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?

�Wow, 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!�

What is your favorite thing about Aveda?

�The 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.�

Hero/Industry Icon or Mentor:

�Personally, 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.�

In my spare time, you will find me:

�Hanging 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.�

I am most inspired by:

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

Where do you see your Aveda education taking you?

�To 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.�

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 ����ר�� 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!

The post Spotlights appeared first on Inspire Greatness.

��

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.

����ר�� Denver, Tucson, Phoenix, Provo are proud to offer Master Series presentations on campus as a point of difference in our education. This July, we are pleased to welcome, Jim Pacifico.

Jim has been in the industry since 1970 and is currently the owner of Centre Salons and World Class Financial Services. In 2014, Jim was the recipient of Aveda Corporation�s �Lifetime Achievement Award�. Jim was honored by Aveda with this prestigious award last month for his many years of hard work, dedication and philanthropy work over the many years in the beauty industry…

Jim began his career in 1970 with Clairol, in 1980 he worked with Zotos and in 1986 he joined Aveda Corporation as the Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Education. In 1989, Jim moved to Southern California and became the Senior Vice President and General Manager at Caesar�s Beauty Products, exclusive Aveda Distributor. In 1991, he moved to Colorado and became the President and CEO of Pacifico�s Beauty Products, exclusive Aveda distributor for Colorado and Wyoming. His success led Pacifico�s to acquire a six-state region. In 2007 Jim merged his distribution back to Aveda to become the Consulting Vice President for Aveda Services, Inc. for the West Coast Region. This allowed Jim the opportunity to own his own Aveda Concept Salons;��five Centre Salons & Spas in Colorado,��one in Utah and��one in California. He is also the owner and founder of World Class Financial Services which provides accounting services to over 100 Salons and Spas throughout the Aveda Network.

��Jim has never lost sight of the community during this time. His philanthropy work over the years has been very generous. He has led his employees to raise money and awareness for many different charitable causes. Some examples: collecting food, toys and money for underprivileged children & their families, the homeless, Katrina victims, as well as raising money for clean water in our region. Jim latest quest in philanthropy work is leading his salons to fund-raise over $67,000 for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation; visit for more info.

Jim is dedicated to providing legendary support to the beauty industry, its professionals and customers. His passion in the industry is evident in his desire to improve the salon industry as well as giving back to the community.

��In 2014, Jim was the recipient of Aveda Corporation�s �Lifetime Achievement Award.” Jim was honored by Aveda with this prestigious award last month for his many years of hard work, dedication and philanthropy work over the many years in the beauty industry.

The post Inspire Greatness Presents: Master Series with Jim Pacifio appeared first on Inspire Greatness.

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.��Graham describes his first few��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��including nine color services, 12 haircuts��while working an��additional 40 hours a week assisting. The expectation was to get his timing down and presentation factor set to the Ken Pave’s��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��in London. He has also worked with the Ted Gibson team��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��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.

My��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��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��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.