(Feb. 15, 2021 – CHICAGO) The legacy of a pioneer in environmental advocacy and natural beauty is being honored through the generosity of the Horst M. Rechelbacher Foundation. The Green Circle Salon Certificate provides a $500 grant to help a salon invest in its sustainability initiatives. The Oncology Spa Solutions Scholarship provides a $1,000 tuition gift to cover costs of an Oncology Solutions skincare workshop.
Both awards were inspired by the legacy of Horst Rechelbacher. Decades before sustainability was a mainstream best practice, Rechelbacher raised awareness of how caring for the planet can be beautiful for humanity and the business of beauty. Both awards are administered by Beauty Changes Lives, a non-profit 501c3 providing educational opportunities, mentoring and networking to aspiring and licensed beauty and wellness professionals.
Fall 2020 Green Circle Salon Certificate Awardee
Victoria Gasparro, @the_party_nailThe Party
Nail, Yonkers, New York
The owner of the Party Nail integrates sustainability into her business model. For example, clients who bike, walk or use mass transit to travel to the nail salon receive a discount on services. “If we don’t care for our planet, we won’t live long enough to enjoy the fruits of our labor,” says owner Victoria Gasparro. Best practices at the salon also support the environment. Low-level lighting contributes to a relaxing environment while saving energy. The salon has practiced recycling since opening. A proponent of inclusivity and acceptance, owner Victoria Gasparro is inspired by Horst Rechelbacher’s quote: “Being in love and practicing in love is the practice that will bring us together. The focus is being and sharing everything.”
Fall 2020 Horst Rechelbacher Oncology Spa Solutions Scholarship
Emily Govreau
Hard Rock Café, Tampa, FL
Emily’s mother taught her the significance of the “four-inch-rule.” Reinforcing the importance of sunscreen and its frequent application, Emily’s mother would point to her four-inch scar following a melanoma removal. “I picked up my mom’s good habits and stated to educate my friends on skin health,” says Emily in her application video. As her interest in skin wellness increased, so did her interest in the field of esthetics and how it can help people affected by cancer. After completing her oncology skincare class, Emily hopes to work for a hospital such as Moffitt Cancer Center. “I want to make those who are going through chemotherapy as comfortable as possible with a loving touch and conversation they might not otherwise encounter,” says Emily.
Fall 2020 Horst Rechelbacher Oncology Spa Solutions Scholarship
Jennifer Pischel, @looks_that_thrill
Bismark, ND
Paying attention to changes in the skin is personal for Jennifer. For years, she told herself that small changes in a mole were not significant. When she had it checked by a physician, she learned that the changes taking place could have led to cancer. Remarking on the scholarship, Jennifer says, “This scholarship is opening the door to an area of skincare that can literally save lives.” After shadowing at a med spa she enrolled in esthetics school and notes, “I’ve loved every minute of every service in esthetics. A successful career is built on trusted relationships and I want to give clients the confidence to actively care for their skin and never think, “it’s just a mole.”
Nicole Rechelbacher, daughter of the late Horst Rechelbacher, said the attention to the interconnectedness of nature, wellness and responsible business practices benefits both people and the planet. “The events of the past year show that all of us around the world are in this together. The actions each of us take can help us care for each other and the planet,” she said.
About the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation: With a mission to elevate, educate and empower, Beauty Changes Lives is uniting the industry and building awareness of the extraordinary career opportunities in the beauty, wellness and massage therapy industries. Learn more at www.beautychangeslives.org or find us on Facebook and Instagram.
About Green Circle: Green Circle Salons: Green Circle Salons is a movement to help the salon industry reduce its environmental footprint and provide options for consumers seeing genuine green options in salon care. Since its 2009 inception, GCS has established a network of 3,200 member salons across North America, delivering a comprehensive pathway to financial and environmental sustainability with a green business program.