Our mission at Aveda is to care for the world we live in, from the products we make to the ways in which we give back to society. At Aveda, we strive to set an example for environmental leadership and responsibility-not just in the world of beauty, but around the world.
The O'Briens have been in the cosmetology business for over 60 years. Starting in the early 1950's, they were the first to open first floor locations next to high-end retail stores, developing new concepts such as `no appointment necessary' walk-in services. At that time the cosmetology business was in a state of expansion and there was need for young skilled stylists. The O’Briens opened the Vermont College of Cosmetology in 1964.
O'Briens Training Center trained thousands of cosmetologists who have gone on to become successful stylists and business owners. The company has seen many of its graduates continue to work as stylists, instructors, platform artists, school recruiters, human resource directors, sales managers, district managers, and even in accounting positions within the company. Many graduates have become loyal employees for a number of years, enjoying the benefits of an established company. The O’Briens family feels honored and privileged that so many successful people have graduated from the training center.
In September 2009, O'Briens Training Center became what it is known today as O'Briens Aveda Institute. In that same year we expanded our scope of programs to include a barbering course and massage course. Quickly the number of male students increased as a result of this new program. Physically we also expanded by moving business offices down the road and turning our second floor into extra classrooms and Massage Therapy rooms.
Aveda is about mentoring. Great people helping great people. Growing and evolving with Aveda throughout your career. So we offer a complete education system to make sure students pass the State Board Exam. We also support this by using materials lik ethe Milady Curriculm in the classes, which was used to create the exam itself.
Aveda is a brand consumers love. And we're not just saying so. Aveda was dubbed a "love brand" in the book Trading Up: The New American Luxury. No other brand so uniquely connects fashion, beauty, wellness and art.
94% of Aveda service providers feel the Aveda brand makes an extremely favorable impression. 72% of non-Aveda service providers agree. And 70% of both Aveda and non-Aveda service providers alike find the Aveda mission extremely meaningful. We're proud of the loyalty and social consciousness we inspire. And you can be a part of it too!
Community involvement is important to us. We take every opportunity to give back to our community, including some of the following:
Aveda’s Earth Month During April 2011 Students organized a Catwalk for water, benefitting the Lake Champlain Committee locally & Clean Ocean Action nationally by bringing awareness to the protection of clean water in VT and the world.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Students and faculty participate in the American Cancer Society walk every year, and are proud to have donated thousands of dollars to a great cause.
Wigs for Kids Where we offer a FREE Haircut to those who donate a 12” ponytail
Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf Collecting food donations in our clinic from students and customers
Operation Military Kids Creating fabulous hair and makeup designs for daughters, mothers and sisters who have family members oversea supporting our countries freedom
In addition we have donated services to be raffled at Calcutta’s and various other local events
“O’Briens Aveda Institute was a wonderful experience and gave me a new outlook on life. The instructors are awesome; it’s like having a second family. The education is top of the line and you are well prepared for your new career. Being at O’Briens Aveda Institute is a life changing opportunity and I am so thankful for everyone there.”
- Michelle, 2010 Cosmetology Graduate
"If you have a passion to help others and to make a difference then
massage therapy is your calling. Go into it with an open mind and heart and
you'll leave a changed person! 'Everything I need to know, I learned in
massage
school."
- Sarah, 2011 Spa Therapy Graduate
“There will always be a soft spot in my heart for all the staff and students at O'Briens Aveda Institute.”
- Jake, 2011 Barber Graduate
"O'Briens Aveda Institute has showed me that you can do anything you set your mind to. Over the months that I was there I saw myself improve more and more everyday, with great thanks to the instructors and staff. I couldn't have felt more prepared for my state board exam when I finished...THANK YOU all for everything!
- Jenna, 2011 Cosmetology Graduate
"My license just arrived in the mail. Big thanks to all the teachers, you taught me everything I know and I was definetly well prepared."
- Alyssa, 2011 Cosmetology Graduate
“I loved each and every one of my instructors and I'm thankful for each one.i feel that I have been able to take something from each of them and apply it to my experience.”
- 2011 Graduate
