As you may have noticed, our cover art has had a different feel from the normal style of artwork that typically graces the covers of DERMASCOPE. This change is because, for the past three months, the Aesthetics International Association (AIA) has been inducting new pioneers from our industry into the coveted Academy of Legends.
AIA's Academy of Legends reads as a list of "who's who" in the skin care industry. The mission of the Academy of Legends is to maintain accessible leadership of our industry through mentors and role models for the education, empowerment, and advancement our profession. Legend status is granted to those whose contributions and exemplary achievements have advanced the industry. Legend inductees are awarded the cover of DERMASCOPE Magazine, as well as a feature with their personal life story printed in the magazine. They are also granted lifetime membership into AIA and asked to continuously share their knowledge and passion with the Board of Directors and be accessible to the AIA membership-at-large.
The Legends inducted in 2016 have consisted of Catherine Atzen, founder of ATZEN Superior to Organic Skin Care; Rhonda Allison, L.E., founder and CEO of Rhonda Allison Cosmeceuticals; and, now, Michael Grandel, CEO of DR GRANDEL GmbH. Each one of these experts has distinctively paved the way for the aesthetics industry's growth and success and their remarkable personal stories undeniably provide inspiration and promise to professionals around the globe. Also, they have built companies that continue to be innovators in aesthetics.
I have grown up hearing the phrase that one of the richest resources of any culture is within the knowledge of those who came before us. Professionals should all find understanding and value with that statement.
Candidates eligible for the AIA Academy of Legends position are those nominated by the AIA members. If you have a mentor or friend whom you believe deserves of this honor, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit AIAprofessional.com/nominate. We would love to hear why you feel they should be recognized and how they have contributed to the industry. While on the AIA website, you can read all 66 Legend inductee articles, as well as our new department, "Where Are They Now?" which focuses on Legends that are still active in the industry.
Amanda Strunk Miller
Associate Publisher
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