So you檙e wondering how you can pay for beauty school in an easy and efficient way? At our 黑料专区, we檝e got some simple tips on how you can apply for financial aid to get you started down the path of a beauty education. Check out how simple the process is and learn how to get started by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA庐)!

What Is the FAFSA庐 and How Do I Complete It?

Beauty school students have a lot to learn as they make their journey towards becoming beauty professionals. Applying for student aid should be simple, so rather than stressing about having to pay for school, you can focus on your learning!

The first thing to understand is where you can get financial aid from. There are plenty of private scholarships that are offered to students, even scholarships for beauty school-specific students.

But there are other options too! Federal student loans could be a good option to help students pay for beauty school. FAFSA庐 stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid after all, so it’s completely free to fill out!

One of the most frequently asked questions about the FAFSA庐 is 淲here can I go to fill it out?� The official website, , is the place to start your financial aid process. Keep in mind that if you are single and under the age of 24, your parents� information is mandatory to complete it. If you are married and have dependents you are completely supporting on your own, you won檛 need your parents to fill out the FAFSA庐 form.

If you decided to start a FAFSA庐 application, youl need to create a FAFSA庐 ID and to provide basic demographics, your social security number, and a tax return for the previous year. To submit the FAFSA庐 youl most likely need the code to the school of your choice.

Here are the codes for each of our locations:

Denver – 041671
Phoenix – E40394
Provo – 040723
Tucson – 041945

Once it檚 all signed and completed then youl be finished until someone can review your application!

The nice thing about the FAFSA庐 is that it doesn檛 take very long to fill out and it檚 effortless. You can even fill it out on a on your phone.

What檚 the Process Like With Student Loans?

There are more ways to pay for school than scholarships and FAFSA庐 money. Student loans are a viable option as well when searching out ways to pay for schooling.

First, if someone decides to take out , there is a requirement that the student has to complete an and to receive their loans. Both only take about 30 minutes to complete.

Luckily, at 黑料专区, we have financial counselors who can review info about loans and give you more knowledge on interest rates, cost of living and what loans can look like in the end for you. The promissory note is a document that you sign promising that you will repay your loans when the time comes. Both actions are mandatory to be able to be eligible for student loans.

The End of a Beauty School Journey!

If you檙e accepted into beauty school, you can expect to complete exit counseling for your direct loan. You can log in to studentloans.gov with your id username and password. Select “exit counseling for undergraduate borrowers” and it can give you great information on repayment options, the total debt owed, your grace period and a loan servicer. If you have questions you can always contact your financial aid office.

Are You Looking Into Beginning an Education in Beauty?

There are a lot of secondary education options available out there, but there檚 nothing quite like an education and a potential career in beauty. If you are looking into a future of beauty, it檚 important to research beauty schools with extra opportunities and resources, like financial aid assistance! At all four of our 黑料专区 locations we offer financial aid to those who qualify. See if you have what a beauty professional is made of and what kind of is best for you!

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Shaping Well-Rounded Massage Therapists

Before coming back to Inspire Greatness Aveda Institute in 2016, Liz Aigner was a lead licensed massage therapist and manager at a massage studio in downtown Denver. While she held this position, she noticed that many massage therapists had gaps in their knowledge. This propelled her to pursue massage therapy education at Aveda. 淚 knew that going into teaching would help me mold, facilitate space, and create a new generation of talented, sufficient massage therapists,� she says. 淚 knew this could change the landscape of excellence in bodywork and massage practitioners.�

Our Massage Curriculum

The Aveda massage program is one-of-a-kind. With its focus on holistic wellness, the curriculum incorporates anatomy, physiology, and guest customization techniques. This 600-hour program teaches multiple modalities so students can learn the various types of massage. To make sure every student gets the support they need, we keep our class sizes small and offer one-on-one attention. In addition to normal classes, we provide master classes to enrolled students and alumni. These advanced courses take the curriculum to the next level, with techniques like fire cupping and Thai massage. 淎veda sets up students so they can enter into any niche they feel drawn to,� Liz says. 淪pas, wellness centers, chiropractic practices, gyms, yoga studios, and rehab facilities. We set up a solid foundation for students so they can decide what fits their style best.�

A Focus on Wellness

If you檙e interested in healing and wellness, massage therapy could be a great choice for you. 淎s people, we don檛 get enough human touch,� Liz says. 淗ealers of all practices benefit from educating society on the power of touch, the importance of a healthy body, creating a quiet and calm mind, and opening the spirit through healthy touch.� Liz also says that one of the most important things massage therapy students can learn in our program is the act of self-care. 淲hen we take care of ourselves, we have the stamina to take care of our guests, family, and friends,� she says. 淭his program is meant to open you up to new experiences and self-exploration!�

Start Your Massage Therapy Journey

Massage therapy can be a great choice for those who are flexible, compassionate, and dedicated to wellness. With continuous chances to grow, it檚 a career path with plenty of opportunities for growth and learning. To learn more about applying to our program, contact Inspire Greatness Aveda Institute today! We offer massage therapy at our Provo and Denver locations. We檇 love to help you pursue your goals in health and wellness.

The post Why Our Massage Therapy Program Stands Out appeared first on Inspire Greatness.

听

I had to stop down by administration and say hi to Kristy Fiore. She’s part of our admissions team and helped me start my journey at the Aveda Institute Denver. She’s just the sweetest

After school, I get started on my before-bed routine. I cleanse my face and sometimes do a mask and to finish off I apply the Tulasara Wedding Masque to prep my skin for the next day.

Since its flashback Friday, here’s a little photo of myself with the girls backstage at London fashion week for our recent study abroad trip

To follow Kat’s Instagram: @katunruhmua

The post Day In the Life of a Student appeared first on Inspire Greatness.

The obvious question here is why would a beauty school send students to India for a study abroad experience? Let’s back up a bit…

Aveda: The Art and Science of Pure Plant and Flower Essences. Rooted, in Ayurveda, Aveda has been a pioneer in blending the world of beauty with the environment to create inner and outer beauty, balanced in wellness. It was Aveda’s founder, Horst Rechelbacher, that had the vision to change the world by changing the way we do business. After his passing a few years ago, he left a legacy of love behind, reminding us all that love is all there is. Love for the planet and people.

Today, Aveda is able to showcase that it’s rooted in a holistic, healing practice known as Ayurveda, because it’s becoming more understood in the West. Ayurveda has been around for 5,ooo plus years and originated in India as a medical practice focused on energy of the mind, body and being. We are all made of energy and the idea is to create balance through understanding energy. Ayurveda breaks down energy into three categories or doshas known as Vata (Air, Infinity) Pitta (Fire, Water) and Kapaha (Water, Earth). We are all born with a unique dosha blend and through nutrition, yoga, meditation and daily routing (dinacharya), we each have the power to use the medicines of the Earth (plants, herbs) to heal ourselves.

We may know Ayurveda more commonly in the West as “alternative medicine.” Horst spent many years in India studying Ayurveda and realized the great need in bridging the gap听between the wellness and听beauty industries. Most cosmetics, perfumes, and products were then and are still petroleum-based, synthetic, tested on animals or have toxic ingredients. His vision was clear. The products that make us beautiful should also be healthy for us.听Ayurveda is the root of Aveda. In Sanskrit, Aveda translates to mean “knowledge of all things.”

In 1978, the Aveda journey began with the听Aveda Mission and the idea that Ayurveda would be an influence in all our听products and services. We see this today through our rituals like an energizing scalp massage or relaxing sensory experience. We see it through the plant-powered products and ingredient sourcing from the Earth. We experience听it in how our guests FEEL when they leave our salons and spas. We see it in our curriculum and education.

Since 1978, we have worked with Ayurvedic consultants from India to ensure quality and performance of all our products and services. We celebrate that we can offer a Study Abroad Experience to India for our team and students as it brings them in contact with our roots.

One of our esthiology and massage therapy graduates, Grace Henniger, attended as a student along with classmates and members of the Aveda network. Travelers were guided by听Inspire Greatness Aveda Institute Operations Director, Karling Cosca, and Aveda tribal elder Helga Hefner, and Sumit and Navneeta Badola. Below, Grace shares some of her thoughts on this life-changing experience.

Q: Why did you apply for this opportunity?

A: I saw what a huge opportunity this would be to learn about Aveda and Ayurveda from where it all began.

Q: What was your favorite part of the experience?

A: Gaining听a connection with so many people who started off as strangers and left being a family. We had an amazing group of people. I became good friends with many of them and have a deep love and appreciation for all of them, especially our amazing guides, Helga Hefner, and Sumit and Navneeta Badola. Being with Helga was certainly life changing. She is one of the most beautiful souls I have had the pleasure of meeting, and her wisdom and kindness has changed my life forever. Sumit and Navneeta have become my family, and I will forever appreciate their teachings and blessings.

Q: What was something you didn’t expect to experience?

A: I learned many things about myself on this trip. Mainly I learned that I have control over everything I feel, and any situation can be made into a learning experience; so now I choose to see everything through rose-colored glasses. That’s how I saw the culture in India- everyone lives their lives through their hearts. There’s lots of gratitude and love in their everyday lives, doing daily prayers and blessings. It’s similar to America in the sense that everyone is busy with their work and families, but in India everyone is more present in what they do. That’s one thing that I have brought back with me and hope to share with many people.

Q: What did you learn most during this trip?

A: If you can be in the moment with every moment, then there is more room for joy and appreciation. Especially at the beginning and end of every day. 听Each day I now try to sit in silence and be grateful. Overall, this was such a life changing and enlightening experience. I feel so blessed to have gone through this as a student, so that as I go into my career I can bring this insight and wisdom to my guests and help transform their lives with light and love.

In the picture shared here from Grace’s Instagram, the caption reads,听“Words cannot describe how grateful I am. Watching the sunrise over the Himalayan mountains gave me the deepest feeling of purpose and serenity. I will never forget how magical this moment was. Thank you to everyone who made this happen… namaste.”

Later, an article would be shared about this Study Abroad Experience, telling the story of how the students and Aveda team members re-connected back to the same roots Horst himself started. It was Swami Rama, founder of the Himalayan non-profit hospital who introduced the Indian heritage of yoga and Ayurveda to Aveda founder, Horst. The students learned a deeper understanding of Ayurvedic treatments like Panchkarma, yoga, meditation and the basic principles of Ayurveda.

Another Aveda network听member, Naomi Dove (@avedaitgirl) shared her experience through a video she created.

“Six months ago Sue Trondson at came to Phoenix and told me that I was going to have my best year ever! Five months later, the opportunity came up to apply to study in India with Helga Hefner of AVEDA. I wish the emotion I feel right now could translate to words. Exactly six months later, I’m having my best year ever. Everything in this video is so authentic and relatable to this journey. From the music, the emotion, the creativity, the picture of Horst…the music you hear is a recording from our celebration dinner; the videos you watch are real people from the , and the photos you see are original pictures I was able to take on a real life experience at the original ashram Horst studied at with Swami Rama… I’m so humble.”

The post #BeautyHeals : India Study Abroad Experience appeared first on Inspire Greatness.

Q: What has your education provided for you in your career?

What I remember most about my school experience is my educators. I was so blessed to have the same ones through my journey and they supported me and helped me come into my own as an extension specialist and stylist. Carrie Bellus, Brad Van Dyke and Dale Le Monds allowed me to practice my extensions on the floor as a students and in class. With all this practice I was able to really perfect my skills, so when I graduated I knew what direction I was going in and I hit the ground running.听My education provided me a stable environment and taught me life skills and more communication skills. It taught me to use my creativity and put my guests’ needs first and how to listen.

听Q: Share how you are building your career.

These days I am still flying for Skywest as I have 11 years seniority now. I also teach part time at the Aveda Institute Phoenix under the guidance of Ericka Robinson and Katrina Bervin. I just hit my one year anniversary and I’m really proud of that. I have launched my own hair extensions line called my Website is . My main goal is to grow my hair extension business by getting into local beauty supply stores. I want to distribute hair and be a consultant about extensions for Aveda salons. I host regularly-occurring听extensions and braiding workshops听at Aveda Institute Denver and at Aveda institute Phoenix. I also make wigs for those that have severe hair loss and I custom color the hair using Aveda hair color.

The lifestyle. Aveda is about love and beautiful things. We make beautiful hair and make people feel good about themselves.

I would tell them to hang in there because school flies by fast and you have to take all the information you can from your educators. Whatever you听put into your听education, you’ll听get in the end. When you put in 50听percent,听you will be a mediocre hair stylist. When you put in 100 percent, you will hit the ground running.

The post Graduate Spotlight: Rae Black appeared first on Inspire Greatness.

Morning Ritual: My mornings have a set routine. I start my day out with quick shower, eat a plentiful breakfast, and then my daily makeup and hair routine. My commute is pretty easy, I simply ride the elevator to the main level of the building; yes, that檚 right. I am fortunate enough to live in the same building as the school! Lucky right? Before starting Massage, I graduated from Aveda Institute Denver’s Esthiology Program and in the meantime, I got certified in Eye Lash Extensions.

Before learning the Chakra Massage this afternoon, I wanted to show you my favorite Aveda Skin Care line: Tourmaline. The deep exfoliation is great for the dry skin that most of us experience in Colorado.

Posse: At the Institute, I have met some amazing people. But, today I get to 听master Massage techinques beside these wonderful ladies. These wonderful women are creative and bright. I am incredibly blessed to have met so many admirable people through my journey at Aveda!

Massage: Here I am learning the Aveda Chakra Massage. Which Chakra is your favorite? Mine is Chakra 3, its the power/solar plexus center. It檚 all about motivation and tapping into your own power. The color is yellow, and I imagine a bright yellow beaming out of me like a CareBear full of sun shine! Are you letting your light shine?

After school: Tonight I had an eyelash extension appointment. This guest likes a longer lashes, with a natural look and shape. I love the industry we are in, it allows each of our guest a greater sense of confidence by simply enhancing the beauty that already exist! You can follow more of my lash extension before and after by liking my professional page: @tswaff_lashes

Favorite product: After a busy day full of hard-work, I love coming home and washing my face. But, I couldn檛 do it without my Aveda Shammy. It檚 a hidden gem in the Aveda product line听but once you discover it, youl be amazed! Washcloths only scratch the surface of your skin, but the shammy actually cleanses the face with a smooth gentle approach.

Before bed: I like to end my day with a daily reading that reminds me how grateful I am for all the wonderful assets I檝e worked so hard for. What are you grateful for?

Aveda Institute Denver is a school for cosmetology, barbering, esthiology (skin care) and massage therapy. To learn more about our programs, connect with our Admissions Team Leader, Kristy Fiore by emailing kfiore@avedadenver.com. For more information about our services offered by our students in training, call 303-567-7500.

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So grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given the last few years. They say dreams don’t work unless you do. Believe me it’s true. I’ve laid awake at night thinking of the next move how to be better. Pushing for more out of my life knowing this life has more to offer. This goal has moved me to Los Angeles where I became apart of now my amazing salon family at @kenpavessalon where I can’t thank @kenpaves enough for allowing me to grow as a stylist and a creative human! The la…st year I started modeling a ton in LA as a way to meet people and still create and colab as an outlet. The past few months I signed with @firstlondon ?? and today I leave for a few week trip to work and grow even more! I can not express how grateful I am for the support of my friends and family and clients! I can’t wait to share my travels with y’all the next few weeks!!

Recently, we had a chance to catch up with Graham and find out how he’s grown to become a successful stylist at Ken Paves Salon in Los Angeles, Cali. And we’ll discuss his modeling career too…

@grahamnation

Following graduation from Aveda Institute Denver, Graham started working at Matthew Morris Salon where he worked hard for about 15 months to build a clientele and then later joined the Juno Salon team in Denver, Colo. He shared how it was tough working behind the chair in his early years and he also bartended part-time to help steady his income.听Graham describes his first few听years behind the chair as a trial period where he learned from his mistakes, developed his craft and finally felt confident as a stylist.

I failed a lot those first years but for every loss there was a gain.

With his mind set on success and knowing that meant being fully booked, Graham make a big change in his life and got sober and a few months later, he says everything took off and started happening for him. He worked 7 days a week, hungry for success.

Graham desired to “make waves” in the industry so he set intention to move to New York and become more involved with fashion week and a celebrity clientele. Alas, after a short time he realized he wanted sunshine, warmer climate and a car to drive around so he headed West for Los Angeles, a better city to “make waves.” He finally made it to LA but the job he had lined up fell through. He was crushed but he didn’t give up hope. He put his networking skills to use and connected with those people who knows someone, who knows someone, who knew Ken Paves.

Let’s back up a bit because it wasn’t this easy. Graham had connections to other salons in LA and Beverly Hills but they want high-end, quality, experienced stylist – which he feels he’s still aspiring to be – and to get to that point he would have to be an assistant for six months up to 2 years. In Graham’s mind, this wouldn’t be a challenge for a 20-something stylist starting his/her career but being he just turned 30 at the time, he felt he didn’t have time to start at the beginning… again.

Kelsey Christian at LA models by Kimo Lauer hair by Graham Nation me on beat shot at #KPSstudios #marccornwall #makeupbyme #lightdusting #Kenpavessalonla � with Kimo Lauer and Graham Nation at Ken Paves Salon.

Fast forward, Graham walks into Ken Paves salon and immediately clicked with Ken. “He was (is) the coolest dude,” says Graham. In their meeting, Graham said he was asked two questions by Ken that he has rarely heard in the industry (which made him realize he had landed exactly where he needed to be). Ken asked, “What do you want to do? How can I help you?” Twenty days later, Graham was working with his first celebrity guest, a model. A few weeks before this interview, he had Eva Longoria as a guest for a shampoo and style.

Graham worked seven days a week at his training that led to a series of test-outs and presentations听including nine color services, 12 haircuts听while working an听additional 40 hours a week assisting. The expectation was to get his timing down and presentation factor set to the Ken Pave’s听Salon level.

I’m on the path and it feels right. My continued vision of success is building a brand, owning a home and my own list of clients.

As he settled in his salon in LA, Graham got back into modeling and is working with First Model Management听in London. He has also worked with the Ted Gibson team听as part of the haircutting stage team for New York Fashion Week. Graham continues to be inspired by his mentors, Ken Paves and Geno Chapman, and he also credits his time at Aveda Institute Denver and Matthew Morris as being instrumental to being where is his now and where he’s headed.

 

The educators gave so much of their time for a reason. I remember Scott, my educator, always saying “stay focused” there’s so much more out there but be in the moment and learn this first. I had to learn discipline. You have to learn discipline or you won’t have a career.

Throw back to 2009 when Graham was a cosmetology student, and DJ. Here he’s providing the music soundtrack for our Earth Month Hair & Makeup Show.

His advice for our students is simple and involves living the Aveda mission:

Timing. Always be 15 minutes early. You cannot be late for a client, ever so don’t be late to school.

Take advantage of the yoga. I realize now it was the best thing for mental focus.

[credit to his educator, Scott] Stay focused. When you’re tired and over it, that’s when you need it the most. Know what you want and learn what the industry can offer you. Anyone can learn hair but you have to show up, be positive and stay motivated.

From being fresh out of beauty school to working through the failures and mistakes that led to opportunity, Graham paved his way to make his mark in the industry. We, at Inspire Greatness Institutes, know this is just the beginning of Graham “making waves” and they’re about to get even bigger.

Graham travels to Denver often and works as a guest stylist at Indie Six salon. Appointments can be scheduled directly through Graham by visiting his page or follow his story on Instagram

The post Paving the Way – Graduate Spotlight with Graham Nation appeared first on Inspire Greatness.

Like, Luis Gonzalez, purefessional and owner of Vida Salon in Denver, Colo. He joined us this morning to host a color workshop and share his techniques for color applications, inspired by his love, Aveda Hair Color Magic!

Like any traditional Aveda class, he started off with the Aveda mission, learning what we are excited about lately when it comes to the mission: caring for the world, setting an example, creating a lifestyle, inspiring others. Luis’ current focus is the part of the mission where we STRIVE.

“If you don’t start today, you lose today. If you don’t start this month, you lose an entire month. If you wait another year to start doing what you love, you lose another year!” says Luis. When it comes to being successful in this industry, he believes it’s all about knowledge. “If you’re really knowledgeable about what you’re doing, it shows. You have to know what you’re talking about.”

Although most of the presentation was about technique, Luis’ message was clear: Strive. He spoke often about the importance of finding what you’re passionate about. “You have the power to be as successful as you want and make as much money as you want. It’s all about what you are doing to do to get there.”

Luis’ story began at a听beauty college where he left with enough foundation to get him started but a quick realization that he needed to learn more. He started working for Regis in a salon where he was charging $50 for haircut, admittedly, not exactly knowing had to cut hair – but he had determination, confidence and STRIVE! With a thirst for knowledge, he joined the training program at The Academy where he left with more knowledge but again, more STRIVE to learn even more. He joined the Centre salon team, where he grew successfully for six years. During that time he became an Aveda color purfessional, focusing on the Hair Color Magic program. Currently his salon, Vida, located in the the Highlands area of Denver, is currently the only salon certified with Hair Color Magic.

Luis travels around the network to host color workshops and trainings on this system that he describes as a way to learn how color formulation actually works. “It teaches one to actually formulate color so it eventually becomes predictable.”

Through the demonstration, Luis shared a few more tips on success in the beauty industry:

“What is success? Money? It has nothing to do with money. Success is doing what you love. The money will be there.”

Luis become a salon owner about three 1/2 years ago, stating he’s always had a strong business minded focus but lately he’s been motivated by editorial projects. “Editorial work keeps me inspired and it’s hard work that doesn’t make any money. What it does is keeps me motivated to be behind the chair five days a week. That’s my bread and butter. Being in the salon.”

Another tip from Luis? Sure, he’s got many to share and since he’s pretty successful, we are listening…

“Embrace everything that’s happening right now in school. Everything you are being taught will matter and apply in the salon: rituals, retailing, prebooking. Right now is the time to take advantage of every thing you are being offered. And, also, treat every guest like they’re a six-figure guest.”

Luis is available for follow up questions and support and will be auditioning new talent for his salon in June 2016. To connect, follow him on Instagram @lgonzalezhaircolor or email him direct at听Luis@vidasalon.net

The post Luis Gonzalez Master Series Presentation appeared first on Inspire Greatness.

My听day begins with all things Aveda, like Control Force, Smooth Infusion Nourishing Styling Creme, Volumizing Tonic and Pure Abundance Hair Potion to create lots of volume! #pumpupthevolume #avedaproducts

Then it’s off to school, which begins at 8:30 am. Aveda Institute Denver is located on the 16th Street Mall between Stout and California streets, which happens to be the busiest block on the mall. We have over 20,000 residents and 120,000 workers听in downtown Denver. Students offer all the salon and spa services at a relaxed price. Hair cuts start at $15, spa services range from $40 to $50. #downtowndenver #visitdenver

This is my pose! These two girls have made my life so much brighter! What’s beauty school without the amazing friendships? I can definitely say it wouldn’t be nearly as fun without them. #classmates #bestfriends #beautyschool

My mentor and educator, Jenna has truly made learning the best thing it could ever be! I’ve learned so much from her, not only about beauty but also about life. She has helped me face all of my fears – head first. She has the sweetest heart and is by far one of the greatest educators I’ve ever had. Thank you Jenna, for everything! #inspiregreatness #bestteacher #avedaeducator

I learned what it truly means to be patient during this service. I did my first live color cleanse and, wow, was it an experience! Since I started the program July 2015 and began services in the fall. Since then I have completed over 50 services so far. I attend school three days a week so I am on the clinic floor for two and in class for one day each week. #colorcleanse #avedacolor #process

School is out! Dinner for two. Every night I cook dinner and it’s my favorite time of the day. I’m discovering that cooking is another passion of mine. #burritobowls #avedalife #topchefhairstylist

Goodnight world. Wrapping up my day-in-the-life as a cosmetology student at Aveda Institute Denver. Time to sleep with soft, clean skin with help from the Botanical Kinetics line and then wind-down with some hot tea and a good book. I am a sucker for social media also. I love seeing all the new trends. #socialmedia #zzz #avedaskincare #industrytrends

~shared by Allexus Gallegos @allbyalexusg 2016

Our next programs begin soon! Enjoy our 3-day program for cosmetology, esthiology or massage therapy. For more information text or call Kristy at 720-560-2155 or email kfiore@avedadenver.com听For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit

The post Day-in-the-Life of an Aveda Beauty School Student appeared first on Inspire Greatness.

He shared his timeline of his full career in the beauty industry, which began at age 16 when he started school. The program is much longer in England so he was 18 when he completed his education and started his career. Today Ian has been with Aveda for 17 years and as a part of the Aveda Global Artistic Team, Ian spends his days working on education pieces, discovering new ways of teaching others, overseeing how education is pushed out to the network, he collaborates on Aveda collections and product development, works with marketing and also travels and presents often. Though it may seems he spends a lot of his time on stage, he shared he’s literally only on stage maybe a few hours a year. Prior to Aveda, Ian got his start at Toni & Guy.

“Aveda is a company I can work for and feel really proud of.”

Having shared that he feels he could die happy tomorrow because he’s lived the life he wanted, Ian said听that he still desires to take a few months off from work and spend some time in Cambodia to help young women trapped in sex trafficking.

Ian shared some of his work with Aveda and a teaser of never-before-seen images of some recent work he’s done on his own. Editorial work is hard work and Ian called it “grueling” when giving an example of the photo shoot in Hawaii for Aveda Damage Remedy. The rain, the lava rocks and the continued challenges with weather in creating a perfect image that was about beautiful, healthy, conditioned hair, that would tell the story of quinoa protein in the products.

“It’s not always about the hair, it’s creating the mood to create the image. And it’s not about YOU. It’s about the model. Editorial style is not the same in real life.”

Understanding what you want from a picture is unique to the subject, Ian says. You have to understand what you are trying to show, tell in the picture. Going back in time a bit to November, 2014 when Aveda shared on their Ian’s work featured on the cover of American Salon magazine, Ian spoke of seeking to inspire more diversity with models and how he loves the “in-between” when it comes to images – that place between the current image and the next one about to happen. The image that cannot be recreated, that’s what he’s capturing.

Color Wheel from Ian Michael Black Living Aveda Blog

“What makes something great is when you create your own version of it.”

Ian doesn’t really think often about what’s happening tomorrow but he will question where he will be in the next five years. Will I be doing the same thing? Will it be different?

Ian didn’t shy away from sharing that this is an industry that requires hard work to start. He urged us to continue on our own journey and make it our own. First, we must master the basics. If we don’t learn to create perfection from the basics, we’ll never learn to advance. This is where establishing trust begins. Trust in the process. Trust in the unknown. Trust in the fear.

“You’ll learn the most when you’re uncomfortable.”

What else did we learn from Ian today? With over 150 of us in the audience today, I’m sure each of us learned something different and the journey will continue to unfold. Having personally watched Ian from afar, in the fan club of many, and seen his work come to life in our Aveda collections, seen him on stage at Congress, seen his work from a screen – having Ian walk from behind-the-scenes in what seemed like a far-away world and suddenly arrive in person, made me realize how our Global company is a community. I was most inspired by him sharing that at Aveda, “the people here work with each other out of respect. You build relationships.”

That’s what it was all about for me today. The inspiration to continue to live the Aveda mission, inspire others and build relationships. And also keep posting Instagrams about my new #avedacolor

Ian Michael Black with Alicia Christus, the voice behind this blog today.

“What I love most about this career is you don’t have to fit a mold. You don’t have to be anyone else.听You don’t have to be the best but you need to be consistent and be consistently good. Do your own thing, don’t be like everyone else.” – Ian Michael Black

Aveda Institute Denver is a school for cosmetology, esthiology and massage and is a part of the 黑料专区 in Colorado, Arizona and Utah. We also offer an Editoril ReMix class, a week-long course focusing on editorial photo shoot practice for hair, makeup and the full production of a shoot. For more information about Aveda Institute Denver, visit our Web site or follow along on Facebook: Aveda Institute Denver or on our Instagram or Twitter feed @inspireaveda.

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