul.
ReplyDeleteHow awesome was that?! It's like a nail wonderland. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
ReplyDeleteThat would be so awesome!
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing! Everything made in the USA - love it!
ReplyDeleteYou look sooo cute in those glasses :D It is AWESOME to be able to see the birthplace of my fav polishes!! Thank you so much for sharing this with us <3
ReplyDeleteI loved the video, thanks for sharing the look behind the scenes! I'd be like a kid in the candy store, especially the research & development lab looks heavenly <3
ReplyDeleteSo amazing! Once in a lifetime opportunity :) Thank you so much for making this video!!! Loved it.
ReplyDeleteWow, this was so neat to see!!
ReplyDeleteSmaller operation than I expected, but so freaking cool!!
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah, I'm so jealous of you for this trip of a lifetime!! I need to plan my next vacation completely around nail polish, like you did. =)
ReplyDeleteOh Sarah! that must have been fantastic! what a great experience, I really envy you!
ReplyDeleteOh wow u are a lucky lucky chic
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Thanks for sharing the video.
ReplyDeleteOne manufacturing location but four versions of OPI My Private Jet. I'm giving you the side eye, OPI. ;]
ReplyDeleteWhat a great opportunity! Some day you will have to come visit our little operation here! <3
ReplyDeleteI'm so 2000 and late to have seen this post. But it was such a fun day togethies! I wuvies!
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