Each year, millions of people who frequent nail salons are exposed to a host of dangerous viral, bacterial and fungal infections, ranging from HIV, Hepatitis B and C, staphylococcus, streptococcus, athlete's foot and nail fungus.  Although nail salons are required by law to follow strict sanitary codes and regularly sterilize their equipment, the harsh reality for the customer is that many do not.  In fact, a recent 20/20 investigation found that of all the professional nail salons they randomly selected around the country, almost all tested positive for potentially harmful bacteria.

Four years ago, after visiting her favorite nail salon, CUTIEKIT co-creator Valerie Moizel-Hatton contracted a small infection from unsanitary salon tools.  Within one month, her nail had fallen off. Rather than swear off manicures and pedicures, she started bringing her own set of tools to the salon.  It wasn't long afterward, during another nail appointment, that Valerie met Laurie Shiers, a young woman with a similar experience.  They shared their stories, and the inspiration for CUTIEKIT was born.

While there are many manicure kits on the market, none contain the same complete set of tools routinely used by professionals at nail salons.  And buying each tool separately can be costly and inconvenient.  CUTIEKIT was designed so that you don't have to share tools with the thousands of others who frequent nail salons.

Laurie Shiers:  A Los Angeles native and beauty supply addict, Laurie has always found creative ways to make a living while supporting her acting habit.  Most notably, in 1995, she co-created, starred in and wrote for the world's very first episodic website, "The Spot".  She also co-created GrapeJam, the first web sitcom, and co-founded America Online's Entertainment Asylum.  Television and film credits include "The Young and the Restless", "Beverly Hills, 90210", "The Adventures of Little Cindy" with Shirley Jones, a dozen short films whose names you'd never recognize, and the upcoming theatrical release, "Bachelorman".  When not doing "research" at various spas and manicure salons around town, Laurie can be found pounding the pavement, shaking hands with strangers (while checking out their cuticles) and trying to keep her dreams alive.

Valerie Moizel-Hatton:  Also born and raised in Los Angeles and addicted to going to the nail salon, Valerie graduated from The Art Center College of Design with a BFA in Advertising.  She now owns an advertising agency, and is the creative director at The Woo.  Some of the clients she has WOOed include: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, FatBurger, The Good Guys, La Brea Bakery, Winchell's Donuts, Rampage Clothing, XOXO Clothing and many others.  Check out some of her work at www.wooagency.com.  She has also written a soon-to-be-published book chronicling her experiences about how to find the perfect man. (Here's a clue: Men love nice hands and feet!)

Check out these links and you'll never share your tools again!

CutieKit Press Release

CutieKit on Extra!

abc News: Barbara Walters 20/20, "Getting Nailed"

abc news: Good Morning America, "Nightmare Manicure"

American Academy of Dermatology: "Hair and Nail Salons Linked to Infectious Diseases"

Archives of Dermatology: "Nail Salons Can Be Risky Business"

If you would like to send your comments e-mail them to: thegirls@cutiekit.com

Dr. Thomas Fielding, Dermatologist:

"Having your own personal set of tools when you go to the nail salon is a crucial aspect of preventing infections.  CUTIEKIT is a great idea!"

Karen H. Brooklyn,NY
"Great idea! My sister-in-law and her mom both bring their own tools
every time they get manis or pedis. I got each of them a set and me as
well, time to turn over a new, germ-free leaf! I am in New York after
all! Great concept and incredible execution."

Ruby Matthews, Beverly Hills, Ca:
"I lost my big toe nail from an infection I got at a salon that didn't clean their tools properly.  I will never share my tools with anyone else again!"

Jessica Green, Encino, Ca:
"CUTIEKIT is so easy.  I just throw it in my purse and go to the salon.  Finally someone has made a kit that has the actual tools my manicurist feels comfortable using."

            We ship only in the U.S. Please allow 2–4 weeks for delivery.