Inside a historic building in downtown Tucson, students at Aveda Institute practice haircuts and facials that double as affordable services for the community.

The beauty school, part of a national network, has become a local training ground for aspiring stylists while maintaining Tucson’s close-knit, community-oriented character.

Before moving to its current location on South Sixth Avenue, the school was based in Main Gate Square near the University of Arizona. The campus was convenient for students seeking low-cost haircuts, styling and facials, but it soon outgrew the space.

When the school moved in 2010, about 60 students were enrolled in either the cosmetology or esthiology program. Estheticians focus on skincare services such as facials, waxing and spray tans, while cosmetologists are licensed to perform those services as well as hair and makeup.

Unlike its larger campuses in Tempe and Avondale, Aveda Institute Tucson prides itself on a close-knit, community-oriented atmosphere.

“Phoenix is a huge, huge city, and there’s not the same type of connection or culture that’s going to be found there like it is in Tucson,” Admissions Team Lead Melanie Vindiola told Tucson Spotlight. “It has that small-town feel, even though there are two highways, the university, Raytheon.”

She said that personal, community-focused approach also shapes how Aveda keeps its curriculum up to date.

“It allows for us to have our educators review the curriculum annually, so our students are learning relevant, up-to-date things,” Vindiola said.

To continue that community spirit, the institute frequently hosts fundraisers and events that invite the public to support local causes. In addition to raising funds for breast cancer awareness, the school holds an Earth Month fundraiser each spring and partners with The Haven, a substance use disorder treatment center for women, to provide services to its clients.

The school also showcases its students’ work through regular hair and makeup shows, inviting Tucsonans to meet students and support their craft.

While there are other beauty schools in town, Aveda Institute benefits from strong brand recognition, with professional products available for sale on-site. Staff say the student body reflects Tucson’s diversity.

“The average age of our students is 18 to 24, mostly female, and majority Hispanic or white,” Vindiola said. “For teachers, the age range is about 20 to 50 years old.”

Not all Aveda Institute Tucson students are locals, many have traveled from across the country to study here. Staff say the school’s success after graduation plays a key role in its popularity, boasting a 91% graduation rate, 95% licensure and 67% job placement rate.

“I think that our school does a good job of preparing students for the licensing exams and what life is going to be like after school,” Vindiola said. “I think that we excel in that area.”

The school also offers courses outside of traditional beauty training to help prepare students for the business side of the industry.

“They can take a class called ‘Master Your Service,’ which teaches about the business side,” Vindiola said. “It’s especially for our young students who are just going out into the world and may not know the difference between a 1099 and a W2. It goes beyond being an aesthetician, stylist, or massage therapist.”

Lisa O’Brien graduated from the Aveda Institute last year and now works at Leo&Lo, near downtown Tucson.

“I had a pretty clear path in my mind before starting school of what direction I was headed. Even if there was a bump in the road I wanted to decide for myself where I was going,” she said. “(Aveda Institute) gave me a great base of knowledge to build upon. At (the institute,) I believe we truly have an edge on many other schools to provide a really great spa experience. If it’s a small local business or a high end resort, I would feel confident working at one or the other with what I learned.”

O’Brien said she very much enjoyed her time at the school, but wishes there was specific on-site support for students who are struggling in classes or their personal lives.

“Some sort of outlet for students to be able to talk with someone if something was going on,” she said. “It’s a lot of weight to put on educators if students are struggling personally.”

Rianne Maldonado also graduated from the institute last year, completing the aesthetician program. She now works at a resort and also as an instructor at the institute, after completing its educator training program earlier this year.

Since joining the institute in May, she’s been mindful to bring her on-the-job experience into the classroom in order to best serve her students.

“I've absolutely taught things that can only be learned on the job, (like) how to deal with certain client situations, how to treat clients and (how to) stand out as an aesthetician so they will continue to return to you versus any other esthetician,” Maldonado told Tucson Spotlight. “I try to teach real world skills that pertain to the industry.”

Maldonado has a medical background and loves teaching the more technical side of her course’s curriculum.

“I love to teach medical terminology, anatomy/physiology, cosmetic chemistry and pH scale. With my medical background I am better able to teach the … science portions of the curriculum with a little more confidence and depth than possibly other educators,” she said. “I also love to teach my students how to study, and facials and waxing are super fun to teach as well!.”

Maldonado said the institute’s location right off the freeway makes it accessible for students across town.

“It’s a great location to appeal to students from the north and northwest side, all the way south and southeast,” she said. “I love that (it’s) in a super historical building with a past and a ghost.”

The Aveda Institute Tucson will welcome a new class in January, offering flexible schedules with both day and night classes on different days of the week.

Ruby Maldonado is a Pima Community College student and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact her at rhmaldonado99@gmail.com.

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