Sometimes, it seems a million years in the past, those early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.  Before a vaccine was available, and when many areas of our country and its counties were in lockdown, we watched as the beauty industry was especially hard hit. Salons were closed, businesses suffered, and the future wasn't looking bright.

A handful of beauty's heroes who kept the light of optimisim turned on through acts of giving and generosity were recently acknowledged at America's Beauty Show (ABS) at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center on September 11.  Frank P. Fulco, CEO, America’s Beauty Show and Cosmetologists Chicago, said, "This is a celebration. We wanted to recognize these heroes of the pandemic in the beauty industry." 

After an introducion from Fulco, each hero in attendance received a crystal trophy: 

​Robert Cromeans, Global Artistic and Business Director for JPMS, and a salon owner: "He has been a strong voice on the West Coast, speaking up to help salons in California and making sure they didn't feel alone." 

Carolyn Aronson,CEO, It’s a Ten: "Carolyn stepped up and provided product and PPE donations that amounted to over $820,000."

Dr. Farouk Shami, founder of  Farouk Systems and CHI: “You stepped up and provided $115 million worth of support to first responders and to nursing homes." 

Mireya Villarreal, founder of Pink Pewter: "Her courage and passion to serve others is nothing short of exceptional. Mireya started a foundation during this time, she launched a podcast and she gifted front line workers."

Karen Gordon, president of Cosmetologists Chicago, and founder of Karen Gordon Hair: "We're so grateful for her tremendous leadership during a very trying time."

Lydia Sarfati, founder of Repechage: "Lydia is a longtime mentor, and her courage through her whole career has been nothing but exceptional. She offered online education to serve professionals around the world."

Maggie Bujak, Chicago salon owner of Pilorum Salon and Spa: "Maggie has been a resource to our community, to ABS and to CC. She put together a Facebook Group as a resource for licensed professionals."  

Master Cutter, Educator and Mentor, Nick Arrojo:  “He is a very courageous voice who spoke up in support of the industry," said Fulco. "Throughout the pandemic, he did 'Nick at Nite' live streams and he has never been bashful about sharing what he believes to be right."

Tam and Linh Nguyen of Advance Beauty College in Garden Grove, CA: "They donated so much PPE while also being powerful advocates for their community."

Ronit Enos, founder of Salon Cadence and Host of Huddle Time: "Cosmetologists Chicago called on her as we pivoted to a digital strategy for ABS.  Ronit stepped up and produced 'Huddle Time,'  interviewed folks and got advice and her committee t is so inspiring “

In conclusion, Fulco shared that ABS is going to continue to evolve. "We we are here to serve licensed beauty professionals. It's time to reunite and build a brighter future."