January Spotlights

Student Spotlight: Natalia Starodubtseva, Massage Therapy

Natalia, aka Natasha, is currently in the Air phase of our Massage Therapy program and will graduate very soon. Prior to joining our program, and arriving to this country, Natalia has a Masters in Chemistry and was a Chemistry Teacher back in her home country, Ukraine. She was also a massage therapist and when she immigrated into the US she had to re-certify, which brought her to Aveda Institute Denver.

“I love the teamwork and togetherness. Wearing my Aveda apron makes me feel connected to something bigger.”

Favorite Aveda product: Bergamot Singular Note is my favorite Aveda product. I love the uplifting aroma and use it during my massage services.

Why did you choose to attend Aveda Institute? I chose Aveda for the excellent training, verification of knowledge, availability of well-trained practitioners, course duration and value for the price.

Hero/Industry Icon or Mentor: I have wonderful mentors in my educators LoraLee and Michelle!

In my spare time, you will find me: Swimming in the pool!

I�m inspired most by: Knowledge.

Something unique about me is: My knowledge of several languages and cultures make my treatments very unique.

What are you most excited about accomplishing after graduation? Possessing a new specialty, a set of skills and knowledge that I can share with others!

Student Spotlight: Kelly Edgin, Esthiology

Kelly is wrapping up her first phase of our esthiology (skin care, makeup, waxing) program and recently starting offering facials in our student spa clinic. She’ll be progressing soon to offer the full spa service experience.

“I chose to attend Aveda Institute Denver because of the recognition in the beauty industry. I also wanted an education I knew others would be impressed by.”

Prior to Kelly becoming a student at Aveda Institute Denver she was a full-time foster parent for 10 years and adopted four of the five daughters she has now. It’s amazing she’s found some time for herself to go back to school and learn a new skill. Kelly is also a certified Nail Technician and AAS Interpreter for the deaf. She’s excited to complete this program and be able to offer more services to her guests.

Her favorite thing about Aveda is the sense of community. “I am inspired by the people I have met at Aveda. I have met some of the most amazing people, who’s stories are truly inspirational.”

Favorite Aveda Product: The new Wedding Masque Overnight for face and eye. The results are amazing and you can instantly see the difference in your skin.

Industry Icons: I follow many nail techs around the world through social media. They inspire me to go beyond my comfort level, to reach higher and dream big! They include:

@nailsidoadore

Poochiez Pawz Nail Studio

Tony’s Nails

@Terrencenterry

Ocean Nail Supply

My mentors included my business partner, Alana Dobbs and my CND Ambassador, Mary Chhea.

In my spare time, you’ll find me: Spare time? I don’t have any But I do hope to someday pick up the guitar again.

Team Member Spotlight: Haley Sample

We are excited to have Haley Sample transition into the Assistant Team Lead role in the Experience Center starting in February! Haley joined our team a year ago as a cosmetology educator. She’s wrapping up her current phase, teaching Grounding for our new cosmetology students. Haley brings six years of Aveda experience to our team and a passion for Aveda products!

Greatest Industry Accomplishment or Goal: When behind the chair I built my books in 6 months, became the Salon Coach within 2 years of starting my career, moved to Colorado to educate, and now becoming the Experience Center Assistant Team lead

Hero/Industry Icon: Mom and Dad, they both created me and made me the woman I am today. I am thankful for there support even through my crazy years. They continue to motivate me and push me to better my best. Being so far from them (they are in Florida) makes me have so much more value for my relationship with both of them. When I told them I was dropping out of college to go to beauty school they both cheered me on the whole way. I am very lucky and blessed to have TWO parents that are insanely good to me.

What I love most about Aveda is: The culture, we pride ourselves on taking care of all our guests. Our guests is everyone including ourselves! The wellness from inside ourselves is spread to each individual we come in contact with. We are a strong network and team, meaning wherever we go ANY Aveda is home. We strive for excellence and we believe learning never ends. Everything the mission states I believe and incorporate into my everyday life

Favorite Aveda Product: oooooooohhhh this is a little hard to say, because if anyone knows me they know I am an Aveda junkie. But if I was stranded on an isle it would be: Dry Shampoo, Air Control, Chakra 3, and TULASARA. (I tried)

Pets and/or Children: A SOON TO BE FUR Baby owner. (rescue)

In my spare time you will find me: Yoga, Workout, Any out doors activity, eating Ice Cream

I�m most inspired by: EVERYONE AROUND ME, every life has a story and I love hearing them. The reason I got into this industry was to understand what makes a person feel beautiful and what I have learned is every soul is different. Beauty is something that comes from within and showing someone on the outside how beautiful they really are is the biggest pay off of this industry we are in. This is our creative outlook. Our way of express ourselves in colors, textures, movements, and placements. It is what I thrive off of as a being and I love being surrounded by people who feel the same way.

Advice to our students: Never give up, never stop practicing, and Never stop learning. Look at each day and experience as an opportunity to grow and learn more. Even the great services have as much to learn from as the not so great services. What made it great what made it not so great? Practice is the way to stay up in this field. There is ALOT of learning in practicing and observing the stylists around you. There is no reason to feel a day was a boring day or a waste of time. If you have the right mindset that everything is an EXPERIENCE with learning and growth attached to it, you will NEVER have a boring day in this industry.

Aveda has changed my life. It taught me everything I needed to know on how to be a successful stylist, business woman, and person. I have meet some of my lifelong friends from my Aveda Institute program and made memories I can never forget. I continue to grow with Aveda each day of work and each education course I am able to take. I love how much education is offered even after getting licensed. I recommend Aveda to anyone who is trying to gain inspiration in their life. Even if they aren’t wanting to do hair there are so many layers to this company and I am excited to continue exploring all of them!

Guest Spotlight: Katie Broeren

Meet our loyal guest, Katie (nickname, Charlie) shown here with two of our recent cosmetology graduates. Katie has been our guest here in Denver for many years and an Aveda guest for over 30 years. She’s visited salons and Institutes all over the world, including Chicago, New York, Miami, Paris and Rome.

She credits the Aveda Institute Denver experience with making her feel “beautiful and sassy.” Katie recently went for a bold, new look with this beautiful pixie cut. With this new style, her favorite Aveda styling product is the Light Elements Defining Whip.

Katie’s favorite part of the Aveda experience is the relaxing, stress-relieving scalp massage. Katie enjoys reading in her spare time and is a full-time volunteer.

Graduate Spotlight: Greg Cooper Schulze and Marty Salinas, Van Michael Salons

We are pleased to welcome back our graduates, Greg and Marty to lead a Master Series this week on balayage and bridal/updo styling, and to host a workshop for Industry Day & Education Jam.

Greg “Cooper” Schulze has been doing hair color for almost 7 years now. He started his career at Aveda Institute Denver in Colorado, where he learned from some of the best stylists in the industry. Soon after graduating he started working for one of the top salons in the industry, Van Michael Salons in Atlanta, Ga. Van Michael has one of the best training programs in the industry and has set Cooper up to be one of the top

Hair colorists in Atlanta. Cooper�s clients include actors, top CNN personalities, and Atlanta�s elite. He�s behind the chair five days a week and is pleased to share his tips on balayage services.

Marty Salinas is a Master Stylist and Educator for Van Michael Salons in Atlanta, Ga. During his seven years in the Beauty Industry, Marty has specialized in Cutting and Up styling while working with some of the top stylists in the Industry. His services have been called upon for weddings, photo shoots, fashion shows and movie premieres. He has worked with the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) featuring designers: Daniel Vosovic, Burkman Bros, Emanuela Duca, and Whit; and a Campaign Commercial Shoot with Elizabeth Arden NY and Maybeline.

Marty was an Official Stylist for The Atlanta Falcon’s Cheerleaders, CNN and has worked with numerous Television and Radio Personalities. His work has been featured in Modern Luxury Brides Atlanta, The Atlantan, So Magazine, VoyageAtl and multiple Bridal Blogs. Marty was recognized as 2016 winner of “Best of Atlanta -Haircut” by Jezebel Magazine and recently had the opportunity to work NYFW styling for designers such as Kyboe, Chromat, CG(Chris Gelinas), Chiara Boni, and Delpozo. Marty will be demonstrating the secrets behind his success with updo and bridal styling.

Aveda Salon Spotlight: Wild Roots Salon

Wild Roots is a new Aveda concept salon located in Broomfield, CO. They opened on September 6, 2016. The owner, Amanda Shields is a former cosmetology educator from Aveda Institute Denver. She’ll be hosting a workshop at Industry Day next week to focus on the differences between booth rent and the salon business model.

Number of salon chairs/spa treatment rooms:
5 chairs, 1 treatment room

Services offered: Full range of hair services, including brazilian blowout, extensions, facial waxing, lash extensions

How do you support new talent? We have amazing in-salon education offered by some of our most advanced stylists, as well as Aveda Purefessionals. We also do lots of advertising and ‘deal of the days’ on social media, calling to action day of, and walk in appointments – which can be snatched up by our newest stylists! We teach the importance of pre-booking in order to retain guests, and build a solid clientele, and have a great referral program to get friends and family of everyone you see in the door.

What makes your salon/spa unique? We have a small, family feel, and a super motivated group of stylists and guests service coordinators. We encourage work/life balance, work on a 4 day work week, and also offer every 6th Saturday off for each stylist!

Stylist get a mix of in salon education, and choice of classes through Aveda, and even outside of the network depending on what they are most interested in. We also do hair and make up on location, which allows the stylist to get out of the salon and work in beautiful places! We also donate to a new nonprofit each month, including a small percent of our proceeds, as well as money raised by our wonderful guests!

Benchmark celebrations or successes:
Wild Roots Salon has grown 10% or more each month that we have been open so far!

Tips for new students? Take in every ounce of information from every educator who walks through the doors of the institute. They have so many years of collective knowledge, and are your tools for success! Use school to practice being a professional. Show up early, have great attendance, and practice the points of difference and professionalism so that you are on point and ready to go when you enter your first salon of your career!

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Student Spotlight: Chelsea Newman, cosmetology

Chelsea, also known as Chelly chose to attend Aveda Institute Denver because it’s “the best of the best” and because of how Aveda gives back. Her goal upon graduation is to work for a top Aveda salon and also compete in NAHA as a nail tech.

She’s most inspired by everyday life and human interaction. Her heroes are Celina Ryden and Guy Tang. Chelly is obsessed with having healthy hair which is why the damage remedy line is her favorite. Hint, hint – we just launched our new Damage Remedy split end repair!

Outside of attending the cosmetology program at AID, Chelly enjoys spending time with her husband, studying and working on gel nail designs. She loves nails too!

Team Spotlight: Kristy Fiore, Admissions Team Lead

#tbt to when our beloved Admissions Team Lead, Kristy (aka K-money) was a student at Aveda Institute Tucson in 2011! Here’s her story…

Let�s throw it back! When I first started the program, my passion was makeup. I wanted as much training as possible so when I heard about the opportunity to take Editorial Remix with Rudy Miles and Heggy Gonzalez (and also for the amazing makeup kit that was included) I signed up! After a week of training we had our photo shoot to show off our skills� This was taken after we wrapped up for the day! Obviously, Rudy and I love each other {smiles for days}

Kristy is also our team spotlight of the month! She’s super inspired right now to prepare our next cosmetology students to begin their program next month! Kristy is not only a team leader, she’s one of our super-star Inspire Greatness Aveda Institute grads. She attended the esthiology program at our Tucson location. After becoming licensed she become a makeup artist and Spa Team Lead at Indira Salon & Spa in River North Chicago.

Her industry hero is Aveda’s own guru, Helga Hefner. Being that Kristy is an esthetician, her fave Aveda product is the Botanical Kinetics Liquid Exfoliant and she uses about 15 products daily If you have a moment, check out her Pinterest page for inspiration on decoration. She also loves to cook and because she’s a tad OCD, she finds balance in cleaning, cleaning and cleaning.

“I enjoy meeting potential students every day. Inspire Greatness Institutes changed my world. While in school at the Tucson Institute my world was turned upside down when I experience some personal challenges. The Ayurvedic practices kept me feeling grounded and grateful for the life I have. Knowing someone else is receiving the same opportunity to learn and grow as a professional and person is amazing.”

Where do you see yourself in 5 years and then 10 years?

In 5-10 years I see myself still working at Aveda. I am so grateful for the opportunities that I�ve received through Inspire Greatness Institutes. I�m not sure what the future holds but excited to see the possibilities.

Personally, in 10 years Il be 37 (crazy) hopefully have a boyfriend or fiancée or husband by then and a puppy! I hope to knock some things off my bucket list (travel to Italy and Ireland). But mostly I hope to be happy : )

How do you Inspire Greatness?

I hope that I Inspire Greatness every hour of every day! As an Admissions Team Lead it is my job to inspire students to choose Aveda Institute Denver. I love attending all our give-back opportunities on and off campus!

Guest Spotlight: Lauren Havens, Professional Water Polo Coach and Licensed Esthetician

Lauren has been our guest for about a year and would one day like to become an educator here. She enjoys coming to Aveda Institute Denver for a shampoo/style with a conditioning treatment. It leaves her feeling balanced and confident. Lauren’s favorite product is the Stress-Fix Creme Cleanser, perfect for relaxation and balancing dry skin in the Colorado climate. During down time Lauren enjoys focusing on health and wellness as well as running, water skiing and snow skiing.

Lauren recently introduced us to a great organization called, Stepping Stones who we invited in this week to enjoy some beauty and wellness with our students. Lauren’s daughter, Madison (pictured here) is a member of this group as well as one of our guests.

Stepping Stones offers the opportunity to help adults with developmental disabilities to live more fulfilling lives with greater independence. Partnering with Aveda Institute Denver gives these adults their much deserved moment of beauty and wellness. They leave feeling good, connected to community, and feeling more independent.

To learn more, visit����online at

Salon Spotlight: Urban Girls, Grand Junction, Colo

Voted “Best Salon in Grand Junction” by local residents, Urban Girls has been in business for five years and an Aveda Concept Salon for four years.

Tell us about you:

We have two owners: Amy Sheppard and MaryAnne Brown. MaryAnne attended the Aveda Institute in Minneapolis. She was a student of Horst’s. She has been working with Aveda for 30 years. Amy has worked with Aveda her entire 17-year career.

What do you love most about Aveda?

The Aveda product quality is one of the best in the industry! There is something for everyone with the great variety of product lines, styling products and aromas. The Aveda mission and support in education and business is top notch.

Biggest celebration of 2016:

The continuous growth of our business and our hitting almost all benchmarks. It has been amazing not only to see our salon grow as a whole, but also being a part of our staff growing their business.

Tell us about your salon:

Our salon is a very positive environment with a welcoming staff. We have clients comment consistently on how wonderful the vibe is when they come in the door. We have a staff of five senior stylists, including ourselves. We have 3 mid-level stylists and one entry level stylist. We have a full time esthetician and a full time nail technician as well. Our staff also includes 2 assistants that are working their way to becoming stylists. In our assistant program, they get the opportunity to work under us and our other senior stylists giving them the chance to transition smoothly from a school environment to a salon environment. Assisting is a hands on way to become familiar with the Aveda color line, products and standards.

What are you looking for when you hire new team members?

Motivation and enthusiasm in their creativity. Their ability to be a positive, contributing team member that believes in our culture is of utmost importance.

Do you offer continuing education?

Yes!!! Not only do we offer continuing education, it is something that we consider a priority. We do in salon education as well as sending staff to Denver for formal education through Aveda. We require that each member of our staff take class through the Aveda Education department 2 times per year. We also pay for the classes and cover travel and accommodations since many classes are outside the Grand Junction area.

August Spotlights

Student/Graduate Spotlight: Grace Henniger

Meet Grace Henniger, team member, student and graduate of Aveda Institute Denver! Yes, she�s all that and a bag of chips! Grace just joined our massage therapy program and just recently graduated from our esthiology program. While she�s been a student, she�s also be a Student Advisor in our Experience Center.

Grace is a licensed hairstylist and a level 2 reiki practitioner. Her vision is to own a healing center that incorporates massage, esthetics and reiki. She�s excited to begin her career and continue to grow through experience and education.

When she�s not at AID, which is rare, she enjoys cooking, baking, cat time and relaxing with her best friend, Sabrina. She�s mostly inspired by her guests when she�s helping them walk through different parts of their journey.

Grace chose Aveda become of the great reputation and because, �everyone I have met from Aveda is incredibly talented.� Her mentor is our spa educator, Bethany, her first educators and the person she had a deep connection with. They share similar intention and energy behind their passion.

Tulasara, the new skin care launch from Aveda is Grace�s favorite Aveda product line because of the Ayurvedic connection. Get to know Grace more by visiting our Experience Center or in about six weeks when shel begin taking massage appointments in our student spa clinic.

Team Member Spotlight: Brad Van Dyke, Education Director, ����ר��

Who doesn�t know Brad Van Dyke? B-dazzle, B-rad. If you have not had the pleasure of meeting him yet, be sure to introduce yourself the next time he in on campus! Brad is our Inspired Education Director for all Inspire Greatness Institutes.

Get to know Brad a little better today. A man who is inspired by life and helping other live their best life. His advice for our students: �Learn the foundations so deeply that you can intelligently break the creative �rules,� and STAY inspired!�

Brad has a degree in Exercise Science/Wellness, Psychology, with a Coaching Minor and is licensed in Massage and Esthetics which sets the tone for a well-balanced leadership style. Brad has been in the industry for over 20 years and with Inspire Greatness for 11 years. In fact, he was part of the inaugural team that opened the doors to Aveda Institute Denver back in 2005!

Being that Brad splits his time between our four Inspire Greatness locations in Denver, Tucson, Phoenix and Provo, as well as teaching Purefessional classes for Aveda and diving into editorial projects, and also being an owner of a salon, it�s rare he has much down time but then he chooses to stay immersed in this industry because to Brad, it�s not work if it�s something you enjoy doing.

�Having ADHD, I choose not to have spare time. I fill my time with throwing myself into as many editorial projects as I can, I enjoy playing outside (hiking, working out, staying active, spending time at Red Rocks). I balance my time with my partner, Justin and we do carve out time to enjoy traveling together or relaxing on our patio.�

Brad�s greatest industry accomplishments are many including achieving Aveda Purefessional, becoming a salon owner, earning a NAHA nominee for makeup artist of the year, and growing to become the Education Director at ����ר��.

His industry icons are Jon Reyman and David Wagner for business and for makeup, his icons are Isamaya Ffrench, Pat McGrath, Janell Geason and of course the talented Heggy Gonzalez.

�What I love most about Aveda is EVERYTHING�aroma, efficacy, and education. My Aveda favorites fluctuate as I am lucky enough to have a full closet devoted to Aveda products so I can mix and match my favorites based on my mood, feelings and needs. I always also love what new with Aveda.�

Graduate Spotlight: Rae Black, AID cosmetology graduate
as featured in our Inspire Greatness Blog

We are pleased to feature our graduate and cosmetology educator, Rae Black! She graduated from Aveda Institute Denver in 2011 and just celebrated her one-year anniversary as a cosmetology educator for Aveda Institute Phoenix. She has also launched her own business dialing into the world of hair extensions.

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.��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.

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��extensions and braiding workshops��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.

Q: What do you love most about Aveda?

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

Q: What advice or tips would you share with our current students?

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��put into��your��education,��you’ll��get in the end. When you put in 50��percent,��you will be a mediocre hair stylist. When you put in 100 percent, you will hit the ground running.

Q:��What does Inspire Greatness mean to you?

I would like to share how much I appreciate Dale and and Inspire Greatness. I remember during school always going in his office picking his brain about things, especially business. He is a great business man and family man and he cares about his students. I remember we use to make fun of him about his golfing out-fits and socks and he just laughed along with us – ��it was great. He supported me and believed in me and his still does till this day.

You know you�re doing good by your students when they come back to work for you.

I also want to thank Brad for his love, mentorship and support. I consider him a real friend. I have talked to him about numerous things and he is always listening and has a solution and suggestions.
Allison Olean, Experience Center Advisor and AID Esthiology Graduate

Allison has chosen to work at the Aveda Institute Denver for many, many reasons! First being their mission statement, which is something she have stood by whole heartedly since she was a student at AID. She graduated from the esthetics program in May of 2016 and missed it so much that she wanted to come back! Allison says that Aveda is an amazing company and the institute has changed her life in more ways than one.

She moved around a few times in her life but most recently from the Colorado Springs area, where her family still lives. As a child she spent a lot of her time having her mother teach her about the spa industry. Her mom has been a neuromuscular rehabilitation massage therapist for over 30 years and is the reason she gained such a passion for this industry. Allison started attending the Aveda Institutes esthetics class because of her passion for skin care and makeup. She obtained high honors every phase of her program! After receiving her esthetics license, she jumped at the opportunity to work for AID and hope to one day become a makeup purefessional. She is so excited to be a part of the Aveda family again!

Liz, Student Care Support and AID Graduate

Liz joins our team in Student Care as a support to our lead, Rachael. She brings with her many years� experience in the salon/spa industry. She is an AID graduate and was recently a Massage Therapist Manager while working in the spa. She�s excited to return to the AID family with a unique and fresh perspective on the growing salon/spa��industry.

�In my down time I mostly spend time with my pup, Indie, adventuring around Colorado on foot or bike.��I believe in the power of touch and creating meditation through movement, expanding my vast love��of practicing yoga. I am down to earth and easy to talk to. I want to create an open door,��connecting and developing relationships on campus!�

Salon Spotlight: Europa Salon Spa & Barber Shop

Europa is located in Old Town, Fort Collins and has been open for business for 18 years! It offers 5,000 square feet of beautiful space hosting salon, spa and barbershop services. The salon has 16 chairs, 3 barbershop chairs and the spa hosts four treatment rooms. They also have a beautiful guest waiting area near the retail store and a relaxing nail spa area. Europa prides themselves in living the Aveda mission and hosts many mission-aligned events including hair shows, fundraisers and wellness events, especially in support of Earth Month.

The salon and spa offer training programs for new talent and support growth with marketing, social media, referral programs, events and a strong focus on continuing education. Europa enjoys a prime location in Old Town Fort Collins with great walk-by traffic and loyal guests alike. Connect with their manager Aimee Welch for more information about hiring opportunities or visit their Website europafc.com for more information.

July Spotlights

Team Member& Graduate Spotlight
Sabrina Marben
Experience Center Team Lead

I am a Denver native and the youngest of four girls. I grew up in the salon industry with both my mom, a barber, and sister, a cosmetologist. My mom is a salon owner and we were always doing hair and makeup growing up. My two passions are up-do’s and nail care/art. I graduated in 2006 as valedictorian in my cosmetology class at the Aveda Institute Denver. I worked behind the chair for a few years and then moved into management. It has been an honor to work with Aveda over the past 10 years to see the growth and development from future professionals to successful salon stylists.

I have chosen to work with Aveda because they care about the environment and our overall well-being. I believe in using natural ingredients in all aspects of our lives. I also think we have a wonderful opportunity to give back to our community during earth month as well as partnering with indigenous tribes around the world.

This September is my 5-year anniversary to my wonderful husband, Mitchell.�� We have two amazing children and a Boxer named Sammie. Brooklyn is 4 and Lucas is 3. They love reading and using their imagination. We love to spend time outdoors, baking, and learning new things. In my free time I enjoy crafts, gardening, painting, and spending time with my family. I am thrilled to have an opportunity to work at the Aveda Institute Denver to share my knowledge and excitement about this extraordinary industry.

��Say Hey to Chee, new team member of Reservations and an AID graduate!

“I’m excited to be back with Inspire Greatness and Aveda. I am truly inspired by the way Aveda cares for anyone and everything they come in contact with. St. Baldrick�s and Earth Month are two of my favorite opportunities to give back. Before and during school at AID I was a nanny for four years and in childcare before that. I’m a HUGE makeup lover and I tend to binge watch YouTube tutorials in my free time. I’m so excited to start this next journey with Aveda and the IG team!
Chee is also getting married on August 8, 2016. Congratulations to the happy couple!

Say Hey to Bri Massey, AID graduate and former Guest Services team member, back to join us in our Reservations department because she missed us too much!

�I�mmmm back!!!

My name is Brianna Massey but go by Bri. I graduated from AID in September 2014, and I am a licensed cosmetologist. I worked in both the Experience Center and Reservations departments at AID for a year and a half. I left the Institute in April of this year to work in a salon and in a barber shop, and it just didn�t feel like home. AID is home. I will be starting the barber program in November and couldn�t be more excited! I can�t wait to reconnect and see all of your beautiful faces!�

Student Spotlight
Cosmetology Student, Casey Omran

Meet Casey, a full time mom, travel blogger, former flight attendant and now full time student as Casey is adding a cosmetolgoy licensure to her professional career following earning a degree in natural product manufactering.

�I chose to attend Aveda Institute Denver because it�s simply the best and I want to be the best. I want to be taught by and surrounded by the best. I love the energy here.�

Recently Casey was recognized for earning a 5-star Yelp review for her great guest service! Her favorite Aveda product is the Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair because everyone can benefit from it and the results are easy to see. (Hint, hint Casey � if you love this prodcut, then youl love the soon-to-launch Damage Remedy Split End Hair Repair).

Casey loves the Aveda mission and the high-performing products. �I love that the products I use on my guests are healthy for me and my guests to be working with every day.�

Casey�s industry hero is a stylist named Jeannie Ray. She not world famous, however, she�s a daymaker to her guests she�s been taking care of for over 20 years. Jeannine is always fully booked and busy, and that�s where Casey wants to be in five years.

�I�m inspired by transformations in my guests. I have a heart for moms especially who often struggle to get any time to focus on themselves. I love having a mom sit in my chair and feel and see her energy shift when she sees how amazing she looks when I’m finished. I’m a mom of two daughters age four and six. Any time I�m off from school, I�m nurturing them into happy and productive little people.

Upon graduation, Casey plans to open her own salon and begin taking care of the beauty needs in her community. For now, you can call and schedule services in our student salon clinic at 303-567-7500.
Salon Spa Spotlight

Tall Grass Spa + Salon

Owner, Gail Sharp

Spa Director, Melissa Rackliff
Years Open: 20
4 salon chairs

8 spa rooms

Tall Grass is a �day spa with a destination feel� nestled in the quintessential Colorado backdrop of Evergreen, Colo and has been in business for 20 years. Though mostly spa-focused, Tall Grass is also a full-service hair and nail salon. Their trademark advertising features animals often enjoying spa experiences and they cleverly promote their location at the 6^th Avenue entrance off Kalamath in Denver � which brings them plenty of business city business.

Tall Grass offers Aveda products because of the high quality and variety. They appreciate the Aveda commitment to sustainability and giving back.�� Aveda�s mission aligns with the TallGrass mission and value statements.��Tall Grass actively seeks to hire AID graduates because �they are well trained and knowledgeable about creating a path to success.�� They hold similar values and have an outstanding work ethic.�

As Tall Grass is currently hiring graduates for the salon and spa, they happily share some valuable tips for success for our students. �When entering the job force, seek out the right fit for you. Look at compensation and location, of course, but look closely at the culture � what do they consider important?�� Does that align with your own life, actions and beliefs?�� Take the time to find the place where you will thrive and be sustained in all aspects.�� Take opportunities for growth and learning where and whenever you can!�� Don�t be afraid to make mistakes�learn from them.�� Leap. Stretch. Become the best version of you.�

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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.��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.

��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��extensions and braiding workshops��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��put into your��education, you’ll��get in the end. When you put in 50��percent,��you will be a mediocre hair stylist. When you put in 100 percent, you will hit the ground running.

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Madison Wade working on her NAHA application.

As the deadline to apply for Beacon 2016 nears, we caught up with our graduate, Madison Wade to shed some light on how she got her start to success in this industry. Ironically, it all began with her application to Beacon.*

�My advice to students currently enrolled at Inspire Greatness Institutes is to apply yourself. Just try. Sometimes it�s intimidating but if you don�t try, youl never have the chance,� � Madison Wade.

Though she didn’t move along through the Beacon process back in 2014, she didn�t get discouraged or give up. It was the beginning of a journey where she learned to never give up. Madison eventually went on to take Editorial ReMix in Denver, London Study Abroad and eventually applied for NAHA, all while she was a student at Aveda Institute Denver.

Madison credits her NAHA experience in teaching her how to work with a team, and more importantly how important having a team is.

�I would never be able to do this without Brad. He�s been my mentor, my teacher and inspiration,� says Madison as she mixes color. She�s working with Brad Van Dyke, Education Director for Inspire Greatness Institutes as she prepares her next application for NAHA. Brad is coaching Madison and overseeing her finished looks.

Each Inspire Greatness Institute had one student finalist for the NAHA 2015 Student Hair Stylist of the Year!

Brad shares, �Madison being here today working with us in our Institute is a representation of how once you graduate from IG, you�re always a part of our family.�

She applied for NAHA 2015 in the category of Student Hairstylist of the Year. Madison, along with students from our sister locations in Tucson, Phoenix and Provo became a finalist for the competition. The winner was Dustin Villa from Aveda Institute Tucson but all four nominees, including Madison, were recognized at Aveda Congress this past fall and were able to be backstage working with the industry professionals, including the Aveda Institutes section which was formatted by our Creative Director, Heggy Gonzalez.

�Being a part of the NAHA experience has opened so many doors for me in this industry. I�m building an incredible network, sharing talent, meeting so many inspiring people and working more and more to build my career. NAHA was just the beginning,� says Madison.

Currently Madison is working at Matthew Morris salon but she shared it wouldn�t surprise her if becoming an educator is in her future, maybe even here at Aveda Institute Denver.

�Foundation is everything, it�s who you are. My foundation is here at Aveda Institute Denver.�

Madison Wade’s collection for NAHA 2015 Student Hairstylist of the Year

��*NAHA, North American Hairstyling Awards, is a globally recognized opportunity to receive recognition in our industry for our technical skill. Our NAHA Experience continues to be a significant Point of Difference for our Inspire Greatness Institutes. We were excited to celebrate NAHA finalist from each of our Inspire Greatness locations in 2015 in the category of Student Hairstylist of the Year.

*The Professional Beauty Association�s Beacon program is a renowned program designed to encourage and inspire beauty industry students to effectively and aggressively prepare for successful careers. This program provides the nation�s most promising cosmetology students with education and opportunities to network with the industry�s highest profile salon owners, professionals, and stylists during PBA Beauty Week.

To learn more about Madison Wade, visit her or book an appointment with her at Matthew Morris Salon in Denver, Colo.

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