Who will be next?

Reuben’s connection to Beauty Changes Lives runs deep, as he was a founding board member and a steadfast advocate for the organization’s mission. Throughout his extraordinary career, Reuben has seamlessly integrated Beauty Changes Lives into every new opportunity, fostering partnerships and advancing initiatives that empower the next generation of beauty professionals.

As the Group CEO of Bansk Beauty, Reuben oversees a portfolio of transformative beauty brands, including Amika, Eva NYC, and Ethique Beauty. Under his leadership, these brands have embraced philanthropy and industry mentorship, with Amika emerging as a major donor and partner of Beauty Changes Lives. Through his vision, Reuben has inspired these brands to champion education and opportunity for beauty professionals, further solidifying the beauty industry’s commitment to giving back.

For over a decade, Pugliese has been a driving force in professional skin care, leading Circadia with a commitment to education, scientific innovation, and esthetician empowerment. His vision extends beyond product development, focusing on supporting the next generation of skin care professionals through scholarships, mentorship programs, and industry partnerships. Under his leadership, Circadia has become synonymous with cutting-edge formulations, esthetic education, and unwavering support for professionals worldwide.

“Michael Q. Pugliese and Circadia have been incredible champions of Beauty Changes Lives, providing life-changing scholarships and unwavering support for the next generation of beauty and wellness professionals. His dedication to education, innovation, and mentorship embodies the Beauty Changes Lives mission and spirit of the Legacy Award. We are honored to celebrate his impact at the 2025 Beauty Changes Lives Gala.” – Lynelle Lynch, President & Co-Founder, Beauty Changes Lives

As a third-generation skin care leader, Pugliese has preserved the legacy of Circadia’s founder, Dr. Peter T. Pugliese, while pushing the boundaries of skin science and professional education. His work continues to shape the future of esthetics, ensuring that skin care professionals have the tools, knowledge, and resources to succeed.

The Legacy of Mr. Minh Tam Nguyen
With the philosophy, “Wherever you go, go with all your heart,” Mr. Minh Tam Nguyen lived a life of purpose, resilience, and innovation. As an immigrant to the United States, he became a trailblazer in the nail industry, creating a foundation for Vietnamese-American success and redefining nail artistry as a professional career. He has been donned the “Godfather of the Nail industry.” His legacy will be celebrated by his children, Tam Nguyen and Linh Nguyen, who continue his commitment to education, community empowerment, and industry transformation through their leadership at Advance Beauty College.

Advance Beauty College and the Vietnamese Community
Under the leadership of Tam and Linh Nguyen, Advance Beauty College has become a pillar of education and opportunity for the Vietnamese community. With campuses in Southern California, the school has trained tens of thousands of professionals, many of whom have gone on to lead successful careers in the nail industry.

The Nguyen Family’s work has a connection to Tippi Hedren, the Beauty Changes Lives 2014 Legacy Award honoree. Hedren famously introduced Vietnamese women to nail artistry as a career and brought many individuals to the United States to develop their skills. This event inspired Minh to earn his credentials and eventually open his own salon and school, catalyzing the growth of the Vietnamese community’s integral role in the nail industry, which continues to thrive today.

A Legacy of Giving Back 

The Nguyen family’s commitment to giving back goes beyond education. They have supported various initiatives to uplift the Vietnamese community, promote career development, and empower individuals through economic opportunities. To honor their father’s memory and his lifelong dedication to education and service, the Nguyen family will make a $50,000 donation to Beauty Changes Lives through their annual Gala, becoming the first-ever Diamond sponsor of the event. This generous contribution helps ensure that future generations can benefit from mentorship, scholarships, and career opportunities.