ESSpa Kozmetika Organic Skincare of Pittsburgh, was named Best Spa 2012 in the Best of Pittsburgh awards held by Pittsburgh Magazine. Spa owner Eva Kerschbaumer credits the win to the spa’s investment in staff, continuing education, facility upgrades and use of quality, safe skin care products. 412-782-3888, www.esspa.net
American International Industries was honored at the Sally Beauty Supply Partners in Progress meeting in July, receiving recognition for increased sales, innovative products, creative marketing strategies and more. 800-621-9585, www.aiibeauty.com
Milady and the Cosmetology Educators of America (CEA), the educational committee of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), announced Melea Blakely as the recipient of the 2012 Nicholas F. Cimaglia Educator of the Year Award. The award is given annually to an educator who exhibits significant contributions toward upgrading the professional standards of educational excellence, particularly within the area of student involvement. Prizes included an all-expense-paid trip to the CEA convention in Orlando, as well as $2,500 and gifts from Milady.
Also at the convention, The Beauty Changes Lives Foundation awarded a day of mentoring with an industry icon to four beauty students enrolled in AACS member schools. Among the winners was Judith Torres, an esthetic student at Capri Cosmetology Learning Centers in Newburgh, NY, was awarded a mentorship with Howard Murad, MD, founder of Murad Inc. 800-831-1086, www.beautychangeslives.org
Inc. Magazine recently named DaySmart Software, makers of Salon Iris software, to its list of fastest-growing private companies in America for the second year in a row. The magazine also named Qosina Corporation, parent company of Qosmedix, to its 2012 Inc. 5000 List for the fourth consecutive year. 800-527-7600, www.saloniris.com; 631-242-3270, www.qosmedix.com
PCA Skin was recognized as one of Arizona’s Most Admired Companies for 2012, due to its mission to improve people’s lives. 877-722-7546, www.pcaskin.com
In Chicago magazine’s Best of 2012 awards, Elina Organics was named as the place to receive the Best Facial. Owner Elina Fedotova’s Corrective Herbal Facial, available at her day spa on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, is recognized by the magazine’s editorial team as the best in the city. 877-384-8300, www.elinaorganics.com