>>YOUNGAMERICANS
Robbie Schaeffer
The entrepreneurial spirit is definitely in Robbie Schaeffer’s genes. Much like his
father, George Schaeffer, and aunt, Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, both of OPI fame, he
is a smart, passionate go-getter who eats, sleeps and breathes nails and seems
to have an instinctive grasp for the next big thing. The proof? The younger Schaeffer, who has become
the first in his lineage to get a nail license, is making a name for himself and building upon the family
vision with the opening of ROB|B, the first-ever OPI Concept Salon, located in Studio City, CA. “Not
only does it serve as a benchmark for other nail salons in the industry,” Schaeffer says, “but it’s also
a role model for environmental responsibility.” —Kelley Donahue
What
inspires you?
Interiors with a “wow”
factor. Contemporary
design and visual
stimulation are
paramount
to me.
AHA MOMENT
Having been born into the OPI nail business, I spent a good
bit of my young life accompanying my dad to beauty shows,
so choosing to enter the nail business came naturally to me.
IN TRAINING
Aside from my schooling—I studied nails at the West Valley
Occupational Center in Southern California and also have
a degree in marketing—I’ve held many jobs at OPI, from
meeting distributors to marketing. I knew early on I wanted
to capitalize on my experiences and raise the nail bar
higher in the profession. The result was ROB|B, which is
renowned for its stellar services and being eco-friendly.
STYLE PREFERENCE
I’m a nail color nut and believe there’s a perfect shade
for everybody! I prefer nails that pop rather than French
manicures.
BEAUTY MUST-HAVE
OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil to Go—I take it everywhere. It’s a
necessity for transforming so-so nails into a terrific set of 10.
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I EVER GOT
“Never give up.” You can have every resource in the world at
your fingertips but that doesn’t mean things will come easily.
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT
Undoubtedly, it’s opening ROB|B. A lot of sweat and tears
went into turning the nail salon of my dreams into a reality.
Even with a recession, the salon survived its first year,
business is growing, and we’re continuing to exceed clients’
expectations through exclusive partnerships like the one we
formed recently with eyebrow-king Damone Roberts.
NEXT STEP
Rolling out ROB|B salons across the United States is a
big desire. I want to make exemplary nail services that
are offered in an eco-friendly environment available to the
masses. I also plan to put more of a philanthropic face
on my business by continuing to support causes like The
Beauty Bus Foundation.
MY MENTOR
My dad—he taught me all I know about the nail biz.
