Aveda Institute opened its first beauty school in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1978. Today, the company has over 60 locations throughout the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
The name Aveda is named in part for the Ayurvedic health care that the founder thought was vital for good health.
The Aveda brand, now owned by Estee Lauder, is one of the most well-known and respected cosmetics, perfume, and hair care lines in the industry. Many former Aveda Institute graduates go on to work with celebrities, such as make-up artist Stephen Pace.
In January 2023, Aveda received “B Corp” certification for its commitment to caring for the planet.
Aveda Institutes offers a full-service beauty school, teaching hair cutting, coloring, care, styling, make-up applications, manicures, pedicures, nail applications, facials, and massage therapy.
Aveda Institutes maintains a corporate office in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Aveda InstitutesAveda Institute opened its first beauty school in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1978. Today, the company has over 60 locations throughout the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
The name Aveda is named in part for the Ayurvedic health care that the founder thought was vital for good health.
History
The Aveda brand, now owned by Estee Lauder, is one of the most well-known and respected cosmetics, perfume, and hair care lines in the industry. Many former Aveda Institute graduates go on to work with celebrities, such as make-up artist Stephen Pace.
In January 2023, Aveda received “B Corp” certification for its commitment to caring for the planet.
Aveda Institutes offers a full-service beauty school, teaching hair cutting, coloring, care, styling, make-up applications, manicures, pedicures, nail applications, facials, and massage therapy.
Aveda Institutes maintains a corporate office in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Kelly Conway says
I am having a terrible time at my location, we received our kits & it’s worth $250 not $500. Not to mention that online is super unorganized to the point where everyone is so mad. I need someone to help us. This school is robbing us blind & we’re teaching ourselves & there’s not enough supplies. I am super disappointed i thought I was going to the best school but this is a nightmare. I’m really upset.
richard todd says
After reading all the above reviews it is no surprise that my sentiments echo everything I am reading above. Aveda purports itself as a top notch institution – and charges tuition reflective of such – and it seems that at every location mentioned in this thread the same opinion occurs. This is a two bit bargain basement cosmetology school. I am adding the Davie, FL location to this list. Perhaps it might be a good idea if we all filed a class action lawsuit against this sham business who has the utter gall to charge $20,000 per student only to have them taught by faculty who cannot even do a proper job of coloring themselves. Estee Lauder, you should be ashamed of yourselves. you have taken a respected brand and shown no leadership interest toward your students, or in your choice of faculty. I am a college professor myself and would be immediately fired – despite the fact that I have tenure – if I did 10 per cent of the situations that are mentioned in the other comment threads. My wife and I believe we have thrown $20,000 away for our daughter’s education. She is a very talented artist in cosmetology but is not getting the nurturing or mentoring she needs. This should be Aveda’s first priority, not collecting the tuition then allowing the students to spend hours a day on their phones rather than learning their craft. I am appalled at this business model. I dare anyone from Aveda to respond to this and realistically be able to rationalize and defend their actions.
Betty Johnson says
I totally agree. My daughter is having such a difficult time at this non-caring beauty school. Its a shame how the so called instructors conduct themselves. Shamefully, unprofessional instructors.
Betty Johnson says
I need to file a serious compliant against this school. I will contact the financial company whose paying out $$$$ to this school. This school offers No cultural training , my daughter will have to pay for loans not receding what she needs, rip off.
Chyna says
I am a parent experiencing this with my daughter. Unfortunately I am unable to afford counsel and my daughter’s discouragement has increased closer to graduating (inwhich seems to keep changing without proper communication. What can I do to encourage my daughter to complete the course through all the discomfort.
Margarit says
I don’t even know where to begin with plethora of horrible, pathetic and outright unjust things that I myself and my stepdaughter (which I will not name for her own protection being that it seems the ones who happen to speak out are singled out and pretty much bullied for doing so) witnessed taken place at AVEDA of Lafayette LA. I will start with the biggest problem, which would be the director of education Keri Choplin who, as I will further explain, should have been fired long ago, and the other young educators who matter of factly are just former students who decided to go through the instructor classes and program that AVEDA offers to extend education, which I’m turn leads to these so called instructors who have NEVER worked a day in a salon teaching my daughter and other students skills that they themselves have not mastered! Do you know that out of 6 cosmetology instructors only 1… ONE!!!! Has worked in a salon?!?!? And that one educator teaches in the classroom. So the only knowledgeable educator is stuck teaching book work while the others who have ZERO experience are in charge of the students in the masters and jr masters program! I of course have been my daughters model for services 3 times. And each and every time I’ve had to witness my daughter being ignored by the 3 instructors when she asked to have them come over to observe as they are supposed to do. And each and every time I have had to hear of my daughter get scolded for not finishing the service at the pace she is expected to. If they would have just stopped congregating in a little corner gossiping or visiting with their chosen favorite students, my daughter would not feel as though she has failed at every guest experience she has had thus far! Which brings me back to the incident that has brought me to this complaint panel and also to the main problem, Ms. Keri Choplin. Sunday, March 31st was Aveda of Lafayette’s Catwalk for Water. My daughter was there for noon and myself, her father and her 3 other siblings all went (we paid $75 all together, $15 per person not including the $10 we gave her so she could get her wristband before hand) but it was for a good cause so we happily paid our family’s way in to see the work she did on her part on the chosen model. After the show ended we saw she seemed upset but brushed it off to her having had a long day. Fast forward to Wednesday, and my daughter sent me an image of a mugshot. The mugshot was of, yes you guessed it… Ms. Kerri Alexis Choplin who was arrested and charged with Domestic Abuse and Battery the day of the catwalk. A fellow student airdropped the image to the entire student body. This woman, who mind you, was in charge of catwalk… the same woman who ridicules and berates targeted students on a daily basis (my daughter being one) and always speaks of how the personal lives of students reflects on their school life… well let’s just say she sure came up with every excuse possible trying to say the arrest simply her breaking up a fight. So after getting nowhere as far as getting an answer, I dug a little more into her past. Turns out she was previously fired from Aveda for stealing money. It cost her father and I over $20,000 for her to attend Aveda. We were Told it was the most prestigious beauty schools. Something needs to be done or else ourselves and fellow parents will have to take action. She needs to be fired and new qualified and experienced instructors need to be hired to take the place of the students given the title of educator. Would you hire someone to be a math professor simply because they took a math course? I will end with one more tidbit of information. The one instructor whom my daughter absolutely loved, Ms. Christina, recently quit. My daughter had messaged her after receiving the screenshot of the mugshot and told her what had happened and even showed her. You know what her reply was? Wow! Well if they finally fire her like they should have long ago, I’ll go back. That should say something right there.
Denise says
On December 15, 2018,I went to the Aveda Institute in San Antonio Texas to get my hair done with a full foil and a haircut. This is the second time I was paired with that student. On a visit prior I had to get up from her chair because her body odor was intolerable. They assigned me the same student in this visit. I decided to not say anything this time and give her a chance. This student ruined my hair. The teacher had to color correct it and i was sent home with the most awful service ever. The teacher had no tools and because all the students had gone for the day, she could not blow dry my hair and I was sent with only half of my head dry. I honestly thought I should not be charged but I was. The manager even handed me a free sample of a hair treatment. I went today for the same service. My appointment was at 1:30. The student was late from coming back from lunch and I was not seated until after 1:45. In the past in the same location I have been sent away for getting to my appointment after 15 minutes. I really don’t understand the logic of them sending me away for getting late but they habitually are later themselves for the scheduled appointments. So by the time the teacher comes to check out the consultation it’s two o’clock. I remind her of the awful experience I had before and that because they had made me wait and the student had not even begun the service I didn’t want the same experience as last time. They start late, they have no time to get the service done and then they ruin your hair. The teacher told me that I was too upset. That I was making her student uncomfortable and that I should be going to a salon instead. I told her she was right and walked away. Honestly I cannot believe the poor customer service I received from the Aveda institute in San Antonio. Not only are they habitually late in servicing the appointments but the lack of responsibility is totally incredible. They ruin my hair. I always ask to pair me with a good student. They send me home with bad hair. They send me away if I’m late- which only happened once. They sent me away today for reminding that same teacher who had to correct the color the previous time because I was too upset after waiting 30 minutes after my scheduled appointment for the service to begin. If this is what Aveda stands for, wow! Awful, awful service. The worst experience ever. I believe I deserve an apology. I believe I should be reimbursed for the poor service I was given in December. Aveda should really think about having mystery shoppers so they can attest that what I’m experiencing is unfortunately the norm and do something about it. Aveda- you should be ashamed of the lack of professionalism in your Aveda institute in San Antonio. Students late for the appointments, students with poor hygiene, students who provide poor quality service and teachers who instead of accepting responsibility they simply send people away. Shame, shame, shame
Rhonda J. Bell says
Date: June 2018
To: Aveda Corporate
cc: Tina – Instructor / Management @ Aveda, Twin Falls, ID
From: Rhonda Bell (208.733.XXXXX) – respectfully: Rhonda J. Bell
Re: Seeking resolution for too light color and essentially no highlights; damaged hair; and other unresolved issues
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
This is a request for a resolution to the unacceptable results / services received by Aveda on June 7, 2018, at the Aveda Institute in Twin Falls, Idaho:
Client / Guest Name: Ms. Rhonda J. Bell
Student Name: Ms. Hannah
Instructors Name(s): Ms. Lanna, Ms. Kat, Ms. Mel
Start Time: 10:00 a.m. Finish Time: 4:25 p.m. (total time = 6 hours 25 minutes*)
*If Rhonda, who has numerous auto-immune disorders, including OA, RA, borderline diabetes, and asthma, had ANY inkling that the services would have taken this long to complete, I would have graciously declined the appointment. I believed that without scheduling a haircut, Hannah would have reasonably completed these services (highlights, mani / pedi, botanical) in about three and a half hours; with me leaving Aveda no later than 1:30PM.
With this in mind, Rhonda, who is ALWAYS time conscious due to her numerous medical challenges, brought a small lunch and drink with her, which she consumed at around 11:30 a.m. Her subsequent plan was to be home by around 1:45 p.m. and consume another small to medium sized lunch. After which, she would take her “normal” nap, allowing for rest and rejuvenation. These services, and the time it took for completing them, left me totally exhausted, hungry, and unnerved…for lack of a better phrase, simply perplexed.
However, within the last couple of hours of these services, each of the instructors were “pushing” Hannah to hurry up, get it done, we close tonight at 4:30, we can’t be running so late, so hurry, hurry, hurry. It seemed the instructors were too quick to do the pushing, and consistently inconsistent with instructions, and only when it was obvious Hannah would not independently meet the “deadline” of 4:30PM, told her there was not ample time to do a manicure (canceling the “free” mani); and then Lanna subsequently “doubled‑teamed” the client to get Rhonda’s hair dry to get her out the door…leaving NO opportunity to allow client to appropriately assess the end results.
In scheduling the next appointment, Rhonda was unable to book her “normal” 1:00PM on the first Thursday of the month for a mani / pedi, botanical, and haircut, because staff and instructors asserted that Hannah would not be able to complete these services in three and a half hours. Thus, Rhonda conceded to only having the mani / pedi and botanical services scheduled for this time slot.
Goal / Intent of Services on June 7, 2018: Highlights and associated services, with similar results of those completed by student Madi (in 4 hours; which included a haircut and a mani) on December 14, 2017; leaving with hair in good shape after highlights. Madi’s skill set and ability to complete the aforenoted services were unquestionably superior to those of Hannah. In addition, Madi actually listened to Rhonda in this regard, particularly concerning the timing of any hair color altering product (bleaches and color enhancers) being left on Rhonda’s hair for more than eight to twelve minutes. This reality of Rhonda’s hair processing and its (unconventionally shorter) timing being conveyed by client as associated with age, medications, and heredity; and historically doXXXXented negative results of not following these instructions (see attached note to Aveda, dated September 2016). By truly listening to the client, the end results of the highlighting were more than satisfactory to all involved in the process. (see attached photo from December 2017):
Results of Highlighting Services on June 7, 2018: Top and back almost all platinum; little if any variation / depth (other than the stark noticeable and undesired difference between root area and that of pony tail / back area); left with hair in poor shape, very dry after highlights. The end results of this highlighting were more than unsatisfactory to all involved in the process. (see attached photos from June 2018):
Goal / Intent of Services on June 7, 2018: Mani / pedicure. Rhonda historically comes in to Aveda the first Thursday of every month to take advantage of this special, which is a free manicure with a paid pedicure. It was my understanding that in addition to the regular Thursday special, at this time Aveda was offering an additional 20% discount on the pedicure service.
Results of Mani / Pedicure Services on June 7, 2018: Pedicure was complete in a timely fashion and totally to Rhonda’s satisfaction; however, with time limitations, Hannah was unable to complete the “free” manicure. No “concessions” or credits were extended to Rhonda to rectify this issue.
Goal / Intent of Services on June 7, 2018: Botanical. Rhonda historically every month (for the last couple of years, per the recommendation of previous instructors in addressing the condition of Rhonda’s hair), has either had a dry remedy or damage remedy botanical applied once a month prior to the mani / pedi procedures / services. Additionally, within this same timeframe, Rhonda has exclusively used Aveda products on her hair. (With this being a fact, along with having her hair cut the previous month, Rhonda’s hair was essentially in “pristine” condition prior to the highlighting on June 7, 2018.)
Results of Botanical Services on June 7, 2018: Botanical was applied and later rinsed, with positive results.
Rhonda fully understands and appreciates these are students in the learning process; however:
1) Although Ms. Hannah is very sweet and attentive, with ALWAYS the best of intentions, she was obviously overwhelmed with the highlighting challenges as presented. This task was far beyond / above her skill set and comfort level. However, I am not “shooting” at the student.;
2) I believe with time, and further instruction, Hannah will readily be capable of any and all beauty related challenges; however, she appears to be less confident and slower than other students. She readily admitted (to me) that although she is moving along and plans to graduate in September 2018, she doesn’t feel entirely ready for graduation and the challenges presented at that time…indicating that perhaps she believes and perceives she needs more time and training than that of her peers.;
3) Getting to know and understand her very challenging personal background, and her overcoming those significant challenges as a very young girl / woman, I believe extending her all courtesies as a woman and human being is essential to her success. She simply does not do well in time-constrained, or (perceived) pressured situations.;
4) Getting to know and understand all people is vital for success in every aspect of our lives and business. Thus, when introduced to a new student, the first question(s) I ask is: “What is your story? Tell me about yourself?” However, it is disconcerting that students at Aveda Institute are being instructed to do just the opposite…Being advised that the “art” of conversation with a client is a waste of precious time, and highly discouraged by those in management / teaching(s) at Aveda. I am a woman over 60 and had beauty services completed at numerous successful salons and beauty schools throughout the years. I have never believed the success within these businesses could be associated / attributable with or to a paradigm that conversation is a waste of everyone’s time nor detrimental for business.;
5) Throughout this process Hannah was, with numerous questions and concerns as conveyed to the three aforenoted instructors, consistently provided contradictive guidance and instructions, leaving the client and student “spinning”.;
6) Prior to beginning the highlighting process, in the presence of myself, Hannah, Mel, and Lanna, I CLEARLY conveyed that I couldn’t overstate the imperative nature of monitoring the timing on the highlighting processes, due to age, medication, and heredity. I stated that after about eight minutes the foils should be checked, with leaving the product on for no more than twelve minutes. Lanna even “chimed” in with acknowledgement and said: “Ya, thanks mom (ha, ha)!”…Despite this scenario, after this conveyance and about half way through the highlighting with my conveying my concerns to Mel about the processing times coming close, and in some instances, exceeding my personal recommendations of timing for the foils, asserted that the recommendations by Aveda exceeded my assertions, conveyances, and concerns for timing. To this I replied: “But, Aveda’s recommendations will likely result in over‑highlighting and over-processing of my hair.”…which, ultimately it did!
7) I am discouraged that a paradigm in which Aveda, its managers, staff and students are encouraged to believe and assert they know more about the client and their particular beauty challenges is also an undesirable undercurrent within Aveda. Life, including those aspects related to beauty, is not contingent nor does it successfully respond to a one size fits all policy. This policy may lend itself to higher‑efficiencies; however, will fail almost every time with a less than satisfactory “end product”, and with diminishing client satisfaction and retention of those clients. To strictly focus on “power and control” and “bottom line” rather than client satisfaction is a recipe for failure, regardless of good intentions, skill set(s), talent and fabulous products.;
8) Rhonda’s “highlighting” on June 7, 2018, included an unrequested root touchup. It wasn’t clear that this process was being completed until well into the root touchup. This process has NEVER been a part of Rhonda’s requested services. From where this instruction / request originated is an unknown to me.;
9) When it FINALLY reached the toner aspect of the process, nearly five hours into the “highlighting”, Rhonda (with her head in a washing bowl) was queried by Kat (an instructor) as to the color of the toner applied in past highlighting(s). Rhonda’s recollection and response was an auburn / honey blond combo. Whereby Kat, holding the “history” paper in her hand, and in a confrontational / agitated tone responded: “NO! it’s (the toner) all honey / golden blond.”…to which I responded “Well, if you knew the answer, then why did you ask?” This received no response. However, I CLEARLY recollect the blending of the two toner colors to minimize any starkness in previous highlighting processes.
10) Prior to beginning all processes, and twice during the processes, I was provided three different final pricing amounts. I remain unconvinced that the final price I paid for all services was the correct price. Yet, my inquiry to Kat into same was met only with brusqueness and definitely not courtesy:
On December 14, 2017, at 4:00PM, Rhonda Bell was issued a detailed receipt #271678, from the Aveda Institute in Twin Falls:
Rhonda Bell 3959
Served By Madi
S225 Basic Pedicure
(Madi) ………………………..$17.00
S225 Manicure
(Madi) ………………………….$6.00
Thurs- Free Mani w/P 6.00-
S176 Haircut w/Chemical
(Madi) ………………………….$5.00
S5280 Add On Remedy Treatment
(Madi) …………………………$10.00
S5245 Color & Highlights
(Madi) …………………………$45.00
S5251 Wet Toner
(Madi) …………………………$13.00
P1805) Blue Malva Shampoo
(Madi) …………………………$44.00T
Other 11.00-
Subtotal: $123.00
Tax: $1.98
Total: $144.98
VISA #4029 $144.98
*** CHANGE DUE: 20.00 ***
(*note: change was for student tip)
On June 7, 2018, at 4:25PM, Rhonda Bell was issued an undetailed receipt in a total amount of $129.80*. Invoice#: 00000026; Appr Code: 07589C. Visa charges were not detailed, but to my understanding / recollection, listed are the “assumed” products and services with “supposed / estimated” costs:
Color and Highlights………………….$45.00
Wet Toner……………………………..$13.00
Add On Remedy Treatment…………$10.00
Basic Pedicure………………………..$17.00
(less 20% discount?)……… …………..3.40-
Manicure………………………………..$6.00
(free with basic pedi; not completed)…6.00-
Pure Abundance Hair Potion..………$20.00
(less 20% discount)……………………..4.00-
Plus Student Tip……………………….$18.00
Tax: $.96
Total w/tip = $116.56*
*If client has calculated correctly, please advise the reason(s) for discrepancy of $13.24; or any other discovery of monetary discrepancy in calculation(s).
11) What is Aveda willing to do to rectify this situation? Rhonda’s hair is nearly mono-chromatic (particularly on the top and back portions of hair), and close to being “fried”.
Again, Rhonda is seeking a mutually acceptable solution to the aforenoted issues. If this means this doXXXXentation and account is utilized as a “teaching” moment for Aveda, whereby Rhonda’s hair is restored to an acceptable end product and result for her hair, for Rhonda this would be a suitable solution. Otherwise, she leaves it in the “court” of Aveda to determine and offer a mutually acceptable and reasonable solution.
Respectfully,
Rhonda J. Bell
Twin Falls, ID 83301-4712
208.733.XXXXX
charleschristianbell@ gmail.com
Date: September 2016
To: Tina – Instructor / Management @ Aveda, Twin Falls
From: Rhonda (208.733.3959)
Re: Seeking resolution for too dark hair color and essentially no highlights
· Thank you for considering a “re-do” for my recent (Sept 15, 2016) hair coloring and highlights, completed by student Abbie-Jo.
· My husband and I have been regular clients of Joseph Charles / Aveda for about 3 years.
· We trust that with a resolution, it is our desire we can continue having beauty services and products provided to us through Aveda.
· The last complaint (2.5 years ago) I made was again for hair coloring / lightening.
· I ended up with highlights which were extremely platinum, rather than reddish-blond.
· As in the issue today, I attempted to strongly convey that due to age, medications, and genetics, my hair takes color and processes EXTREMELY readily.
· As in the issue today, I believe despite my best attempts to convey this truth about my hair, instructors and students tend to go “more by the book” in determining product application(s) and “normal” processing time(s).
· Prior to the service, Ms. Abbie-Jo showed me a hair color sample, nearly matching my “natural” hair color. I said: “OK, but I want it a little lighter and a bit more red, almost like what is here.” (where I showed her a swatch of hair on the bottom left side of my head, which was before processing a medium-auburn color).
· I conveyed my concern to Ms. Abbie-Jo regarding her estimate of having the color on my hair for, in her words: “At least 45 minutes.”; she seemed unfazed and told me: “You need to trust me.” To which I responded: “Just want to make sure we are on the “same page”.
· I don’t desire making this a “she-said, he-said” defense-mode type of interaction.
· I don’t desire placing “blame” on anyone; I can’t say for certain that this error is truly any one person’s “fault”.
· I do desire focusing on a resolution.
· I do desire having my hair color to be more “natural”, with a bit more red (medium-auburn, not mahogany); and with auburn (reddish)-blond highlights as requested and paid for.
· Today, my hair color is darker than it has ever been in my entire life. (My husband, Charlie Bell concurs, that after more than 24 years of being together, my hair color is very dark and unnatural in color). Underneath in the back it is especially dark (more mahogany).
· I conveyed my concern to Ms. Abbie-Jo about my hair (after the color and “highlights”) being (from the perspective of seeing it every day for more than 65 years), way too dark; whereby, I was told by Ms. AbbieJo it would “lighten up over the next few weeks”.
· Today, the “highlights” are in essence indistinguishable from the main hair color.
· Again, thank you for your consideration(s) in this regard.
· Please contact me via telephone if you feel the need to discuss further; or based on this account of what transpired, you are agreeing to move forward with a resolution and “re-do” for me on Thursday, September 22 @ 1:30 pm.
Respectfully,
Ashley Malcolm says
Aveda Institute in Washington, DC is very unprofessional and I am very dissapointed in their customer service and organization skills. I graduated in 2013 and since then they have had multiple staff changes including one when I first began in August 2012. I am currently trying to get a hold of my transcripts and have been getting the run around for weeks. I was sent the wrong transcripts and when I called Nancy (who by the way is almost impossible to get a hold of) to let her know this error, I was greeted with attitude and a very nonchalant attitude. They never even looked my information up until the last minute because when I called back again to make sure they would be ready they in fact were not ready. Nancy had never looked my information up prior to me calling to check the status of my transcripts because she only recently realized that she would have to retreive my transcripts from corporate. The office is not on the same page as different information was being relayed multiple times and honestly I would never recommend Aveda Institute Washington DC to another student again. Very rude, unorganized and unprofessional.
Mel Amos says
I wish I had seen this before my daughter enrolled! Her items were stolen and there has been no recourse! I just wrote a letter to Dominique Conseil in hopes that she can offer a resolution. If no recourse, I will YELP and write about our experience on EVERY social media platform with their brand on it!
Betty Johnson says
My daughter model broke, no fault of hers. This been since her enrollment since August 2019. She had reported it several times, nothing. No séms to care. They need to investigate the Tallahassee, Fl., location. Unprofessional staff.
Ms. GREEN says
Something is definitely going on at the Tallahassee location. My daughter has yet to receive her balance from the grant she received which would take care of her out of pocket expenses. Whenever she inquires about it, the staff has no final date, time or resolve. Every day there is a staff leaving. Now the financial/accounting Dept. is closed, numerous instructors are gone. I will be contacting the state office on tomorrow as well as the television stations. Something is definitely fishy.
I wish we knew about the problems…scammers.
Anonymous says
I had high expectations going into the school only to be let down . In the beginning we did not receive our whole kit and then we get it weeks later. On top of that they fire most of the staff and there’s no teachers in the classrooms. The teachers that are in the classrooms are unprofessional and pick out students they feel are the weakest in the class. The students steal from everybody and there’s no working cameras in the school so no ones knows who did it and they don’t care to replace the items or even care overall. You get no help from your “director” or staff in general when you come to them with problems. Most teachers are out doing there on thing like smoking and gossiping about their students all day. I feel that I’ve been cheated out of my money and I don’t appreciate the treatment I or my classmates have been receiving.
Nandini Krishnan says
I had a horrible experience yesterday at the Charlotte Aveda institute. I booked a mani/pedi with them the experience was all around horrible and student even seem interested in doing the mani and did a horrible job. I have bullet pointed the problems
-When I entered the greeting was poor and no one smiled
-my appointment was at 3 pm and they were 20 mins late and no one said anything that they are delayed we apologize.
-the manicure was done poorly and she couldn’t even put the nail polish right. She needed he glasses and she didn’t have them. my nails look the same as it did before I walked in yesterday.
-the pedicure I didn’t even finish because I was going to run late to another appointment so didn’t even finish
-I still had to pay for crappy service and for poor customer service
So when I called to talk to the manager she basically blamed me the customer for it as I should said something and should have communicated better. She then proceeded to tell me that its a student teaching institute and they will be late. Unacceptable if you are teaching place you teach time management and its not an excuse but they used it. They did not care about the customer experience. I will never go back there again. apparently you are willing to take anyone off the street to this institute. I have again go back to my nail salon to pay for fix the crappy job done. So I had to pay yesterday for service that was in my opinion poor. I mean I could have done a better job than the person yesterday.
I will tell people about this experience to avoid Aveda institute as its poor quality and poor customer service.
A heidemann says
I also have had an experience with unprofessional students at the Woodlands location. A student, Jana Robinson, was overheard bragging about her arrest records, one being assault. She told another student that “she don’t play and the last person that messed with her found that out and that she had the rap sheet to prove it. Highly concerned and quite frankly disappointed that Aveda doesn’t do background checks to keep this type of person away from tarnishing their good name. I contacted 2 of the people in charge at that location and provided them with proof, including case numbers that show this student was not only arrested for assault, but for theft, several arrests for fraudulent checks, and several DWIs. These are recent incidents. The ladies I spoke with seemed uninterested in protecting their clients wellbeing. I asked to be informed if they were choosing to keep her enrolled as numerous of my friends that are also junior league members are angry and want to post about the negligence that this institution is showing clients by putting a convicted assault criminal near sharp objects and clients. I heard nothing back. I emailed and called and still nothing seemed important enough to them to do anything. I’m about to allow this story to be made fully available to The Shenandoah/woodlands community AND post on any social media how this location cares less about their client safety and exposure to a violent criminal as well as feeling uncomfortable in your institute. I’ll be more than happy to supply whomever with the evidence that I looked up and paid for myself since Avedas woodlands location wSnt interested or seemed like they even care. Does Aveda want someone like this in their institution? If so, you are sacrificing not only clientele but are dragging your brand down by encouraging and allowing dangerous individuals with a repeat past if arrests and breaking laws. I demand she or anyone else that has been arrested for such a serious crime as assault to be sent packing. And this community agrees. I’d appreciate a follow up asap or the papers and social media will be letting the community know what is happening and that every supervisor there as well as top corporate execs turned a blind eye while risking clients safety.
Anna heidemann
Anonymous says
As a student I understand that I cannot speak negatively about the institute online. In this case I am merely attempting to file a formal complaint and express my disappointment with the institute. Since I started I have merely just been there to get my license but I cannot go without expressing my displeasure in effort to improve things for everyone. It is one thing to deal with bullying from your peers. It is another to deal with it from educators. Staff should stay out of students personal lives as to not in any way alter their chances for success over petty irrelevent factors. There is a lot of disorganization especially when it comes to functions designed specifically for students and it has caused a great inconvenience to our guests as well as students including myself to fulfill their purpose at the institute such as by way of (photoshoots, services etc.). The call center has let me down and even lost my name at one point. I have also been struggling to work for an aveda based salon the entire time I have been in attendance and that should not be the case but I have a feeling that has to do with petty politics and not proper job placement in accordance with student skill and potential. I understand the industry is ugly but I think the founder has more than based his company on being better than that. If you would please follow up with me so I can further elaborate in detail I would be glad to. Thank you.
anonymous says
I am a student at Aveda in Corpus Christi and its absolutely horrible. They have a cosmology educater teaching an Esthetitian class who is NOT Aveda certified nor is she licensed in esthiology. Can’t i sue for that? Or contact TDLR?
They have cheated me out of my products from my “kit list” (even though i had brought it up to the director and financial aid administrator) and MANY other things.
Is there anyway i can get ahold of the main owners of Aveda?
Ms. Tony says
Last Thursday I contacted an institute in Lafayette, LA concerning a complaint I had. Here is the original message:
I’m really trying to refrain from posting my complaint on every review page I can find of you all and I want to let you all know what is going on before I go to the top people with my complaint. With that being said, One of your students is dealing with marijuana and it’s very unprofessional! Her name is Jasmin H. and if I remember correctly when I asked for her last name a lady told me it was Hopkins. When I stepped in your facility, I thought I was going to love the place but unfortunately I was disappointed. She reeked of marijuana that she tried to cover up with perfume. After the small talk I had with her, another member of the staff came over and I overhead Jasmin laughing about how high she was and also did the other lady want to come over after closing to smoke. Do you all not drug test your staff there? If not, I highly recommend you start and start with her!! Maybe it’s my sharp sense of smelling but it made me sick to my stomach. I really hope you all take the correct actions and do something about it to prevent things like this in the future from happening. I know if I smelled it, previous customers have as well. Good day!
They contacted me and said they would look into the situation and invited me back for a complimentary service. I was going to maybe give them another try until I had a friend go in there yesterday and said that she had the exact same experience as I did. This girl Jasmin smelled like marijuana again. I really wanted to give them another chance but that is ridiculous. Drug testing should be required for all professional schools. How Jasmin is presenting herself is unprofessional and you all should consider testing them and starting with her!!
Emma says
As a student at the Institute in Atlanta, I am sad to say this is an issue here as well. It’s not just one student, it’s most of the student body. It can be smelled everywhere and people openly smoke it in the parking lot. It is really disturbing as I have had clients remark on the smell as well and I can tell you I have never been so horrified. It is not only extremely unprofessional, it is disrespectful and illegal. I don’t care what you do off the clock, but don’t bring it to this environment. I plan on bringing this concern as well as a few others to corporate as I can not find anyone who cares or has the power to make any changes at this level.