Team

Elaine joined the Sassoon team in 1993 after completing her extensive training at the London Academy. Based at the Glasgow Salon, Elaine worked tirelessly towards the coveted Creative Director role and earned that position in 1998. From Scotland, Elaine transferred to the New York City Uptown Salon, where she currently leads the team with grace, determination and style and offers students the opportunity to learn from her immense experience with regular Sassoon Academy weekend courses. Over the years, she has led several Fashion Week teams in London, Paris, Milan, and New York, worked on editorial photo shoots, TV commercials and demonstrations at various beauty shows, all while continuing to look after a loyal client base.
 

Martyn started out as a barber in a small Salon in the City of Leeds.  He worked there for 3 years before being offered a position as Trainee Stylist at Vidal Sassoon in 1980. Martyn greatly enjoys teaching, having trained Sassoon stylists and apprentices in Toronto, New York, Boston and Chicago. He has also taught all levels in the Sassoon Academies in London, Los Angeles and Toronto.

Martyn has travelled extensively in his capacity as educator and Art Director: throughout Europe (Spain, Italy, France, Norway, Yugoslavia and England), as well as touring the Far East (Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan and Singapore). As if that wasn’t enough, he has also worked all over the USA and Canada as well as South America and Argentina!  “The best part of the job is working alongside interesting people from all points of our profession,” Martyn says.  “In fact, my proudest professional moment was working alongside Vidal in the Far East.”

We are delighted to introduce ‘UK Color Director of the Year’ Valencia D’Onofrio to Sassoon Salon, New York. Valencia is originally from Milan and joined Sassoon in 2004 where she was fortunate enough to train with legendary colourist Annie Humphreys. Her expertise in hair color is formidable and her talent for creative and inventive techniques led to her being awarding the coveted ‘UK Color Director of the Year’ award from her peers. We are thrilled that she now brings her wealth of experience, Italian spirit, passion and immeasurable talent to our guests of New York. Whether you are seeking a natural head of highlights or latest fashion trend, or simply want to discuss ideas, Valencia will create a perfectly bespoke look to suit you and your lifestyle.

North American Creative Director, Traci Sakosits started her training at Sassoon in New York in 1992, where her talents were soon recognized and she moved swiftly up the ranks. She transferred to the Beverly Hills Salon as a stylist in 1994 and was promoted to Assistant Creative Director two years later. The call to teach came quickly, and Traci then moved to the Los Angeles Academy in 1997, where she has been based for the last 15 years. While in Los Angeles, she earned the roles of Creative Director and Regional Creative Director, before being appointed the role of North American Creative Director in April 2012 as a result of her passion and dedication to Sassoon.

As North American Creative Director, Traci coaches and inspires all the Sassoon stylists in the Salons and Academies across the country. Her calm temperament, incredible talent and giving personality make her the ideal person for this role. Traci’s position also includes leading shows and seminars around the globe, presenting the latest collections on beauty runways and styling Sassoon editorial shoots. Thousands of fellow hair professionals and students have been empowered by Traci.  "From the very start of my career, I knew I wanted to teach. I love the idea of carrying on the Sassoon ethos,’’ said Traci.

North American Color Director, Richie Rivera started his Sassoon career at the Los Angeles Academy in 1992. He then went on to complete his apprenticeship at the Boston Salon in 1993, where he has been based for the last 19 years. During Richie’s time at Sassoon, he has worked as Salon Color Director and East Coast Regional Color Director before earning the prestigious role of North American Color Director in April 2012. In this role, Richie has the ultimate responsibility of educating and developing the next generation of colorists and tinters in all the North America Salons and Academies.

Over his 20 years with Sassoon, Richie has gained a reputation for being a gifted educator, who captivates his audiences while teaching the renowned Sassoon color techniques. Frequently representing Sassoon internationally, from Japan to Brazil and everywhere in between, Richie spends much of his time showcasing Sassoon collections and leading countless shows and seminars. Additionally, his talent behind the chair has led to a fiercely loyal clientele in Boston, where he continues to see clients on a regular basis.