Meet the AAM Team
Meet the heart and soul of AAM Operations. These are the people who take the vision and make it a reality.
Michelle Rukny
Director of Operations - Board Member Secretary
Michelle Rukny is a Board-Certified Permanent Makeup (PMU) Artist, former Beauty Business Coach, and owner of The Beaute Compound in Texas. Specializing in brows, Michelle began with Microblading and has since expanded her expertise through advanced education. As a PMU Trainer and Conference Organizer, she has led events such as The Houston Beauty Conference, the Pretty Ambitious Summit, and the AAM PMU Summit 2022 & 2023, and will continue as coordinator for future AAM Summits.
Michelle is a Licensed Esthetician in Texas and holds multiple certifications in Permanent Makeup, including Microblading, Ombré Brows, Lip Blushing, Scalp Micropigmentation, and Advanced Paramedical Tattooing.
Outside of her career, Michelle is a dedicated wife, mother of two boys, with one more on the way and dog mom to Levi.
Mabel V
Membership Coordinator
Mimi DeSantis
Membership Ambassador for New Jersey
Maria DeSantis-Ferreira is the owner of A Face Forever Permanent Cosmetic Specialist in Westfield, New Jersey, and a licensed cosmetologist since 1984. A member of the American Academy of Micropigmentation (AAM) since 2003, she holds over 30 advanced certifications in techniques such as microblading, 3D hair strokes, scalp micropigmentation, and scar camouflage. Maria is also an AAM Certified Instructor, providing private workshops, apprenticeships, and exam prep.
As a former primary instructor at the Beau Institute, she continues to guide new PMU professionals through customized training. Since 2015, Maria has served on the AAM Board and currently holds the position of New Jersey Ambassador.