February Spotlights

Student Spotlight:
Aisha Hurt (aka Esha) is a cosmetology student in our Expression phase.

Before attending cosmetology school, Aisha was a Customer Service and Healthcare Front Office Coordinator. When Aisha was making the decision to go back to school in the beauty industry she spent a lot of time researching and touring schools. When she toured Aveda Institute Denver she felt at home right away and has been taking full advantage of all the opportunities her education has provided so far.

What is your favorite Aveda product?

śWow, I can’t name just one. I have a few that I love to use, like Smooth Infusion because it produces the best blowouts, and the emollient finishing gloss from the Brilliant line because it makes my hair feel so smooth, plus it has an amazing aroma. Also, the Dry Remedy Oil is great for moisture and a little goes a very long way!ť

What is your favorite thing about Aveda?

śThe atmosphere! From the moment I walk into the Institute, I always feel a sense of positive and upbeat energy from the educators and students –  which can turn any bad day into a good one. Also the team and educators are always there when you need them. They are very supportive and they are always willing to share whatever knowledge they have. Last, but not least, all the wonderful students! I have become great friends with many and I know these relationships will last for a lifetime.ť

Hero/Industry Icon or Mentor:

śPersonally, my hero is my husband for returning that support I gave him during the 14 years he was in the Marine Corps. He also supports me in my career choice. My mentor is my father who taught me to always be myself and strive for my best, and has always been a big support in whatever I decided to do. Next, my Icon would be Johnny Wright mainly because I was lucky enough to meet him at a hair show in Atlanta and be inspired by his work behind the chair, and all the way to the White House when he was the personal stylist to Michelle Obama.ť

In my spare time, you will find me:

śHanging out with my husband and kids, whether it’s bumming around the house watching old movies on Netflix or taking them to whatever events are happening around town.ť

I am most inspired by:

śCreativity! I love how this industry allows you to be yourself and be as creative as you want.ť

Where do you see your Aveda education taking you?

śTo wherever opportunities I take advantage of within or outside Aveda. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES WITH AVEDA and the network. I have been a student for the past eight months and I™m looking forward to new and exciting education that Aveda continues to offer, as well as professional relationships with guest educators or salon professionals. My graduation is in September of 2017, and I am really excited to look back at all my work and see how far I™ve come and to hopefully work in a top salon and maybe even be able to be a traveling stylist.ť

Team Member (and Student) Spotlight:
Alicia Christus

Alicia is our Marketing coordinator at Aveda Institute Denver and will celebrate 9 years with Aveda in May of this year. She is a certified yoga instructor and has a BA in Journalism. Alicia hosts Ayurveda workshops and yoga classes for our team and students in-between coordinating events and activities on campus. She recently joined the Esthiology Program to become licensed and continue her education with Aveda.

“Joining the esthiology program has been a dream of mine since I started working when the Institute first opened in 2006, and I’m thrilled to finally start this journey and become the student, again.”

What are your favorite Aveda products?

“This changes every time Aveda launches a new product! Right now my favorites are the Tulasara Radiant Awakening Ritual (dry brush and oleation oil), the new Wedding Masque Overnight, and my long-time favorite is Air Control hair spray. The aroma is what I love most about Aveda. You know, #SmellsLikeAveda ”

Why Aveda?

“I LOVE AVEDA and the products are what inspired me to work for the brand. When I was walking by the Institute almost 12 years ago, I saw the ‘coming soon’ sign in the window and I knew this was my start to working for Aveda. I stayed with Aveda because of the Inspire Greatness brand, the vision and leadership of our owner, Dale Le Monds. I have to admit it took me some time to adjust to the idea of working in a “beauty school” because the true beauty and inspiration that happens here is never really known until you become a part of the experience. After a while, I was proud to say I work at a beauty school because it is such an amazing space. We have great students here working to change their lives and the lives of others. We are here to INSPIRE.”

Hobbies and Interests?

“Yoga. It’s pretty obvious too. I am so lucky that I can bring my passion for yoga to our Aveda community. It’s the best part of my day when I can connect to our students through yoga. It was Aveda that re-inspired my passion for yoga and eventually led to me taking a few years break to focus on yoga full-time. After about six years working in various roles here, I felt the calling to indulge in yoga. I become a studio manager and teacher trainer. I started to miss my time at şÚÁĎרÇř and, just like yoga teaches, the universe provided and I was offered a change to come back a few years ago and it’s been amazing. You can follow my story on Instagram @aliciarae_yoga or come take a class with me at CorePower Yoga Stapleton.”

Advice for students?

“Now that I am a student (only 3 weeks into the program) I am gaining to much perspective. Trust the process. Everything will come together as it is meant to be. Second, appreciate the opportunities we all have to be here. We may not all get involved in the fashion shows or Earth Month events but we have the choice and it’s pretty inspiring that we get to be a part of something more.”

“Also, I have some advice for those of you thinking about a new career or trying on something different and fun… learn about our esthiology program! This is such a cool experience, even if you aren’t sure about working in a spa. The Aveda curriculum is so rich in Ayurveda and health, wellness. It’s beautiful. It’s been fun to work with my classmates and play with the products and different services. Yesterday I learned how to do part of the dual exfoliation facial and it was so cool to see the instant results and how you can be a part of making someone feel and look beautiful.”

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

“I hope to finally own my own home and have a garden to grow my own food and some chickens, a pet pig and some rescue dogs and cats. I’ll definitely still be with Aveda and Inspire Greatness and I am open to the possibilities now that I’ll be licensed. I’ll still be teaching yoga for sure and maybe one day leading our own yoga teacher training’s here at Aveda Institute Denver.”

When I am not at Aveda, I am …

“Well, I am here a lot right now I am lucky to have great support from my husband and son who are giving me space to slack a bit on my wife/mom roles to fully engage in being a student while I work full-time. So, when I am not home with family or finding time on my yoga mat I enjoy watching movies, going on walks, shopping at Whole Foods and Natural Grocers and farmer’s markets, and drinking kombucha.”

Guest Spotlight: Wendy Correa

Meet our loyal guest, Wendy (shown here with our student, Preston). She’s one of our day makers because she’s been our guest for nearly 12 years, since we opened! She enjoys healing others in her own practice as a massage therapist and appreciates receiving the same healing here at Aveda.

Why do you come to Aveda Institute Denver?

“I always have a great day here. It’s a great day at Aveda.”

What are you favorite Aveda experiences?

“All the stress-relieving rituals and gorgeous styles and hair color I walk out with, every time.”

What are your favorite Aveda products?

“I practically own a store by now with all my Aveda products. I love them all.”

Wendy enjoys healing, writing and doing yoga in her spare time. Thank you for being our guest Wendy and for being our day maker!

Salon Spotlight: D™Ametris Salon

Owners:

Ame and Dennis Metcalfe,
American Board Certified Hair Colorists

Manager: Ame Metcalfe ABCH

Years Open: since 1998

Location: Historical Olde Town Arvada

Number of Chairs/Treatment Rooms:

7 chairs, 4 color bar chairs

Best Practices for Business Building of New Talent: Our culture is designed so that the new talent practices “prefect practice” of the 6-figure hairdresser in three different Salon classrooms to develop successful results faster. We have proven results to coach Salon Professionnel’s to earn 6-figures with work life balance.

Timeline: 8-12 month career training program called Protege

Pay: Guaranteed hourly wage.

Aveda graduates accelerated program available to apply for. Career and benchmark coaching monthly.

First classroom:

Three month-long intensive technical programs with three areas of focus: Haircutting curriculum , Hair color curriculum at the American Board Certified level, and Esthetic, design, lifestyle and personality.

Second classroom:

Assists for a 6-figure hair dresser

Third classroom:

Performing Client services

Protege is Held accountable to hit benchmarks during their client building time.

Salon Celebrations:

Top 200 salon in North America areas:

Growth

Advanced training program

Customer service

Denver top hair color salon Denver AList

American Board Certified Hair Colorist

National hair color educators, Aveda Ambassador, and Inspiring Champions career Coach on the team.

New 2017 salon relocation to a highly efficient industrial chic space. We feature electric chair bases, freestyler blow-dryers, color bar and team culture.

Social Media:

D™Ametri’s Aveda

@DAmetrisAvedaCO

The post Spotlights appeared first on Inspire Greatness.

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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