Horst Rechelbacher, the legendary founder of Aveda Corp. and owner of Intelligent Nutrients organic salon products, passed away today. He had pancreatic cancer.
A true genius and hairdressing legend, Horst was known and recognized widely by only the mention of his first name. His life was a rags-to-riches story. Born in Klagenfurt, Austria, in 1941, Rechelbacher learned about the plant world from his mother. He opened his first salon, Horst & Friends, in Minneapolis in 1965. By 1978, he had launched Aveda Corp. with just two employees and built it into a brand known for its eco-friendly practices and lush-smelling products. He sold the company to beauty conglomerate Estee Lauder for a reported $300 million in 1997. In 1995 he started Intelligent Nutrients, a company that specializes in organic, nontoxic health and beauty products.
Last October, Rechelbacher opened the Horst Gallery in Minneapolis, a place where art would have many different interpretations. From remedies, paintings, valuable antiques, jewelry, antique furniture, modern designer furniture, and other interesting items that will benefit one’s environment.
Dominique Conseil, Global President, Aveda, wrote: “At Aveda, we are, and will be forever grateful to Horst for the Aveda passion we are honored to live everyday. His vision inspires us everyday, not only at work with Aveda, but in our lives. Thank you Horst, we love you.”
Allen Ruiz, 2013 NAHA Hairstylist of the Year & Aveda Artistic Director for Hair Styling, said: “RIP Horst Rechelbacher. Thanks for creating an amazing brand we all love and admire so much. A true visionary. You will be missed”. Ian Michael Black, Aveda Global Artistic Director, Hair Color, stated: “Today the world lost a true visionary RIP Horst Rechelbacher”.
On the website of Intelligent Nutrients, the company Horst created in 1995, there is written: “The planet has lost one of its most passionate friends. So have we. To know Horst was to wake up to the world around you, to your own potential, to a new way of thinking. His impact truly does live on in salons, shops, fields and minds worldwide. And his mission continues.”
RIP Horst Rechelbacher. Thank you for your endless inspiration. You will always be remembered…
