Spa People in the News
Making An Impact On Industry Legislation
- Les Nouvelles Esthétiques editor reappointed to Florida's Board
of Cosmetology
CORAL GABLES, FL - June 25, 2004 - It's very rare for
an editor of a spa and esthetics trade magazine to have a direct impact
on state legislation for the industry. Monica Schuloff Smith, editor-in-chief
of Les Nouvelles Esthétiques, is one editor who does have an
influence. On June 8, 2004, Florida governor Jeb Bush reappointed her
to a three-year term on the state's Board of Cosmetology.
Smith is now serving her second term as a consumer member
of the board. In her capacity as a board member, she has been continually
working toward more hours for the state's esthetics license, reflecting
her belief-and LNE's mission-that education is essential for the industry.
According to Smith, much of what the board is working on is geared toward
making the cosmetology profession in Florida, which encompasses hair,
skin and nails, better through education.
"Florida currently requires only 260 hours for an
esthetics license, which is a very small amount compared to the rest
of the nation," Smith says. "Among other things, there are
reciprocity issues, but most importantly, there has been a consensus
that 260 hours simply isn't enough to cover all that esthetics encompasses
these days."
The board's attorney general is currently creating language
for proposed legislation on increased esthetics license hours. Smith
says, "We're hopeful that legislation to increase the required
licensing hours can pass within the next year."
The International Congress of Esthetics, co-sponsored
by LNE, already had a relationship with the Florida board through the
state-approved continuing education credits that it offers at its annual
Miami educational conference and trade show. But Smith wanted to help
raise the industry's standards further. After a lengthy application
process, she was first appointed to the board in February 2003.
Smith feels that her role as a member of Florida's Board
of Cosmetology helps her in her role as editor of LNE, and vice versa.
She says, "As editor of LNE, I have an informed perspective on
the issues facing the industry. And serving as a board member allows
me to see the issues that states struggle with first-hand; I can then
apply that knowledge nationally for our readers."
She adds, "It's an honor and a privilege to serve
the state of Florida. I look forward to fulfilling my role on the board
and making a difference for Florida estheticians."
The American edition of Les Nouvelles Esthétiques
has been in circulation since 1985 and is the only monthly publication
in the industry devoted exclusively to skin care and spa professionals.
The focus of the magazine's articles is to educate skin care and spa
professionals in all aspects of the beauty industry.
Les Nouvelles Esthétiques was founded more than
50 years ago in Paris, France. With a global network of 19 publications
and 19 trade shows worldwide, the company remains the largest international
source for esthetics and spa professionals.
For more information, call 1-(800) 471-0229 or visit www.LNEONLINE.com.
