Honoring the legacy of the original eco-preneur, the Horst Rechelbacher Foundation is awarding esthetic and cosmetology scholarships to beauty school students who reflect Horst Rechelbacher’s passion for advancing environmental sustainability and lifelong learning. Administered by Beauty Changes Lives, the Fall 2021 scholarship winners and their respective AACS member schools are introduced below:
Sustainable Beginnings Cosmetology/Barbering Winners:
Each cosmetology/barbering recipient receives a $3,500 tuition award.
Brittney Foster, @chaotic_beeauty
The Spa Professional Academy, Fargo, ND
As climate change is linked to the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires, Brittney feels an urgency to protect Earth’s natural resources. She strives in the student salon and in her community to reduce her environmental footprint. In the salon, Brittney avoids aerosol products and reuses containers when practical. At the coffee shop, she opts for reusable straws and a refillable mug. Brittney is inspired by Horst Rechelbacher’s development of a natural product line, his commitment to volunteering and gardening, and his relationships. “Horst and his wife were a power couple, and my husband is definitely my biggest supporter,” she says. Watch her video here.
Alicia Green, @oh.its.leelee
The Salon Professional Academy, Tonawanda, NY
“Glow-getter.” That’s the term Alicia uses to describe a driven individual who strives to achieve her goals while attaining a beautiful glow both inside and out. Her holistic approach to beauty from the inside out begins with her diet. Coconut milk and rice water are staples in her moisturizing routine, while healthy pantry items also make it into her custom hair mask recipes. “Natural products have made a huge difference in my hair and skin and also in my positive mindset,” she says. “Horst noted, ‘your mind, body, and spirit need conscious nurturing, not just sometimes, every day,’” she says. “I’m a glow-getter by nature.” Watch her video here.
Sustainable Beginnings Esthetic Scholarship Recipient:
Each esthetic scholarship recipient receives a $2,000 tuition award.
Madison Aza, @madisonaza___
Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute, Dallas, TX
“When you do something out of pure love, you’ll always be successful.” That wisdom from Horst Rechelbacher inspires Madison’s approach to life. A fierce advocate for the planet, she strives to be a global citizen, putting the health of the planet at the forefront of all her endeavors. “We only have one earth and the choices we make have direct effects on our planet and our health,” says Madison. She is a member of Growth Collaborative, a company that sells home and beauty products that are ethically produced, cruelty-free, and environmentally friendly. As an esthetician, Madison hopes to use her eco-platform to encourage others to make more environmentally conscious decisions for their body, home, and life, while modeling the power of positive thinking. Watch her video here.