Nail Industry Q&A: “Beauty File” with Richard Hurter of KUPA

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Love Kupa‘s Products? Then meet Richard Hurter, President of KUPA and born businessman! He has been a driving force behind the company for two decades, and as recently as this summer now runs the whole show. Nailpro interviews him to find out what makes him tick.

Nailpro: What was your first job ever?
Richard Hunter: When I was 10 years old I worked at a Swap Meet in the valley helping the vendors get set up and cleaning up after they finished for the day.

What was your first job in the industry?
I worked for my then in-laws at a beauty supply store they owned called Tapo Beauty Supplies in Simi Valley, California.

If you could be anybody famous, who would you be?
Steve Jobs. He was an amazing businessperson and visionary. I have been an Apple fan since the Apple II was introduced.

What inspires you?
Technology and Art; I love when the two are combined.

What was your proudest accomplishment?
My recent acquisition of KUPA. I have wanted the opportunity to develop the KUPA brand for a very long time.

What is your favorite type of music?
I love all kinds of music, so it depends on what mood I’m in. However, there is an old southern rock band (The Outlaws) that has a song titled “Green Grass and High Tides.” It has a really long guitar set that I get lost in.

My favorite movie is…
Young Frankenstein. It makes me laugh just thinking about it.

What is your most treasured possession?
The “Box.” It’s an old cardboard box full of disorganized pictures, cards, drawings and other do-dads from Jon and Lexy’s childhood.

My guilty pleasure is…
Beer. I love trying different types of beers, but they all need to be cold!

What are you most afraid of?
That suddenly everyone will decide to only wear natural nails.

I can’t discuss nails without…
Trying find out what the latest trends are, what clients are asking for and what techs are experiencing in the salon.

[Image: KUPA, Richard Hurter]

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