I began my aesthetics education in 1995. The school I attended had a well-known educator, Mario Montalvo, come and give us a one day class. I was mesmerized by this vibrant, enthusiastic man who made me even more excited about my new profession. When I finished school, I attended many tradeshows, and he was at all of them, doing all sorts of educational classes. I learned that he was a CIDESCO diplomat educator and the first one to teach in the United States at Christine Valmy’s school in New York.

In addition to teaching at tradeshows, he wrote articles for the major trade magazines. In 2005, he even took a group of 15 aestheticians on a spa tour to Italy.

After retiring, he returned to his family home in Texas.

Montalvo passed away July 2, 2018 in his home. He was 80 years old. His ashes were spread at his family home in Mexico. Montalvo was an early icon in the aesthetics industry in the United States. Those of us that were around really benefited from his enthusiasm and vast knowledge in the field. He gave many life lessons that guided countless careers, including mine, as I became an instructor so I might have a similar influence on up and coming aestheticians. May he rest in peace.