At Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes, our team is constantly setting the bar for excellence. This team is responsible for advancing Aveda beauty education by developing programs specific to the North American continent. We are so proud that five of our Inspire Greatness Aveda Institute family members have become a part of this team!
Brad Van Dyke: Spa
With a background in exercise science and psychology, Brad has always been interested in total mind and body wellness. After working with other brands at the beginning of his career, he decided he wanted to work with Aveda in 2000 because of our dedication to holistic wellness. He started working in one of our spas and came to the institutes in 2005, eventually becoming director of education over all four Inspire Greatness Aveda campuses.
In his new role on the North America Artistic Team, Brad wants to show consumers how incredible Aveda spa treatments and products really are. He’s looking at what is happening in the spa world, what spa social accounts are doing well, and what best practices the Aveda brand can adopt. “My biggest vision [for this team] is to develop individuals who can be the future voice and cheerleaders of Aveda spa,” he says. “We will still have our global team but it’s great to have a North American focus… I’m excited for the team to showcase what Aveda spa is all about.”
During his 19 years with Aveda, Brad has seen what incredible opportunities are possible in the beauty industry when you’re willing to work hard. “As much as I wish people could have overnight success, there’s a beautiful, long career to be had in the beauty industry if you’re willing to put in the work, time, and hustle,” he says. “You need to be a cheerleader for the brand and the industry so you can educate the consumer.”
For some incredible beauty inspiration, check out Brad on Instagram @bradeleo3!
Anne Skubis: Makeup
Anne is a graduate of our esthiology program at Aveda Inspire Greatness. She found beauty as a refuge during some of her most challenging years and enrolled in our school after seeing a commercial on TV. She’s been with us since graduating about 11 years ago, working as marketing director, director of the Tucson campus, and now a director on the North America Artistic Team.
As a director for the North America team, Anne wants to bring more awareness to Aveda’s makeup line. “Aveda makeup is the best!” she says. “We’ve had makeup for guests for several years. I want to get the artist network to fall in love with it as much as I have.” In addition to using these products in our salons and spas, Aveda’s makeup team has gotten to work with models at events like the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) and Aveda Congress, as well as New York and London Fashion Weeks.
Just like all Aveda products, our makeup represents the brand’s dedication to holistic wellness and the environment. With Aveda makeup, consumers can feel good about the products they’re putting on their face. They’re not just beautiful, they’re sustainable. “We’re caring for the models, guests, and ourselves by using a product that’s good for our bodies,” Anne says. “[And] we’re caring for the world by sourcing ingredients responsibly and in ways that support communities.”
Want to see some gorgeous makeup? Follow Anne on Instagram @anneskubis!
Allison Olean: Spa and Skin Care
Allison (Alli) is the admissions team lead at Aveda Institute Provo. After graduating from the esthiology program at our Denver campus in 2015, she went on to work in admissions at the school while also working in a local Aveda spa/salon. After relocating to Provo, she was able to focus completely on admissions. As part of the North America team, Alli will educate people about Aveda’s spa and skin care treatments, products, and programs. “I think I was chosen for the team because I have a unique perspective!” she says. “I’m an Aveda graduate, someone who has experience in both a treatment room and an institute, and I currently serve as an Aveda ambassador. I currently have (and have had) many roles in my career and I feel like I can bring a lot of insight to the team!”
With an intense passion for beauty and broad knowledge of the Aveda products and curriculum, we know Alli will be an excellent asset to the artistic team! “I am absolutely obsessed with both the products and treatments,” Alli says. “I am excited to share why I love them with North America. There isn’t a lot of education or awareness around spa, my goal is to educate, encourage, and inspire.”
Bring some daily positivity into your life and follow Alli on Instagram @allimaebabe!
Jude Richter: Spa
Jude Richter joined the Aveda North America Artistic Spa Team in May of 2019. As a skincare educator at Aveda Institute Denver, he couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of this spa-focused team! “I love being on the team,” he says. “We’re like family. It’s amazing to be able to impact people on such a large scale.”
Jude has worked in the beauty industry for 12 years and has been with Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes since January 2019. He’s passionate about skincare and looks forward to educating others about how awesome Aveda skincare products are. With a solid background in education, we can’t wait to see what awesome things he does going forward. For any aspiring beauty professionals, Jude has this sound advice: “Never give up on your dreams. Have some intention and focus on the process,” he says. “Let go of results. The results will show up when they are meant to.”
To learn more about Jude and his love of skincare, check him out on Instagram @richterjude!
Alicia Christus: Spa
Wellness-enthusiast Alicia Christus also joined the Aveda North America Artistic Spa Team in May 2019! She has a background in marketing, but she’s been in the industry since 2005 and worked with Aveda the entire time. “Aveda is a lifestyle. It’s an influential brand that changed my life in college,” she says. “I had an Aveda spa experience that changed my life and knew that I wanted to be part of the brand. Inspire Greatness has been my only experience with the brand and now I’m part of the team! I’m excited to see the brand in a new way at a corporate level.”
In addition to her role on the Artistic Team, she’s also the guest services team lead at Aveda Institute Denver, as well as a part-time yoga instructor. Both yoga and Aveda skincare are centered around holistic wellness and Ayurvedic methods. Alicia is equally passionate about both, which is what makes her such a fantastic asset to this team. “[My jobs] definitely [all] influence each other,” she says. “They build momentum. I love that I can incorporate my yoga into the experience of the facial. When I’m able to get a guest in my room, they’re getting full body moments.” We can’t wait to see what Alicia’s marketing savvy and knowledge of holistic wellness brings to the table!
You can see more of Alicia’s dedication to overall wellness on her Instagram profile! Follow her @wellness_is_beauty.
Get Inspired With Us
Do you want to be part of a brand that’s dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and creativity? Apply to one of the Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes! You could follow your goals in beauty while learning from talented professionals like Anne and Brad. Contact us today for program information!
