Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Strunk.
Hi Amanda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in the professional aesthetics industry, quite literally. My parents opened a day spa in the ‘80s, so my earliest years were spent inside treatment rooms and surrounded by skin care conversations at a time when most people were lucky to know what cold cream was. Their passion eventually expanded into educational publishing, and they became the owners of DERMASCOPE Magazine, the oldest skin care trade journal in the country.
When I joined the DERMASCOPE staff, I didn’t just walk into a leadership role. My dad firmly believes in people paying their dues, so I worked my way through every department – editorial, production, advertising, circulations, you name it. I learned the business from the ground up. The hands-on experience deepened my understanding of both the inner workings of an old-school media brand and the enduring pulse of the professional skin care industry.
Today, I serve as DERMASCOPE’s third-generation publisher. And as of 2025, we’re celebrating 50 years of staying power, an inspiring anniversary for an independently owned publication – a rarity in a division made up of conglomerates. What began in 1975 as a black-and-white newsletter has become a respected, modernized brand that reaches the professional aesthetics industry worldwide. It is a legacy, perhaps even a dynasty, that I am honored to help carry forward.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
What’s a good story without a few character development opportunities? Leading a brand that’s been around for half a century comes with high expectations, doubly when it’s a family’s business. One of the greatest challenges has been modernizing the brand while preserving the trust and integrity that built DERMASCOPE in the first place. We have a loyal, professional audience, and keeping their attention in today’s fast, saturated media landscape takes real intention and purpose. Magazines were once the tastemakers of culture – and in many ways, they still are. We’ve stayed true to that legacy, keeping the bones of what made DERMASCOPE trusted while growing a digital community that meets readers where they are now.
I’ve also had to step into my own as a leader. When people know your last name, there’s an assumption that you’re simply continuing someone else’s story, but I’ve worked hard to show that I’m writing my own chapter. It’s a delicate balance: honoring a legacy while pushing it toward what’s next.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
DERMASCOPE is a trade journal, meaning we don’t publish for consumers; we publish for the professionals performing their aesthetics services such as facials, waxing, and the like. Our readers are licensed aestheticians, spa owners, medical professionals, and solo practitioners looking to stay on top of education, product innovation, industry trends, and learning about the businesses and brands that power professional aesthetics.
We specialize in reaching our audience on multiple platforms for ease of access. What started as a quarterly printed newsletter has now grown into a monthly print and digital subscription, a weekly podcast, monthly educational webinars, an ever-growing website, and more. After 50 years, we’ve kept our voice authentic yet fresh because we’ve never stopped focusing on who we serve.
Though the aesthetics industry is made up of women, many of the biggest business decisions still happen in rooms led by men. I’ve felt the weight of that. And even now, people often try to loop my dad – who is happily retired – into what’s happening today. But staying independently owned, building a contemporary brand, and leading it on my terms? That’s been one of my proudest decisions.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
The greatest asset in living your best life isn’t found in an app, a book, or a podcast – it’s the company you keep. There’s a quote I often return to, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” That idea has shaped not only how I lead but how I move through the world.
I’m intentional about surrounding myself with individuals who are thoughtful, driven, and sharp in ways that stretch me. I’m not interested in a room full of yes-people. I want a team that challenges ideas, asks the hard questions, and brings fresh perspectives to the table. For me, leadership isn’t about hierarchy; it’s about energy. The people you allow into your circle influence your standards, your pace, and how you navigate difficulty.
I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from being the most knowledgeable person in the room, but from surrounding yourself with those who expand your thinking and elevate your leadership. That kind of environment keeps me grounded, curious, and constantly growing and that’s where the real progress begins.
Pricing:
- DERMASCOPE Print Subscription: $4/month (cancel anytime)
- AIA Membership: $6/month (cancel anytime)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dermascope.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dermascope/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dermascope/
Image Credits
Rasy Ran Photography
