Three hundred thirty-four days down, only 31 to go and then 2009 will be in the history books. I couldn’t be happier at the prospect of a New Year. For me and most of the friends and colleagues I have discussed this with, 2009 has been filled with a significant amount of negative energy both personally and professionally that we would rather leave behind. Fortunately, the New Year holds a chance to start anew and the hope that the results will be more positive.
One of the brightest spots in my year was a quick weekend getaway to Hot Springs, Arkansas to visit the famous Bathhouse Row. It was truly a soul-cleansing experience. When I left for this trip, I was deep in personal evaluation. It was one of those times in life when everything was in question. However, by the time I returned home those question marks were beginning to lift away and be replaced with definition. I trust that we all go through those experiences and I am grateful to be on the other side of it now, looking toward the future and creating a new set of goals and priorities.
As evidenced by all that is going on around us, I believe that our industry is in a very similar place of evaluation and need for redefinition. New legislation is being passed, client activity is shifting, companies are cutting back or going out of business, the trade journals and conferences are not as grandiose as in years past, and these are just a few of the symptoms. The tides are turning and more and more the focus is changing from quantity to quality.
I am writing this letter on the heels of the International Congress of Esthetics and Spa – Philadelphia, where we hosted our first AIA Educational Classes. We presented four classes, two on each day, to standing-room only crowds. The chairs were full and attendees were literally lining the walls and sitting in the aisles seeking education. We are still receiving e-mails and calls from those who were there asking for more. This is just one more indication that quality education is high on your priority list right now, which makes it high on ours as well.
Therefore, this issue is all about Professional Development. But what exactly does professional development mean? Is it about honing your aesthetic skills or learning about a new ingredient? Turn to page 76 to read this month’s feature by Richard Linder, The Sum of the Parts = You. Then read the supporting articles to, in fact, hone your current skills and introduce yourself to some new opportunities and philosophies.
As we close the book on this year and turn our attention to 2010, I want to assure you that DERMASCOPE and AIA are fully committed to bringing you the education and resources that you desire. Our Mission remains “to raise the standards of education and public awareness of the aesthetic industry.” We are working hard behind the scenes setting goals to that end and the plans to achieve them. If you also believe in this mission, become an active member and see just how much more your benefits will benefit you in the coming year.
Happy Holidays and a Healthy New Year,
Saundra
