Our Stylists

THE AVANT DIFFERENCE? IT'S THE TALENT.

Mick Freund is a co-owner and stylist at Avant Hair & Cosmetics. Mick's approach to hair is a blend of contemporary and classic techniques, resulting in a modern and timeless look.  He believes precision is essential for a haircut to be its best. His knowledge of men's grooming along with his approach to women's modern hair are what keep him sought-after and current.

 Tom Schmiedlin has been a co-owner of Avant for over 30 years. He has a strong passion for all aspects of haircutting, from classic mens barbering to the latest in women's trends. Tom is a master of hair sculpting techniques that take advantage of his clients' natural hair growth and texture. His philosophy is to create strong yet soft shapes that require minimum at-home care. Tom jokes that in his 35+ years behind the chair, he has forgotten more than most hairdressers will ever know.

 Ann Freund has more than 19 years of experience as a hairstylist. As an expert stylist she prides herself on making her clients look their best- with a fashion- forward edge.

Debbie Anderson is one of the most experienced stylists at Avant, specializing in men’s and women’s haircutting and color. Debbie has an accomplished eye that allows her to effortlessly transition between classic and contemporary looks.She has trained extensively around the world at the Sassoon Academy’s in Toronto and California and the Aveda Institutes in London, Miami and Minneapolis and continuously pursues continuing education opportunities. Debbie is one of Avant's long-time employees.

Louise Wirkkala has been a stylist at Avant since 1998. She received her training at the Aveda Institute, and since then has attended advanced training here in Minneapolis, as well as, Colorado and New York. She styled hair with the Aveda team for various designers at New York Fashion Week. While she loves all aspects of hairdressing, she excels in special occasion styles and up-dos. 

Kelly Lande believes listening and communicating to each and every client is the key to her success. For both men and women, she loves to create fashion forward looks, as well as, the classic and timeless look most suited to corporate life. She loves working with all ages and feels one of her strengths is working with the challenges of naturally curly hair and fine hair. Kelly received her training from the Aveda Institute and has attended numerous advanced training courses from Vidal Sassoon in Toronto, Canada and the Aveda Institutes in New York and Minneapolis. She attends Aveda Congress hair shows regularly and believes continuing education is her way to stay inspired. 

Beatrice Bartelds has been privileged to work in the hair industry for over 25 years. She has served as a stylist, manager, and salon owner.  She has performed as a guest artist for both Wella International and the esteemed, Trevor Sorbie. Her repertoire includes editorial and commercial work; having been published in industry magazines such as Modern Salon, Passion, Nobu 6, Working Woman, and Mpls/St. Paul.  Currently, she specializes in haircutting, coloring, hairdressing, and makeup. She is honored to be a part of the areas talented and noteworthy hair styling community.

"Beauty is accessible for all, hairdressers just open the door."

Erika Herrera is a graduate of the Aveda Institute. Since joining Avant in 2005, ongoing training and education has been paramount in furthering her career. Erika uses a classic approach in both haircutting and styling, while utilizing new techniques to create a customized look for each client.

Melissa Becker Enhancing a client's beauty is her primary goal.  Whether your hair is straight or curly, thick or thin, she can work with it all. Her passion is taking a guest's hair and spicing it up with sun-kissed highlights or beautiful, bold color.  Whether male or female, Melissa customizes a haircut or hair color that best suits you and your lifestyle. 

Hoa Nguyen is a graduate of the Aveda Institute. Having over 12 years experience, Hoa's strengths are in precision haircutting and Balayage (French painting) color technique for both men and women. His style is clean and classic, but with a contemporary twist. He has taken numerous courses in precision cutting and hair coloring from the Mario Tricoci creative team and Aveda's Advanced Academies. He has been involved and helped style for many designer runway shows such as Badgley Mischka, Carolina Herrera, and Linda Allard for Ellen Tracy. Locally, Hoa has helped style for Glamorama and Diva. 

Laura Johnson attended the Aveda Institute for both massage therapy and cosmetology.  Her love of hairdressing couples well with her passion for helping people feel relaxed. Using cutting, coloring, and styling techniques, she will work with you to find the perfect look. 

Tanya Wyatt has over 20 years experience and is well versed in all hair textures. She is a full-service stylist focusing on hair with body, vitality, and shine. She will create the perfect look whether it's traditional or cutting edge.

Natasha Pavlov has over 30 years experience working with highly textured hair and chemical treatments such as relaxers, wave nouveaus, curls, and sets. She is a perfectionist who works with each client to create natural or exciting hair color or a smooth and polished hair style. In addition to hairdressing, Natasha is an eyebrow specialist who shapes and sculpts the perfect arch for each individual's face shape. 

Gretchen Held has been a cosmetologist since June of 2010 and recently, joined the Avant family in April 2011.