The Beginning

Aveda was founded by an Austrian man named Horst Rechelbacher. He was an accomplished hairstylist who was working for some of the most famous people in Rome by age 17. When he turned 20 he started competing in and winning many of the 1960™s big hairstyling competitions. He traveled to many of these competitions which is what brought him to the United States in 1963.

Horst was in Minneapolis, Minnesota for a competition and was involved in an unfortunate accident with a drunk driver. During his recovery, he decided to settle in Minneapolis and call it home. He opened a chain of successful salons and did that for many years.

In 1970 Horst took a retreat to India where he discovered a new way of life. He learned and practiced the ancient art of Ayurveda which focused on balance of the mind, body, and spirit. It also taught him that this balance was an important ingredient in beauty. This renewed way of seeing things also served as the foundation and inspiration for his new company, Aveda.

The Aveda Difference

Why does the story of how Aveda was founded matter? The experiences and motivations that led to the founding of Aveda do make a difference. Aveda was founded on the . It was founded on the idea that beauty is about more than simply looking good, but it™s about feeling better about yourself too. The Aveda culture is less about the bottom line and more about .

This means that if you™re looking at buying an Aveda product, you can buy with confidence. Aveda strives to create products that are natural and healthy for both earth and body. If you™re an aspiring beauty professional, the story behind Aveda can directly impact your life too.

Aveda Institute

As the Aveda company grew, they formed partnerships with schools. If you choose to go to school at an Aveda Institute, the culture, caring, atmosphere, products, and much more comes with that education. We pride ourselves on guiding and helping our students become amazing beauty pros and awesome human beings. We want our students to learn and grow personally as well as professionally.

Want to find out for yourself? Contact us to take a tour of your Inspire Greatness Aveda Institute campus to feel the difference!

Being an Aveda Institute Student

Becoming an Aveda Institute student can be like joining a family. It can be fun and exciting. Many, if not all, of our graduates have left school with great friends and a better understanding of what it means to be a beauty professional.

Here are a few examples of a what it can look like to be an Aveda Institute student:

• Jessica Baldwin, Student Spotlight
• Kat Unruh, Student Spotlight
• Tiffany Swafford, Day In The Life: Spa Student

Extra Opportunity

In addition to becoming part of the Aveda family when you enroll as a student, there are some extra learning opportunities you can take advantage of. At Inspire Greatness Aveda Institute we encourage our students to apply to work or compete in:

• North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA)
• New York Fashion Week
• London Fashion Week
• Study Abroad

Learn more about these opportunities and how they can help you build a stronger career in the beauty industry. You can also see what it™s like to be a NAHA nominee or winner.

Ready to Get Started?

Are you excited to join the Aveda family and to start making your mark in the beauty industry? Contact your campus. An admissions representative can help you build a plan to starting the journey to your dream career! We can™t wait to hear from you.

The post What Makes Aveda Different? appeared first on Inspire Greatness.

What is New York Fashion Week?

NYFW is a week long fashion event held in New York City where many of the latest and greatest designers come together and showcase their new styles and creations. All of the beauty industry’s big names will be in attendance. There are runway shows back-to-back and sometimes they happen simultaneously, so there™s never a dull moment.

Attending NYFW is not easy. You can™t simply buy a couple tickets and show up (well, you can but it™s going to cost you a fortune). Most attendants are invited to this prestigious event or gain access because they are members of a relevant news or industry publication, like Vogue or Vanity Fair. For this reason, you may need to have some sweet connections if you plan on going to NYFW.

When is New York Fashion Week?

NYFW is held twice a year. Once in February and again in September. Each time the event lasts for 7 to 9 days and each day is packed full of runway shows and fashion displays for the entire day. It™s basically a week of heaven for those who love fashion and beauty!

History of New York Fashion Week

There is a rich history behind NYFW that dates all the way back to 1943. During this time, fashion industry leaders started an event called Press Week. This event was created during World War II when fashion industry gurus were unable to travel to Paris and bring new trends and styles back with them. Press Week featured designers from the U.S. and gave the American fashion industry a place to strut its stuff.

After many years, Press Week evolved into an integral part of the fashion world and became what is now known as New York Fashion Week. NYFW is regarded as one of the top fashion events and is grouped in the same category as Paris, Milan, and London fashion weeks.

Behind the Scenes

There are a lot of moving parts that makes NYFW work. There are the designers who create what is being showcased, the makeup artists who do the makeup for the models, and the hairstylists who do the hair. There are also the cosmetic brands, like , who provide the necessary products for those makeup artists and hair stylists. All of these people come together to create a week of magic at NYFW.

The Aveda Team

As mentioned earlier, Aveda plays a major role in NYFW. One big way they do this is by putting together a team of talented beauty professionals to work backstage. These pros work feverishly on the makeup and hair of the models. It™s an entire week of non-stop action. This team comes from different places within the Aveda network through a competitive application process. Becoming a member of the Aveda Team for NYFW is an experience that is certain to set you apart from many of the other beauty industry professionals.

One group of candidates for the NYFW Aveda Team are those who attend an Aveda Institute beauty school. At Inspire Greatness Aveda Institute, we encourage our students to apply to be part of the Aveda Team. Working in the fast pace of NYFW is one of the best learning experiences a beauty school student could hope for and our courses are designed to give our students the tools they need to thrive in such a setting.

If you dream of a career in the beauty industry and imagine yourself working backstage, this is one of the best ways to make it a reality.

Joining the Team

Contact us at Inspire Greatness to find out more about what it takes to become a beauty professional and to work backstage at events like NYFW. We pride ourselves in offering amazing opportunities like these for our students to take advantage of. In addition to NYFW, Inspire Greatness students can take part in the editorial remix, London Fashion Week, Beacon, The North American Hairstyling Awards, or a study abroad program. These opportunities are provided to give our students experience and exposure to some of the most competitive beauty industry jobs out there.

Join the Aveda family at Inspire Greatness. We can™t wait to hear from you!

The post New York Fashion Week: What Is It and How to Get Involved 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 between the wellness and 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. Ayurveda is the root of Aveda. In Sanskrit, Aveda translates to mean “knowledge of all things.”

In 1978, the Aveda journey began with the Aveda Mission and the idea that Ayurveda would be an influence in all our 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 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 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 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.  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, “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 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.

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™s 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  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™s 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™t do it without my Aveda Shammy. It™s a hidden gem in the Aveda product line 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™ve 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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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 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 Luis@vidasalon.net

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

“How to Take Instagram Ready Photos

1. Find beautiful lighting. If the mantra for business is location, location, location, then that of photography is lighting, lighting, lighting. A window, lamp, streetlight, or doorway can also work as great light sources; just face in the direction of the light, and snap.

2. Keep your lens clean. Even a small smudge or a fingerprint on your lens can really affect the quality of your images. Fortunately, keeping your lens clean is quick and easy. Make sure you clean it before you shoot.

3. Take lots of photos. Well, regardless of what your subject is, you should always take lots and lots of photos. Pick the best one out of the bunch and post it.

4. Filters can be bad. No matter how cool the Instagram filter, there are some moments when nothing beats a nature. Harness the sun™s rays by turning your back on them ” so that the sun is behind you.

5. Always obtain permission. Obtaining permission to use is a must. You can™t post it unless you do. Also, be clear on how you™re using it, especially if you™re posting it on Instagram.

6. Watermarks are not free advertising. A picture that’s worth a thousand words can look cheap with ‘@sallyssalon’ plastered on top of the most beautiful part of the image.”

A few other things to keep in mind:

1. Don’t post EVERYTHING. Pick your absolute BEST work.

2. Take before photos and place them side by side with the after to show transformation.

3. Use hashtags of industry websites to get your work featured.  But don’t use so many that your caption is a mile long!  

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