Horst M. Rechelbacher—the founder of Intelligent Nutrients and before that AVEDA Corp.—was honored as one of 12 natural products-industry influencers who were officially inducted into New Hope Natural Media's Hall of Legends during the 2015 Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California.
Rechelbacher—who passed away in February 2014—was the only personal-care inductee in the annual event of the natural-products industry's greatest contributors, and Intelligent Nutrients was the only beauty brand represented this year.
Legends are individuals at the center of stories about change—influencers who change the way we do what we do with enduring impact. This year's inductions took place during the evening of March 6 at the Anaheim Hilton.
Intelligent Nutrients was founded as a dietary-supplement line and has since evolved to become a certified-organic health-and-beauty product company. AVEDA Corp. was founded as a plant-based beauty company that manufactures hair care, skin care, makeup, perfume and lifestyle products.
"I am deeply honored to accept this award on behalf of Kiran Stordalen, Nicole Rechelbacher [Horst Rechelbacher's daughter] and my colleagues at Intelligent Nutrients, AVEDA and the global network of people who were forever changed by Horst Rechelbacher’s incredible passion to bring a new consciousness to the world of beauty and health," veteran PR professional Mark Sejvar told those attending the awards celebration.
"I spent more than a decade working with Horst helping to share his message and action of empowerment," continued Sejvar. "Horst’s talent for beauty and aesthetics, blended with his commitment to the study of plant-based, safe and nontoxic organic ingredients revolutionized the industry.
“'Nature is our greatest teacher' is what he would share with audiences, stylists, students and more worldwide. And people listened. And they took action to help themselves, and help the planet, and help each other. This philosophy lives on and is the foundation for a new generation of leaders, leaders like each of you here today.
"Horst said, 'Everything we put in and on our bodies must be nutritious and safe.' He would want me to empower each of you to wake up and shake up this industry—to challenge the health-and-beauty world and find the real truth about what ingredients are in the products you choose.
"You can do it. We can do it. Together we can make our world an even better place."
[Image of the Hall of Legends Award to Horst M. Rechelbacher by and courtesy of Mark Sejvar, HypeHouse Inc./Intelligent Nutrients]