THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY WEST INNOVATOR AWARDS ARE PRESENTED TO HONOREES FOR INNOVATING TO REDEFINE AND ADVANCE INDUSTRY STANDARDS AND FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT.
OUR HONOREES
Florence Nacino
Entrepreneur of the Year
John Garruto
Legend of the Year
DATE & TIME
Saturday, November 4, 2023
5:00pm – 9pm
LOCATION
West Drift Hotel
1400 Parkview Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
validated parking rates – valet $25 | self parking $15
HOSTED WELCOME RECEPTION
5:00pm - 6:00pm
Includes Complimentary Wine & Beer, Cash Bar
DINNER EVENT
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Includes Hosted Wine, Champagne Toast, Dinner & Dessert
Fish / Chicken / Vegetarian Pasta
REQUESTED ATTIRE
Upscale Cocktail
COMPLIMENTARY GIFT BAG
Includes our Best of the West Gift Bag valued at over $500!!
ADVANCE TICKETS – BEFORE 10/28
price increases on 10/29 at 10pm
member pricing: $148 before 10/28
non-member pricing: $168 before 10/28
LATE TICKETS – AFTER 10/29
member pricing: $168 after 10/29
non-member pricing: $188 after 10/29
TABLE RESERVATIONS
member pricing, table of 8 – $1,184 before 10/27
non-member pricing, table of 8 – $1,344 before 10/27
SPONSORS
Sponsorship Guide
ABOUT OUR HONOREES
Florence Nacino
Entrepreneur of the Year
Hailing from the northern part of the Philippine Islands, Florence Nacino emerged from humble beginnings, bravely facing the harsh realities of life at a young age. Florence was youngest among eight siblings, she tragically lost her mother at a tender age of 2 and was left orphaned after her father died at just 5 years old. Yet, against all odds, Florence's indomitable spirit persevered, inspiring others with her resilient journey of triumph over adversity.
After the devastating loss of her parents, Florence sought solace and refuge within the pages of books. These literary companions transported her to magnificent places brimming with possibilities and fueled her aspirations of turning her own dreams into reality. Growing up in a third-world poverty-stricken country, devoid of electricity, she seized every chance she could to read, even by candlelight at night. Unwavering in her belief that education held the key to a brighter future, Florence's story is a true testament to the boundless power of knowledge and determination.
Florence's journey led her to pursue her studies at the esteemed University of the Philippines, where she earned her B.S. in Chemistry in 1970. In that very same year, Florence tied the knot with her college math tutor, Francisco Nacino, who worked as a Mechanical Engineer for Exxon Philippines. Undeterred by any challenges they faced together, two years later, they embarked on a journey to Los Angeles, California, carrying only $100 in their pocket, alongside their seven-month old son.
Florence’s husband not only created a loving and secure home, but also supported her to soar and conquer her dreams. Their unwavering spirit and determination as a couple inspire us to believe that anything is possible. Florence embraced self-improvement daily by pursuing classes and eventually earned her MBA from the esteemed University of Phoenix. Florence never stopped seeking opportunities to expand her knowledge, attending educational seminars, conventions, and reading relevant publications in her field. Her unwavering dedication to growth pushed her remarkable abilities to new heights, inspiring others to embrace their full potential.
Florence emerged as a driving force, establishing herself as a trailblazing presence within the entrepreneurial landscape. She was a founding member of not one, but two highly successful manufacturing companies, Bocchi Laboratories in 1989 and PureTek Corporation in 1991, captivating the beauty and personal care industries of Los Angeles.
Her visionary spirit birthed OYE Inc. in 2008, a pioneering consultancy that empowers colleagues and stakeholders within the spheres of food, drug, and cosmetics to triumph over obstacles in formulation, manufacturing, quality, and regulatory affairs. In a breathtaking display of entrepreneurial prowess, Florence assumed ownership of V Manufacturing & Logistics Inc. in 2017, an elite contract manufacturer renowned for its quality service of exceptional drug and cosmetic products.
Her extraordinary journey reached a crescendo when she graciously passed the torch and sold V Manufacturing to the esteemed KDC-ONE in October 2021, standing tall as the President of the newly christened KDC-ONE SOCAL. Yet, Florence's drive and unparalleled creativity could not be confined to the boundaries of the corporate world.
John Garruto
Legend of the Year
John Garruto currently serves as V.P of R&D/Formulations for Alastin Skin Care, a Galderma Company. John was a founding member of Alastin in 2015, serving initially as a consultant and had joined the company to head the formulation team in 2021. Mr. Garruto has 50 years of experience as an executive, formulating chemist and technical consultant to the beauty industry. His responsibilities and experience have included research, product development, operations, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and technical writing. He has developed over a thousand nationally and internationally marketed and recognized personal care products for numerous companies, including OTC products, hair care, skin care, color cosmetics, spa formulations and physician-based treatment products. Mr. Garruto has designed, built, and managed various cosmetic manufacturing and research facilities nationwide.
Prior to joining Alastin, John owned and operated Free Radical Technology, a technical consulting firm in Oceanside, California from 1998-2021. John was also a founder and V.P. of R&D/Formulations for SkinMedica/Allergan, having formulated much of their current product line, including their flagship product, TNS Essential Serum.
John was past Chair of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists where he held numerous other posts including chairing the Annual Scientific Seminar for many years. He is also the recipient of the SCC National Merit Award.
John is a founding board member and featured lecturer of the Beauty Industry West and a featured lecturer to the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, HBA, Nutracon, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, The International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference and numerous professional and private organizations. John was an assistant Instructor to Rebecca James in Cosmetic Science and related courses for UCLA Extension. John is a member of the Personal Care Products Council, Science Advisory Committee.
John holds 19 US patents and 3 additional patents pending publication. He has had numerous articles published in professional journals, including the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology and the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, as well as published articles in GCI, Cosmetics & Toiletries, Happi, Cosmetic Surgery Times, and Alternative Medicine. Mr. Garruto holds a BS in Chemistry from The State University of New York.
