Known as the hairdresser’s hairdresser, Vivienne Mackinder is one of the most highly respected international leaders and innovators in the hairdressing profession today. Vivienne is driven by her mission not only to continually hone her own artistry and creativity, but to uplift the spirit and the image of the profession as well.

Currently based in New York City, Vivienne grew up in London where she attended the London College of Fashion. Upon graduating she immediately landed a position with Vidal Sassoon, eventually becoming his artistic director. In 1990, she left London for the U.S. and the chance to work with Trevor Sorbie as his International Creative Director.

Vivienne’s career as a master stylist has been marked by numerous distinctions and achievements. In addition to her latest honor, that of the “Leo Passage Educator of the Year”, awarded by Intercoiffure, she is a five-time winner of the North American Hairstyling Award (NAHA) (including “Masters”), a three-time winner of the prestigious IBS Editor’s Choice Award and a recipient of the North American Hair Styling “Lifetime Achievement” Award, bestowed in 2009.

Vivienne is an in demand featured guest artist/educator for premier events world-wide . Vivienne divides her time between teaching, editorial and advertorial shoots, advertising campaigns, entertainment entities like MTV and VH-1 and countless special events as a featured guest artist and educator. Her work is consistently published in the international press. As a session stylist, Vivienne has collaborated and designed hair collections for runway fashion collections in New York, Paris and London. For the last three years Vivienne has served as Fashion Director for Intercoiffure America|Canada.

Eight years ago, Vivienne added the titles of creator, producer and director to her list of accomplishments with “I’m Not Just a Hairdresser,” a documentary film series designed to inspire new and seasoned hairdressers alike. The series includes “Legends,” featuring Vidal Sassoon and other industry greats; “Empires,” a rag-to-riches story; “Stars Behind the Chair,” all about girl power; and “Discover Your Passion,” which focuses on the need for purpose and passion in life. The film series has been viewed around the world by thousands.

In 2005 Vivienne went on to found HairDesignerTV.com (HDTV), the home of ‘VivTV’, (virtual hair show) and MOD magazine (a virtual look book). HDTV offers a dynamic interface of film and audio downloads and live monthly web TV shows where audiences can interact with the HDTV team. HDTV offers the profession’s first post-graduate training system with a certification program, enabling hairdressers to advance their skills anywhere they have computer access—in the salon, at home, or even at a coffee shop! HDTV members can study from a growing library of over 100 step-by-step tutorials and create their own web blog to self-promote, network or find support. Vivienne’s most exciting HDTV project to date is her virtual hair show, “VivTV,” where she invites her “hair heroes” to guest on the show and share their expertise and experiences. Launched eight years ago, HDTV has a subscriber base of over 40,000.

Vivienne’s latest endeavor and passion has been becoming a trainer and coach under the tutelage of the world famous, NYT best-selling author and leadership expert Dr. John Maxwell. Vivienne has adapted this material to be applied to the hairstylist, salon owner and just about anyone in the business world that would like to see a better return on their investment. She currently offers a 21 week “Mastermind Series™”, which takes the participants through the “21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership™” on the phone and on-line. Guest speakers call in and take questions from the audience. All the calls and study materials are archived on HairDesignerTV.com.

Vivienne is always working on new projects and shoots, for her clients and for her own brand. Several new collections are in the works and HDTV continues to evolve. “I love the feeling of growing,” she says. “I’m addicted to being a life-long learner.”

Special Thanks for Limon Salon for hosting this event!