NCA Expands Esthetics America

EstheticsAmerica is NCA's newly formed special interest group dedicated to enhancing the careers of estheticians and beauty therapists through educational programs, events and other member benefits. An advisory committee, chaired by EstheticsAmerica honorary chairperson Lydia Sarfati, recently met in New York City with NCA President Josephine Zeppieri to finalize plans for reaching out to estheticians with the standards, ethics and values that will create a much-needed esthetics- and wellness-oriented professional community in the United States.

Members of the advisory committee include Carolyn Corporon, Dr. Mark Lees, Elena Solitario, Elaine Sterling, Cheryl Tricoci and Lydia Sarfati. Their credentials are inspiring for estheticians who want to both grow their business and expand their personal and professional horizons.

 FRONT ROW, FROM LEFT: Elena Solitario, Carolyn Corporon, Cheryl Tricoci. BACK ROW, FROM LEFT: Elaine Sterling, Dr. Mark Lees, Lydia Sarfati, Josephine Zeppieri
FRONT ROW, FROM LEFT: Elena Solitario, Carolyn Corporon, Cheryl Tricoci. BACK ROW, FROM LEFT: Elaine Sterling, Dr. Mark Lees, Lydia Sarfati, Josephine Zeppieri

CAROLYN CORPORON: Director of marketing communications for Beauty Systems Group, a consortium of distributors with stores, professional sales consultants, regional trade shows and educational opportunities in the U.S., Mexico and Canada, Carolyn has an extensive knowledge of the beauty and spa industry. Her philosophy is that as individuals or large organizations, we must possess integrity and imagination to invent and direct our future.

DR. MARK LEES: One of the country's most noted skincare specialists, Dr. Lees has an award-winning CIDESCO accredited salon in Florida. He has received numerous professional awards over his 20-year career and is a well-known speaker, author and product developer. His line of products for problem, sensitive and sun-damaged skin is available at salons and clinics throughout the U.S.

ELENA SOLITARIO: Elena Solitario is co-owner and vice president of Pilo Arts Day Spa & Salon, an upscale salon and bridal boutique in Brooklyn, NY. Customer service and quality work have been among the prerequisites to her success for more than 25 years. From her roots in a small town in Avellino, Italy, to becoming a self-made success, hers is the quintessential story of an immigrant who embraced the opportunities America had to offer and who gave back to it.

ELAINE STERLING: Originally from South Africa, Elaine Sterling is aesthetic director of Spa Sydell in Atlanta. While speaking, writing and training on the subject of the spa experience, she is relentless in her commitment to bringing about positive change in health and beauty enhancement.

CHERYL TRICOCI: Cheryl Tricoci is widely regarded as an innovator and expert within the beauty and spa industry. As co-founder with her husband, Mario, of the Mario Tricoci Hair Salons and Day Spas, she served as CEO until the firm merged with Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salons. Cheryl remains a consultant to the merged organization and is also involved in the development of three new Tricoci Universities of Beauty Culture.

LYDIA SARFATI, honorary chairperson: As founder and president of Sarkli Repêchage Ltd., Lydia Sarfati developed the renowned Four Layer Facial, which is offered in more than 20 countries. She has trained estheticians worldwide and is often featured in national and international trade and consumer magazines.

EstheticsAmerica, a subgroup of the National Cosmetology Association, will kick off the expansion of the organization in conjunction with the upcoming American Spa Expo and CIDESCO World Congress. For more information on membership in NCA and EstheticsAmerica, e-mail esthetics@ ncacares.org, or call (312) 527-6765.