BCL Gala 2025

Honoring Reuben Carranza – Representing the Hair Category

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.

“Reuben embodies the heart of Beauty Changes Lives,” said Lynelle Lynch, President and Founding Member at Beauty Changes Lives. “His visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to mentorship and philanthropy have transformed not only the organizations he leads but the lives of countless beauty professionals worldwide. We are thrilled to honor his legacy and celebrate his enduring impact on the industry.”

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.

Honoring The Nguyen Family – Representing the Nails Category

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.

“Mr. Minh Tam Nguyen’s vision and dedication to elevating the nail industry, mentoring future generations, and empowering the Vietnamese community exemplify what it means to leave a legacy,” said Jan Arnold, co-founder of CND and Founding Member at Beauty Changes Lives. “We are honored to celebrate the Nguyen Family’s contributions and their continued impact through education, community, and philanthropy.”

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.

Honoring Michael Pugliese – Representing the Wellness Category

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.