Antoinette Beenders
Vice President, Global Creative Director for Aveda

A true visionary with a passion for creating arresting visuals and unique style, Antoinette Beenders is responsible for the image development and artistic direction of the Aveda brand in her role as Vice President of Creative. Drawing on her extensive experience as an award-winning, world-renowned hair stylist and 2004 British Hairdresser of the Year, Beenders works closely with the world’s top photographers, models, and creative talent to develop dynamic concepts and striking images which combine a high-fashion sensibility with an environmental conscience.

As British Hairdresser of the Year for 2004 and nine-time nominee, including the nomination for 2008, Beenders is a credible, technical and creative leader in the hairdressing industry—and among Aveda’s global salon professionals. Her accolades include the award for London Hairdresser of the Year in 1996 and 1997 and the 1998 IBS Award for “Most Newsworthy Female Hair Designer Worldwide.” Last year, Beenders received her fourth Fellowship of Honors from the British Hairdressing Awards.

Previously Global Creative Director for Aveda, Beenders oversaw the visual direction of the Aveda brand. Beenders first began working with Aveda in 1997 as a global guest artist and as Creative Director for The Urban Retreat – Harvey Nichols Aveda Concept Salon in London. In 1999, Beenders’ role evolved as Aveda’s International Creative Director, where she represented the Company globally, including Australia, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Beenders’ celebrity clients have included Catherine Zeta-Jones, Kate Winslet, Elle MacPherson, Liv Tyler, Sarah Brightman, Sophie Dahl, Sadie Frost, and Veronica Webb. She has been featured on TV programs such as “The BBC Style Challenge” and “The Clothes Show,” and created the hair for “Burn the Floor,” an international dance show designed by Mamma Mia producer Anthony Van Laast. Her magazine editorial work includes credits for Vogue and Glamour, among many others, and she was named one of London's 13 top hair gurus by the London Evening Standard. Beenders has worked on fashion shows for Prada, Miu Miu, Dolce and Gabbana, Hussein Chalayan, and Clements Ribeiro among others.

Antoinette Beenders currently splits her time between Minnesota and London while still finding time to maintain her London Salon clientele.

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Ian Michael Black
Technical Artistic Director
Aveda Academy, London

Colorist Ian Michael Black joined Aveda Academy London in 1999 and is recognized the world over for his cutting-edge coloring techniques. He has held the title of Technical Artistic Director for five years and in this position, sees his role as encouraging others to think more creatively and grow into their ability.

Ian learned the basics of hairdressing at college in Cambridge, England, before taking the floor in a salon where he began to specialize in color. He worked at Toni & Guy for two years, going on to become art director. Along with his salon team, he won the Toni & Guy salon award in 1997. 

It was also at this time that Ian first began to teach. In 1999, Ian joined Aveda upon the heels of the opening of the first Aveda school in Europe. He has been an integral part of the development of Aveda education in the UK since then. Along with the Aveda UK Team, Ian received the “Most Inspirational Educator” award at Haircolor USA in 2002.  His platform work has included Aveda Congress, Salon International and many educational tours.

Ian’s passion for hair comes from being able to live in a world where he can be artistic on a daily basis and is surrounded by creativity with the freedom to experiment. He is passionate about hair color and pays particular attention to techniques. Ian demonstrates how the application of color can change shapes and perception of cut, therefore altering the look completely. He has brought his work to many magazine covers in the U.K. including: Loaded, Maxim, Esquire, Hello and Shine.

Ian is an inspirational educator, challenging his students to push the limits of coloring and view things from different perceptions. What he loves most about Aveda is the continual evolvement of styles, constantly pushing the boundaries and the range of talent within the organization. He is passionate about the overall Aveda philosophy – products that perform excellently which are kinder to the individual and kinder to the planet.  Ian currently resides in London, England.

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Daniel Holzberger
Van Michael Salons

As Creative Director for Van Michael Salons, Daniel heads up the Van Michael Artistic team for all collections and stage work.

Based in Atlanta, Daniel has the opportunity to work both in Atlanta as well as on the road. He has had the great experience of working with world renowned photographers such as Mateo, Liz Von Hoene, Ming-Shiun Wu and Babak, earning him multiple nominations for NAHA’s "Avante Garde Stylist of the Year," "Salon Team of the Year," and "Hairdresser of the Year."

He is constantly traveling to perform platform show work and teach hands on workshops throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, while holding a pivotal role with the in-house training for Van Michael Salons, as well as keeping a diverse clientele ranging from housewives to celebrities.

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Tristin Morrison
Creative Director
Aveda Academies, Canada

Tristin is passionate about education and sees his primary role as one of developing excellence in education and helping to attract new talent to the industry. Tristin joined Aveda in 2001 and was an integral part of opening the first Aveda Academy Salon in Toronto. Tristin has presented at many Aveda shows including Aveda Congress 2005 and Milan Master Jam 2007. He has taken part in four Aveda Collections and has traveled the world as an educator.

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David Munn
Van Michael Salons

David Munn started his career in 1990 with John Dellaria in Boston and Manhattan. David quickly worked his way through the education system, earning him the title of "Master Stylist." Later, he joined the education team working with students and the creative team as a "Style Director."

David worked hard at his craft, both as a haircutter and as a colorist. After becoming an educator with companies such as Framesi and Schwarzkopf, he shifted his focus. He has traveled extensively around North America working as an educator and platform artist. David has also had work featured in both national and international publications. His technical skills have made him a sought-after colorist for session and stage work, including such top salons as John Sahag in Manhattan.

David joined the Van Michael team in 2001. His knowledge of hair cutting gives him a fresh approach to hair color. This, combined with his technical skills, has made him one of Van Michael's most sought after colorists.

David's vast knowledge of color and hands-on teaching methods have given him a spot on the Van Michael Education Team. He helps with teaching weekly in-house training as well as workshops around the country. David's keen eye and creative skills have also earned him a coveted spot on the Van Michael Show Team. He has participated in Van Michael show events and editorial work.

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William Edge
Owner William Edge Salon

William Edge is one of the most insightful motivational speakers in our industry, and his commitment to education has brought him around the world, from London to Taiwan to Australia, performing hair shows on tour. He has also presented at several top events including TSA, Serious Business and Aveda's Master Jam and has been featured in American Salon and Salon Today’s "Top 200 Salons" issue.

Currently, he is the owner of the William Edge Salon in New Braunfels, TX and the business consulting firm, Pure edge-ucation.

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Daisy Colina –
Aveda Color Purefessional

In 1987, Daisy began her hairdressing career. Daisy’s natural talents enabled her to quickly move up the ranks of apprentice, master stylist, haircutting educator and salon operations manager. At the age of 23, Daisy was recognized nationally as a master of her craft by winning the 1995 Contessas Canadian Men’s Hairdresser of the Year Award. She successfully opened EGO, an Aveda Lifestyle Salon & Store in Vancouver, in 2002.

Looking to round out her understanding of hair, Daisy discovered the creative potential of haircolor. The privilege of working alongside Ana Karzis has changed Daisy’s focus as a hairdresser and pushed her into the world of hair color.

As owner of EGO, Daisy believes success in the industry depends on life long learning. Drawing inspiration from those around her, Daisy surrounds herself with motivated and passionate people. She encourages all to live by the SHARE acronym – Shall Help All Receive Education – a philosophy that she feels will keep the industry not only at a high level professionally, but also creatively.

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Dennis Clendennen
Dionysus Salon~Spa

Dennis Clendennen is co-founder of Dionysus Salon~Spa with his wife Terri. He has been an Aveda Purefessional since 1994 facilitating technical hair cutting and styling classes and demonstrating the latest techniques as a platform artist worldwide.

Working backstage during New York Fashion Week every year since 2003 has enabled Dennis to work with some of the foremost hairdressers in the world. Styling hair backstage with some of the most talented hairdressers in the world for many of the top designers including; Betsey Johnson, Michael Kors, Perry Ellis, Monique Lhuillier and many others has enabled Dennis to keep abreast of current and future hair trends.

He has presented onstage during Aveda Congress 2003, Aveda Master Jam on Tours and many other venues.

He has had the honor of cutting and styling for many of Aveda’s colorists including; David Adams, Ana Karzis, DJ Freed, Yuji Okawa and Ian Michael Black.

Dennis has also created and cut looks for Aveda’s Autumn/Winter Collection 2005, Evolution/Revolution debuting the collection onstage opening Aveda Congress 2003 in Minneapolis.

Aveda’s Color and Texture curriculum, released in 2007, contains cuts and styles by Dennis to support the texture curriculum.

His cuts and styles have appeared in numerous magazines including; ‘Hairdressers Journal International’, ‘Esthetica’, ‘Modern Salon’, ‘Lucire’ and many others.

Dennis loves to share his passion for hair cutting and dressing with a strong belief in the power of being a perpetual student of the craft.

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Kurt Kueffner
Director of Men's Education, Aveda

Kurt Kueffner's professoinal experience spans 30 years. Kurt has balanced his career between salon ownership, editorial work and global education. Since 1995 Kurt's career has been dedicated exclusively to Men's hair and fashion. With a background in both barbering and cosmetology, Kurt bringshis own unique perspective to Modern Men's Grooming. Kurt has published a collection of masculine cutting, consultation and business building materials. Kurt has developed a new men's technical program for the Aveda network. Kurt believes that it takes excellent technique to support excellent design.

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Allen Ruiz
Aveda Purefessional -
Hair Cutting

Co-owner of Jackson Ruiz Salon and Body Care, Allen has spent over 11 years in the salon industry. During that time he has received extensive training at Aveda U.K., Vidal Sassoon, and Toni & Guy . A presenter at 2001’s American Excellence Awards, Aveda Congress Festival 2002 and a graduate of Neill Quality College, combined with his great vision and creativity Allen is extremely well rounded and capable of delivering uniquely customized education.

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