About Us
Luster Products, Inc. is the leading
African-American owned manufacturer of premium personal care products servicing people worldwide. Luster Products' brands include Pink, Smooth Touch, ShortLooks and You Be Natural products for women; S-Curl, products for men; PCJ Pretty-n-Silky, Smooth Roots, Pink Kids children’s products; and Designer Touch, products for stylists.
Relaxers create
uproar within the
black community
In the early 1950s Freddie J. Luster Sr. was barber on Chicago’s Southside. Realizing that relaxers were creating an uproar within the Black community, he started to provide relaxer services to his clients. As his relaxer clientele base continued to grow, he thought it wise to produce his own branded relaxers. He began to mix different formulas in his basement. Through trial and error, he created ‘Luster’s Style Creme’ Relaxer, and from this Luster Products, Inc. was born.
Mr. Luster had a passion to care for the beautiful variation of textured Black hair, which led him to create product lines that address all hair needs.
Years Later:
Luster’s formula for success, over the years has been encouraging people to combine their efforts,
talents, insights, enthusiasm and inspiration to work together to develop innovative, quality products.
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Located on Chicago’s south side, Luster Products employs more than 300 people worldwide. The company is led by Fred and Blondell Luster’s children – Jory Luster, President; Fred Luster II, Vice-President / Director of Research and Development, Sonja Luster-Munis, Vice President Director of Systems Administration, many Luster family members and the third generation of Luster’s are employed in various departments throughout the company.
The products are sold nationally and internationally through a dynamic sales force and numerous retail outlets. The company's main facility -- corporate offices, plant and warehouse -- is situated on 17 acres in Chicago's Stockyard Industrial Park. An aerosol production plant is located in suburban Blue Island, Illinois. The company also has branch offices in London.
Luster Products: A Leader in African American Hair Care Products
Luster Products, Inc. is the leading African-American owned manufacturer of premium personal care products servicing people worldwide. Luster Products’ brands include You Be-Natural, PinkKids, Pink's Shea Butter Coconut Oil, Pink Brand, S-Curl, PCJ, and YOU. Our product lines serve men, women, children and the stylist market.
Today, Luster Products, Inc. employs more than 400 people worldwide. Our products are sold nationally and internationally through a dynamic sales force and numerous retail outlets. Our main facility – corporate offices, plant and warehouse – is situated on 17 acres in Chicago’s Stockyard Industrial Park. An aerosol production plant is located in suburban Blue Island, Illinois. The company also has a branch office in London.
The phenomenal growth and success of Luster Products, Inc. has been attributed to the business savvy and commitment of the our founder and first president, Fred Luster, Sr., a staff of hardworking, loyal employees and a family spirit that permeates the entire organization.
Our Heritage
The late Fred Luster, Sr., a successful barber in Chicago, Illinois, was inspired to develop a line of hair care products that would specifically cater to the health and maintenance of the hair. At the outset, he sold his personally developed products exclusively in his barbershop. As demand increased — and word spread about his products’ effectiveness — Mr. Luster sold his products to other hairstylists. As a result of this early success, Mr. Luster founded Luster Products, Inc. in 1957. Inspired by the support of his family, Mr. Luster guided the company from a modest storefront operation into a multi-million dollar, worldwide enterprise.
In spite of his huge success, Fred Luster, Sr. remained a lifelong supporter of organizations committed to the economic and educational advancement.
Luster Products Principals
Jory Luster
President
As president of Luster Products, Inc., Jory Luster is responsible for the overall performance of the company. It is his responsibility to oversee operations both domestically and internationally.
Jory Luster is a graduate of Bradley University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He received his MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
Fred Luster II
Vice-President/Director of Research and Development
Fred Luster, II is charged with directing the Chemistry Department, which is responsible for developing new products, gauging new trends and keeping abreast of industry progress. The primary function of the department is to maintain the highest standards for raw materials and finished products. Mr. Luster also serves as chairman of the Luster Foundation Golf Outing.
Fred Luster, II received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Bradley University.
Sonja Luster-Munis
Vice-President/Director of Systems Administration
Sonja Luster-Munis joined Luster Products, Inc. in 1984 as Director of Systems Administration. Mrs. Luster-Munis is credited with automating the company’s business and telecommunications systems. As Vice-President, she directs the MIS, Customer Service, Telecommunications and Human Resource departments. She also assists in the implementation of company policy and operating procedures.
Two of Sonja’s many professional accolades and achievements include being the recipient of the Black Enterprise “Up & Coming Black Professional Women” and the Black Rose Award.