With roots firmly planted in the tiny island of Tobago (population: 50,000), there was no indication that Arlene would become a force in the business of beauty. Graduating top of her class with a BBA in information systems from Howard University and then going on to attain an MBA from the prestigious Stanford university, Arlene first made her mark in the world of business with a series of very successful corporate executive roles, ranging from vice president of business development at Hartford financial services to vice president of marketing at fidelity investments. After successfully leading and building new businesses within the corporate world, Arlene took the bold step of becoming an entrepreneur in the beauty industry where she saw an opportunity to combine her ivy-league business training and track record of creating and leading successful businesses with the incredible creative talents already resident in the beauty industry. From her entrepreneurial vision was born Paul Mitchell the school Esani – now one of the most award-winning beauty schools in the country. Now she is looking to take her vision of elevating the beauty industry to the next level with the establishment of the mastery by Esani.

Milo Maksimovic as hairdresser extraordinaire is the newest addition to the Mastery as managing director. With an eclectic background and almost two decades of experience in the hair world, Milo brings a unique set of talents and inspiring spirit to The Mastery. His impressive array of achievements include: managing and being art director for a five-star salon in Belgrade, Serbia, being an international Paul Mitchell educator and platform artist, hairdresser to political stars (Ms. Hillary Clinton), published in Estetica and Behind the Chair (two of the most influential hair magazines) and numerous other international hair magazines, as well as TV appearances in Serbia and a main stage performance at the CosmoProf show in Bologna, Italy with Robert Cromeans, global artistic director for John Paul Mitchell Systems.  His many other platform presentations for Paul Mitchell has taken him to London, Rome, Riccione, Zurich, Frankfurt, to name a few. Add to this the fun fact that he moonlights as a poet with the internationally published book of poetry and art called "from forgotten world into eternity", and you would see why The Mastery is delighted to have Milo leading its salon and education businesses.

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 2011 International ICON, awarded by the Irish Hairdressing Federation (IHF), she is a five-time winner of the North American Hairstyling Award (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 and is expected to accept another 3 year term beginning this winter.

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 seven 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. And now, Vivienne is lending her creative talents and passion for education to The Mastery, where she will blend key elements of HDTV with The Mastery’s in-person education model to help mentor and inspire the next generation of industry masters. “I love the feeling of growing,” she says. “I’m addicted to being a life-long learner.”

Nicoletta Gauci is a unique blend of Los Angeles native with European flair. She received formal artistic training first from the Academy of Art University where the very different worlds of art principle, application, and business would first collide. Thanks to a strong line of fundamental training, most notably from the Paul Mitchell School, and a continual thirst for education and experience, she has been able to achieve great heights early in her career. This now even-stronger combined foundation outlined a path that would take her to new depths as a hair stylist.

Nicoletta has styled hair for numerous editorial and beauty shoots as well as for celebrity personalities and marketing campaigns. Her work has also taken her into the international world of art direction for magazine submissions as well as education for both future and current hairstylists through John Paul Mitchell Systems and The Paul Mitchell Schools. She has worked and been published in over 15 countries and intends to continue on her path and share her love for art, fashion and beauty with the world.