At the recent Aveda Congress 2025, industry icon Van Council blew away the crowd with an electrifying creative showcase by the Van Michael Men’s Team, then with a lot of hard-earned wisdom picked up during his career as an award-winning stylist, educator, and salon owner.
“After 41 years, you can’t make this sh** up,” Council told the crowd at the Minneapolis Convention Center in his signature Southern drawl.
Council peppered his appearance with rapid-fire truths he’s learned over 4-plus decades at the top of the beauty industry — as co-founder of the Atlanta-area Van Michael Salons, former Fashion Director of Intercoiffure America Canada and member of the Aveda Global Masters Team, among other accolades.
Here are 15 that drew the biggest reactions.
1. There’s a Price to Pay for Success.
You can’t cheat the grind.
2. He Who Trains Best, Wins.
I’d rather be tired than poor.
3. God Puts People in Your Life for a Reason …
And removes them for a better reason.
4. Don’t Confuse Weakness for Kindness.
Be kind always and not so quick to judge. You never know what people are going through.
5. What You Give is What You’ll Receive.
No one has ever won an award for receiving.
6. Understand Your Finances Better Than Everyone on Your Team.
People don’t mind spending your money.
7. You’ll Give a F*** and Not Give a F*** in the Same Day.
It’s healthy to be psycho every once in a while.
8. When You’re in Deep Sh**, Shut Up.
A wise man once said nothing.
9. The Reason I Work Hard is: I Don’t Want to be Average.
Nobody pays for average.
10. Never Believe You Created Your Company All by Yourself.
Celebrate and recognize all your team members’ hard work and accomplishments.
11. Don’t Take Everything Seriously.
Learn to laugh at yourself.
12. Don’t Stress Over the Right Decision.
Just make the decision right.
13. If You Want to Make More Money, Charge More.
I would like for everybody to go up $10 on their haircuts Oct. 1. No matter where you’re at, no matter what you charge.
14. You Will Eventually Find Some Cocaine in the Bathroom.
You will eventually find out that someone had sex in the bathroom, and it was probably the same person who left the cocaine.
15. Kneel and Thank God at the End of Every Day.
Even if it was a sh***y day: Be grateful.