Seven-time North American Hairstyling Award winner, Vivienne Mackinder, is well known for her online presence on HairDesignerTV.com and her renowned teaching skill. She is a three-time winner of the IBS Editor’s Choice Award and was awarded the North American Hair Styling “Lifetime Achievement” Award in 2009. Her most recent accolade, Leo Passage Educator of the Year, awarded by Inter-coiffure, says a lot about her passion for advancing the niche world of hairdressing and her students.

We caught up, briefly, with her to learn where she draws inspiration from.

Q: Who influenced you the most when learning your craft?

A: I was most influenced by Trevor Sorbie and Vidal Sassoon.

Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

A: I draw my inspiration from all of the arts – from fashion and movies, to the great artists!

Q: What would you say to new future professionals entering this industry?

A: When entering the industry, make sure that you work with the best and make a promise to be a student for life.  HairDesignerTV.com has been designed to help you do just that.

Q: Where did you attend school?

A: I attended school at the London College Of Fashion.

Q: What was the turning point of your career?

A: It would have to be HairDesignerTV.

Q: What is the best advice you have received?

A: The best advice was being told that I was a futurist and that I needed to discover what my natural strengths were, through working with a Lifestyle Coach. I was also told to learn how to work with them and not fight them.

Q: What would you say has been your biggest accomplishments?

A: This year, my biggest accomplishment was winning the Lifetime Achievement Award from NAHA. Another accomplishment was being involved in the documentary series ‘I’m Not Just a Hairdresser’. I also find that my website, HairDesignerTV (and helping other professionals grow) to be one of my greatest achievements.