Vickie Vidov, the salon visionary, is an accomplished senior stylist and colorist. Knowing that her passion for beauty and hair was her calling, Vickie began her career upon graduating from high school. She has since been delivering a range of quality hair services to the West Village for over 20 years. Through focused communication she is able to meet the individual needs of her clients, achieving the desired look with innovative expertise. Vickie is celebrated as a top stylist and has been featured in such publications as: In Style Magazine, Glamour Magazine, New York Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal.
Hi Vickie please tell us a little about you?
I am a hairstylist and salon owner living in NYC. I have 2 amazing children who challenge me to be better, in many different aspects of my life. I love what I do and everything that comes with it. I own my salon, which certainly keeps me on my toes. I love giving back and mentoring stylists from my team, by teaching and challenging them to be better than they ever thought was possible. My favorite moments are watching all of my “children,” both at home and work, succeed. What could be better than seeing the “Ohhhh I get it now,” moment?! Witnessing. that look on someone’s face when it just clicks is just priceless and makes it all worth it.
How did you get started in hair?
My mother is a hairstylist, so it’s in my blood. Up until I went to beauty school, I thought I wanted to be an interior designer – I didn’t realize the passion I had for hair. Growing up I thought I didn’t want to be anything like my mother (like most teenagers often think), but here we are 23 years later, and I still look forward to going to “work” each day. It’s my passion, and I feel so lucky to have made a career from something I love so much!
What is a typical day like for you?
I typically wake up at 6-6:30 am, drink coffee by myself, check emails, and have that alone time before I put on my “Mom Hat.”
By 8:00am, we are off to school.
At 8:30am I’m either at the gym, spin, or yoga. Working out prepares me mentally for what the day brings. It is an important part of my life, not so much for the vanity of it, but for what it does for my mental health.
I get to work by 10am, put on my “Boss Hat,” and give the team a pep talk. That could mean a lot of different things, including my favorite “I expect a lot from you guys” conversation, which seems to make its point, across the board, most days.
My first client arrives between 10-11:00am, and my day just rolls from there. My work is exciting because I get to wear a lot of different hats throughout the day. In between clients, there is always someone who needs me, whether it be a question in scheduling or one on formulating a hair color.
Depending on the day, I finish at the salon between 6-9:00pm. Then I head home for homework help, dinner, bath time for my daughter, and some quality couch TV time with my teenage son.
Tell us about your approach to styling?
I look at my clients as individuals, and I like to ask questions about their lifestyle and get to know them on a deeper, personal level. This tells me a lot – how much time they spend on their hair, how creative I can get, etc. most of my clients feel so comfortable in my hands that it’s often my creative word over theirs of what we are doing that day. One of the most rewarding parts of my career is hearing my clients say they trust me.
How do you stay on top of fashion and beauty trends?
With my busy schedule, I often don’t have the luxury to look through magazines, but we spend time as a team discussing new trends and how to create them for our clients. We send stylists to classes in order for ideas to generate and to be brought back for discussion. This year, my team is going to Miami for the ORIBE Front Row event – we’re all looking forward to getting inspiration and having some fun outside of work!
Our clients are amazing and bring us lots of inspiration, whether that is on Pinterest or other social channels. I follow a lot of trend setters on Instagram and my teenage son, of course, always keeps me in the loop!
Where do you draw your fashion inspiration?
Since I work with hair color all day, I feel most comfortable wearing black (accidents can happen, after all!), but I do allow accessories, shoes, and bags to add a splash of color every now and again. I love a more classic look –- simple with clean lines – but I get a little more adventurous when I go out and for special events!
Who are your style muses?
Brigitte Bardot, Farrah Fawcett, Dolce and Gabbana, Valentino, Azzedine Alaïa, Brunello Cucinelli.
What are some personal style philosophies you swear by for all of your clients?
I look to bring out the inner being, to be seen from the outside!
Doing the hair of celebrities and VIPs must be a dream career for many hairstylists. How did you get started?
It wasn’t a dream of mine actually – it just happened as a result of word of mouth. Being a hairstylist in NYC, you never know who knows whom.
If you could meet one person in the fashion or entertainment industry, living or dead, who would it be?
Adele
Who are your fashion icons?
I have a few depending on where I’m going. JLo, Angelina Jolie, Julianne Moore, Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Aniston, Sarah Jessica Parker.
Any advice for those looking for a career in hair styling or the beauty industry?
I always advise people who want to go into any business, to learn every aspect of it. Make sure that you have a true passion for the Industry – you need to know everything, especially the dirty work! I always say “If you want to have your own business one day, you need to know how to clean your own toilets.”
Your trends for 2016 are… I’m a little late but will be coming back with some inspiration in January.
Any future plans you want to share with us?
I am working on a few ideas right now, still sorting it all out in my head.
Where we can follow you?
@Vidovsalonnyc (Instagram) and Facebook
Quote: ”Don’t carry your mistakes with you. Instead, place them under your feet and use them as stepping stones.” Book: The Secret
Holiday Destination: Anywhere warm
Restaurant: Rafele Ristorante
Food: Authentic Italian food
Movie: Crazy Stupid Love
Drink: Patron silver on the rocks with lots of limes
Music: Adele
TV Series: Scandal
