In this episode of BUILDING & BREAKING, we’re diving deep into the legendary story of Aveda: how it rose to beloved icon status, what fueled its global success, and how it lost its way.

Nina Kovner, former beauty brand VP, educator, and lifelong observer of Aveda’s rise and evolution, breaks down the brand’s rise under Horst Rechelbacher’s visionary leadership, its pioneering of nature-powered beauty, wellness, and the groundbreaking experience design that set it apart.

We dive into how Aveda’s sale to Estée Lauder shifted its trajectory, the disconnect that followed, and the hard lessons every salon owner, hairstylist, and beauty brand must learn to protect their own brand trust. From brand clarity and experience rituals to salon partnerships and loyalty, this is a powerful lesson in what it takes to build a sustainable brand and what happens when you drift from your core brand story.

Whether you’re a salon owner, stylist, or pro beauty brand exec, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways on brand story, staying focused, and rebuilding trust when things go off course.

In This Episode:

• What made Aveda the blueprint for nature-powered beauty brands
• The role of aromatherapy & sensory experience in lifetime client value (the amount of happiness, joy, referrals, and revenue a client brings you over the lifetime of your relationship with them)
• How clear brand stories, including brand promises, fueled growth, and where clarity faltered
• Lessons on brand erosion: leadership shifts, inconsistency, lost connections and broken promises
• What salons & pro beauty brands can learn (and apply right now)
• Why clarity, consistency, and care are everything

For salon owners & hairstylists: Get inspired to infuse meaning into every part of the client, team, or tenant experience, strengthen relationships, and keep your brand story at the heart of everything you do.

For beauty brands: A real-world reminder of how brand trust is earned and how to rebuild when it breaks.

If you want to learn more about how to build your salon brand with a solid foundation, click here to learn more about Creating Your Awesome Brand, A Complete Course for Beauty Pros. Thank you so much for listening!