Dear Reader

I have been blessed throughout my journey in life. While challenge, obstacles, and hardship have always been part of the journey, many blessings have come in the form of mentors. In my youth, I was graced with a relationship that would not only teach me a trade, but more importantly, confidence, self esteem, and initiative. As a young man, I would find mentorship with a very successful entrepreneur who taught me the ropes of business and innovation. And as fate would have it, in my 20s, I was mentored by the inspiring founder of AIA and the Publisher of DERMASCOPE, Ron Renee. These relationships have not only shaped my character but provided access to knowledge, experience, and endless opportunity.
I have an older Webster’s dictionary. I prefer it because it provides rather conservative and traditional definitions. Upon consultation, I find that the word mentor comes from the Greek story of Odyssey of Homer. Mentor was the friend of Odysseus who was entrusted with the education of his son. The word mentor is defined as “a close, trusted, experienced counselor or guide.”
AIA was founded through the gathering of professionals to share their knowledge and experience to “raise the standards of education and public awareness in the aesthetics industry.” These pioneers carved the path upon which we tread. Over time each, in their own right, became “the stuff that legends are made of.” To honor their contributions, AIA created the “The Academy of Legends.” The intent was two-fold; to honor the pioneers of aesthetics and to provide role models for future growth of the industry.
When I research the word “legend”, I discovered it has roots in the Middle-English, Anglo-French word, legere: to gather; select; to read. The definition of legend, as it relates to a person, is “one who inspires.”
To emphasize the importance of mentors and to continue the tradition of honoring pioneers, we call your attention to those who serve as counselors and guides, those who inspire. AIA Academy of Legends honors aestheticians who have served over 20 years and have made contributions and exemplary achievements in their industry. We profile the educators, innovators, mentors, and industry leaders who have helped shape the things to come. We have decided to once again grace the covers and pages of DERMASCOPE with pioneers… indeed, with Legends.
It is therefore, my honor and privilege to induct Christine Heathman into the Aesthetics International Association Academy of Legends. While I will let her story speak for itself, I will say Christine exemplifies the strength, courage, determination, character, and leadership that legends are made of. We are proud to bring you her story and even prouder she will be joining our family of The Academy of Legends. She is in good company as is fitting for such “a close, trusted, experienced guide… who inspires.”

Sincerely Yours,

Will Strunk