Rodrick Samuels on The Silent Work, Modern Beauty Education and Why Empathy Wins
MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.
by Anne Moratto
THE TOUR: Aveda Headquarters, Blaine, Minnesota
The Aveda Headquarters in Blaine, Minnesota is impressive. Modern got a tour and is sharing some of the details.
October 24, 2013
1/6
3 min to read
Members of the press from several countries were invited to attend the most recent Aveda Congress in the Minneapolis Convention Center. One of the highlights of the three day event was a tour of the Aveda headquarters about 30 minutes outside Minneapolis in Blaine, Minnesota. The tour included meetings with Aveda Global Brand President Dominique Conseil, Global Artistic Director Antoinette Beenders, Aveda co-founder Shiv Nath Tandon, Aveda "nose" Guy Vincent (Aveda Perfumer), Executive Director of Botanical Research Cindy Angerhofer and other key Aveda executives.
The Aveda Headquarters located in Blaine, Minnesota.
Aveda was founded in Minneapolis in 1978 with the goal of providing beauty industry professionals with high performance, plant-based products while pursuing an ambitious social and environment agenda. Aveda's roots are planted in Ayurveda, the ancient east-Indian art of healing which takes a holistic approach to life and wellness. Thirty-five years later, Aveda is available in more than thirty countries providing products and education to more than 50,000 professionals in any of its 8,000 salons and 59 Aveda Institutes.
“At Aveda, the bottom line is about more than numbers – so states our mission, and this is the truth the company lives and breathes daily,” says Dominique Conseil, Aveda global brand president. “We believe every business should responsibly operate within a commitment to environmental sustainability. At Aveda, we are changing the world by changing the way the world does business.”
The Blaine site produces 88% of the total SKU's sold. The main building is 276,000 square feet and the distrubution center takes up an additional 126,000 square feet on the 58 acre campus (40 of which are environmentally protected as a wildlife habitat). More than 600 products are produced at the site which employs 700 people. The facility is powered by solar and wind energy, is carpeted with recycled fibers, has an on-site day care center, gym (wellness center) and a cafeteria serving wholesome botanical foods.
Even more impressive is how Aveda is truly walking the walk and talking the talk. According to the press documents, Aveda’s signature Earth Month program is an annual fund-raising effort that, since 1999, has raised more than $26 million to help support organizations that directly affect environmental change. Since 2007, more than $20 million of this amount has been earmarked for water-related causes. Aveda participates in Breast Cancer Awareness month each October and has donated more than $2.7 million to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation through sales of special edition breast cancer products to help fund research on environmental causes and links to breast cancer. Throughout the years, Aveda has pioneered new benchmarks of environmental responsibility in beauty. It was the first privately-owned company to sign the Ceres Principles in 1989 (Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies) and the first beauty company in the world to manufacture with 100 percent wind power. Aveda was also the first beauty company to receive a Cradle To Cradle charter for its commitment to sustainable products, packaging and production.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Career
AI Won't Replace Your Voice—Unless You Let It
"The mistake people make is treating AI like a vending machine instead of a personal assistant." Digital marketing expert Scott Moon shares how beauty professionals can use AI while staying authentic
by Anne Moratto
50 Smart Things Beauty Educators Have Told Us
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
by Anne Moratto
What Salon and Spa Professionals Need to Know About Skin Longevity
Today's clients are hearing more about longevity, biohacking, inflammation, and healthy aging than ever before. This article explores the science and language behind the skin longevity movement, and what it could mean for client consultations, treatment recommendations, and professional credibility.
Financial Educator Anna Manukyan Launches Masterclass for Early Career Stylists
Licensed to Thrive, Anna Manukyan's all-in-one beauty career and financial masterclass, is being gifted to professionals who enroll in L'Oreal LEVEL Rewards for a limited time.
6 Ways Self-Love Will Help You Crush Your Goals
From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.
MODERN SALON Boot Camp Heads to Austin: One-Day Beauty Business & Career Education Event for Beauty Professionals
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
How Michelle Bowden Had a Breakout Year (and How Other Stylists Can, Too)
From working backstage at multiple Paris Fashion Week shows to collaborating on four creative collections and expanding her international stage work, Michelle Bowden has had an incredible year of growth. Here, we break down her approach that drove her momentum, offering a framework for stylists looking to elevate their own careers.
Ulta Beauty and Beauty Changes Lives Launch “The Possibilities Are Beautiful” Cosmetology Student Scholarship
This marks Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, building on years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission.
A Path for Everyone: Great Clips Salons Offer Diverse Career Opportunities
Locally owned Great Clips salons offer a wide variety of career opportunities, competitive compensation, supportive salon teams and opportunities to grow your skills, both technically and professionally.
Sponsored by Great Clips
Are Salon Suites Becoming Too Cheap? The Hidden Risks of Low Salon Suite Rent
Salon suite consultant Karen Kaminski explains why cheap salon suite rent can destabilize the salon suite business model and why value-based pricing may be a smarter strategy.
Magical Creatures: Why These Stylists Love Creating Fantasy Hair Color
These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
by Anne Moratto
Keratin Complex Launches KC on Tour 2026 with Tabatha Coffey
Keratin Complex is taking education on the road in 2026 with the launch of KC on Tour, a live event series featuring industry icon and salon business coach Tabatha Coffey.
by Anne Moratto
Why Soft Skills and Client Communication Matter More Than Ever in the Beauty Industry
Modern professionalism is evolving beyond hard skills. Technical training is essential but about 85 percent of job success comes from soft skills. In a world where AI and automation are increasing, human connection becomes more valuable, not less.
by Anne Moratto
Author Daniel Cubillo Drops the Blueprint for Building a Career in the Content Arena
In his new book "The Creative Mastermind," a writer and creative executive behind brands such as "Top Chef," "Fear Factor," and "Real Housewives," shares his insider knowledge for navigating today's chaotic content landscape.
What Custom Notifications Tell Us About the Personalized Future of the Salon Client Experience
Personalization is no longer just the cherry on top; it’s the whole sundae. If clients don’t feel like you designed and personalized the experience just for them, they’ll find a salon that does.
Beautiful Careers Happen Here
Ulta Beauty is always innovating to meet professionals where they are. Amazing transformations happened at The Salon at Ulta Beauty in 2025, and Ulta Beauty artistry and education will be everywhere you want to go in the year ahead. Come see all The Salon at Ulta Beauty has planned for you in 2026!
Sponsored by Ulta Beauty