Every year we celebrate the birthday of “the father of safe cosmetics,” Horst Rechelbacher. Known best for founding Aveda and Intelligent Nutrients, he disrupted the beauty industry and acted as a pioneer of ethical business practices, sustainable growing methods and his ideas have created lasting, positive change in these fields and beyond. His vision for safe and sustainable skin and hair care will always be at the center of our missions here at I-N, and we know that all of our wonderful customers see that, too. 

Since we shared our tribute in his memory, we have received an out-pouring of love and kind words from all of you. There are so many cherished stories and memories from his life, and beautiful, lasting impacts that live on today that we want to highlight. Because of that, we felt that it would only be right to let those memories and messages live on here, as a place to remember Horst and his legacy. 

Thank you all for being a part of our I-N family, and for spreading love and positivity. We wholeheartedly believe that this community of change-makers would make Horst proud. 💜 

Words from our community 

“I am a proud Horst graduate of 1988. Met his daughter during school and she was amazing. A very special experience and he was so ahead of his time. I will cherish the memories of my time learning the Aveda concept and meeting him. ”  - Jennifer Heurkins

“Horst was a wonderful man. I met and had the honor to know him at the first Aveda Congress in Minneapolis. He was one of the kindest men I ever knew. I am forever grateful to have known this man.” - Michael Regulbuto

“Horst and Donovan, 11.11.11. What a wonderful birthday celebration. So honored to have been there.” - Steven Hoffman

“Me & Horst at AVEDA Congress, Long Beach California. Blessed for each and every photo I have… along with some of his knowledge, many pieces of his art work, his special shears, photos, pieces of his jewelry collection and my most precious possession is one of his shawls that still smells like his signature of pure Jasmine. When I need some guidance I meditate with it wrapped around me!” - Shelley Bartlett

“Happy birthday Horst!! Miss you my friend❤️” - Martin Ornelas

“Happy Birthday to Horst! I’ll never forget the time he so graciously gave my friends @nickcnelson @jenwallnthefurs and I a tour of his home, studio, and lab in Osceola. He showed us every room, and gave us each a small bottle of neroli oil to take home. At the end he popped open a bottle champagne to toast, and to show how safe his I-N products were he even spritzed some hair spray in his champagne and drank it! He was a visionary and an inspiration-always on the forefront to save the planet.❤️” - @yenyingchee 

“I discovered Aveda in NYC and was blown away by the atmosphere, the Aveda scent and the brand philosophy. After 10 years working with Aveda I founded my own natural brand and Horst picture is hanging in my lab as a reminder, in memory for a man who inspired in guided me for my carrier and still does. Thank you Horst, I cherish your wisdom and keep the above and beyond work! ❤️” - @rodericknewcaledonia

“Horst still inspires me. I worked at his beautiful spa retreat in Wisconsin. Even the air around the spa smelled like his beautiful creations. What a visionary and what a legacy he has left behind for us all.” - @ajburgersanchez

“He is my mentor for how I've raised my kids with respect for the environment & how we treat ours as well. #forevergratefulforhiswisdom #respect” - @christinecenicero

“I met Horst in 1986/87 shortly after the Institute opened in Minneapolis. I was taking a class there and he walked in with his German Shepard. He taught us how to correctly smell essential oils. I talk about it often because I felt like I met royalty. 

To this day I still practice so many things I learned from that one trip. I remember watching Horst and his daughter together on stage at the very first Congress Festival ” - Dena Hadoulis Coukoulis 

“He was my inspiration for creating a sustainable couture brand back in 2003 - when I told my friend @petergrayhair how I thought @aveda would be the perfect partner for this, he introduced me and thus followed a wonderful 2 years working with and being mentored by the team @aveda (specifically @david._adams._hair_.color Virginia Meyer)- eventually meeting Horst.

None of this would have been possible without the atmosphere he created at Aveda and his legacy. I will be eternally grateful for the opportunity and experience.✨☀️💫” - @deborahmiller

“When I worked at the Aveda store in Flatiron on 19th and 5th Avenue, Horst would sometimes pop in and literally hold impromptu workshops on the retail floor for customers. The customers loved it and bought, bought, BOUGHT!” - @beautybyrudy 

“He uplifted me everytime I was Lucky enough to talk with him. In the 38 yrs I have been in this field, His wisdom and gentle nature always came through. Taking time to talk and listen at shows and Aveda Congress was absolutely golden, I treasure those memories.” - @sweetpeaandsummer

“I met Horst when I was 15 and a hair model for his apprentice at the Deephaven Salon. Years later Michelle became a client and my dear friend. Then I did in-service classes for the Aveda students. Before I knew what happened I was a Consultant for I-N. Horst and I had many conversations about the Spiritual Healing context of essential oils and gem stones and how our vibratory frequency elevates. Jasmine 💕 I miss his wisdom but know his love is forever 💚🌟” - @juliejaynorman

“I attended the Aveda Institute with Horst. He introduced us all to holistic products. He sent me a beautiful Christmas card photo he took, that I still treasure today. I honored everything about him and his philosophy.” - @facesmakeuphair

“So many memories and stories that I try to be sure to pass on to the next generation in the industry. My most cherished is our last conversation and hug at his last birthday in the atelier at the Institute in MPLS @avedaarts” - @gwennbeauty