Happy new year, everyone! If you read my blog (I thank you) you know that anything involving organics, healthy eating/living, environmental activism and…ahem… saving money are some of my favourite topics. I felt my first post of 2012 was a great time to start talking about Aveda hair school and salons; Aveda is a cutting edge (pun intended) company that is pioneering a new renaissance in beauty care: their products are kept as organic as possible, 100% of the company’s energy consumption is powered by wind power, and their stylists are some of the best in the world.

I have been a fan of Aveda and Aveda products ever since the first time I visited an Aveda salon in Toronto and, on a whim, had my hair dyed bright red! Over the moon about my bold new look, I allowed myself to be persuaded to buy the suggested shampoo and conditioner (also bright red colours) to keep the colour intact, as red tends to fade quickly. It was the first time I had seen an organic product for sale in a salon, and I was intrigued.

Aveda was born after founder Horst Rechelbacher visited India for the first time and was introduced to the concepts of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian holistic discipline that I study. (I have outlined the basic concepts of Ayurveda in a previous blog post). Finally, I thought, a beauty company I can really get behind. I believe that what we see is very important, that it has a direct correlation to our happiness and well-being, so it’s important to surround yourself with beauty and cleanliness and to look your best. Aveda understands this at a deeper level–beauty isn’t just skin deep–and efforts are taken to ensure that the company’s entire process, from manufacturing to power usage, is conducted with the best interests of the environment in mind.

Aveda Hair School Scholarship Video Contest

Since Aveda is running a cross-Canada hair school scholarship video contest, I’m thrilled to spread the word to budding stylists across the country. If you’ve got a flair for spotting up-and-coming trends and/or have ever dreamed of a career as a stylist, this is the opportunity of a lifetime! Aveda stylists are internationally respected; many enjoy careers of glamour and travel, and hair stylists frequently top lists reporting job satisfaction.

Four grand prizes, each at a $10,000 or more value, are being given away. Submit a two-minute video entry explaining why you were ‘Born to Style’ and you could win a full scholarship to: Aveda Institute Toronto, Aveda Institute Calgary, Aveda Institute Vancouver or Aveda Institute Victoria. Complete contest rules and details can be found here. Good luck!