My experience at Aveda has honestly changed my life. I came in with little to no knowledge of the beauty industry and now I’m only in my second phase and I’m more than confident in my abilities here at the Aveda Institute. I went from studying physics at Florida State to studying product knowledge and finger waves at Aveda. Saying it was a drastic change is putting it lightly, however, it was a change I welcomed with open arms.

I now wake up with a purpose and a drive to succeed within the industry. Aveda gives me ample opportunity to make my name heard before I even graduate school. Every student has the opportunity to take leadership positions such as managers of their class, supervisors of duties, and running dispense for the entire school. Each student can also make their success at Aveda known to salon owners through student blogging.

I have been selected by my class to serve as the manager for phase A1. As A1 manager I oversee the duties of every student in my phase, ensure each duty is being performed to the standards that Aveda aspires to achieve. Managers of their class also serve as a mediator between the students in the class to help resolve issues before they get out of hand. This experience has given me a great resume builder, as well as preparation with real world issues including efficient time management between making clients happy and hairstylists happy.

Not only has Aveda given me opportunities but it has also given me purpose. Aveda has become something I look forward to when I wake up every morning. And the last thing I think about before I go to bed. I’ve never had a drive or passion for anything like I have now for what I am doing and I see a secure future for myself with the Aveda network.

The most amazing thing about Aveda has been the vast areas of experiences they can provide for you. Not only do I get experience for working at a salon but also behind the scenes of a runway show. This year we put on a benefit called “ROCK 4 BLUE” in which all the proceeds went to the Gulf Restoration Network. I got the chance to do all aspects of the models hair, make-up, and wardrobe for the show. This was an amazing opportunity to explore other facets of the beauty industry and also showed me where my degree at Aveda can really take me.

Overall my cosmetology experience at Aveda has been more than amazing. Aveda provides you with the tools and opportunities you need to really make it in this industry. I would strongly advise any prospective student to commit.