Namaste Pure Design Salons, Denver

Rick Van De Riet knows about devotion. At his salon, Namaste, every interaction between client and stylist is inspired by the teachings of Jagannath—the generous Hindu god of mercy who inspires love and devotion with his artistic abilities. This myth strikes a chord with Rick, who took the deity's message of compassion and creativity to heart when building his salon and hand selecting a staff of skilled and personable hairstylists.

Before he became a salon owner, Rick knew devotion in his career as a hairstylist, which he poured his time and talents into for 44 years before choosing to dedicate himself to training up-and-coming stylists. With patience and skill, Rick helped his pupils hone their skills until their aesthetic eyes were as razor-sharp as their favorite pair of shears. Now Namaste Aveda Salons ranks among Salon Today magazine's top 200 salons for growth and training programs.

Rick shares his dedication to skill and personal connection with his partner, Tommy Pernell. Together with a staff of hairstylists, they bring out each customer's best aesthetic attributes using products that respect the environment. Nearly all of salon's aestheticians come from Aveda training programs, where they learned to care for skin with gentle and effective Elemental Nature Aveda products.

Haircare, makeup, and skincare products huddle on the salon's wooden shelves in eco-friendly packaging to protect ingredients derived from the world's finest and least selfish plants.