1 October 2024
Fife College has inducted renowned hairdresser Sean Donaldson into their Hall of Fame. The prestigious honour comes in celebration of Sean’s remarkable career, which began at Kirkcaldy Technical College, now Fife College.
Sean’s induction coincides with the 125th anniversary of the College this month, making it a fitting moment to reflect on the inspiring stories that have emerged from the College’s history.
From his early beginnings as an apprentice with Vidal Sassoon, Sean’s talent and creativity have taken him across the globe, where he has taught and influenced thousands of hairdressers.
Now based in Miami Beach, Sean runs two successful salons catering to celebrity clients, including Sir Richard Branson, Victoria Beckham, and many others.
Reflecting on his time at Fife College, Sean said:
“I loved my time at Fife College, Kirkcaldy Technical College as it was then, and despite being known as a jokester in the class, I always had a clear vision of what I wanted to achieve.”
“I always knew I wanted to be a hairdresser, and my dream was to work for Vidal Sassoon. College gave me the technical and people skills to move forward with confidence. It was the absolute foundation of my career and creative life."
After graduating from Fife College, Sean joined Vidal Sassoon as an apprentice in 1989, where he enjoyed a 15-year career that took him from the UK to cities across the US, including Atlanta, Washington DC, and New York.
He became the youngest salon manager at 25 and served as the face of Vidal Sassoon’s global product brand across Australia and Asia, appearing on billboards and TV commercials.
Now a fixture in Miami Beach, Sean’s salon is widely recognised as the premier destination for hairdressing in Miami. His educational seminars and workshops have shaped the careers of many aspiring stylists across the US.
Sean’s career has been filled with memorable moments, including providing hair services for Sir Richard Branson and his family on Necker Island. Notably, he gave Sir Richard his ‘Anti-Gravity Haircut’ just hours before the entrepreneur’s space expedition in 2021, which was featured in People Magazine.
Sean’s advice to Fife College students is simple:
"Believe in yourself and set goals. Don’t be distracted by the opinions of others. Be kind, aim high, and remember that positive thoughts bring positive results."
Jim Metcalfe, Fife College Principal, said:
"We are thrilled to celebrate Sean Donaldson's induction into Fife College’s Hall of Fame. Sean's journey from Kirkcaldy Technical College to a global hairdressing icon is truly inspiring.
"Sean’s success exemplifies everything we are about at Fife College – offering our students opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve their dreams.
“As we mark the 125th year of the first College presence in Fife, we invite the community to share their own memorable College experiences with us as part of our anniversary celebrations.”
To commemorate Fife College’s 125th anniversary, the College is inviting all alumni, staff, and students to share their own Fife College memories.
Whether it’s a story of a favourite lecturer, a life-changing lesson, or a special moment, the College want to hear from you.
How to Share Your Fife College Memories:
- Visit Fife College’s social media pages
- Share your stories using the hashtag #FifeCollege125
- You can also email your stories to alumni@fife.ac.uk
About Fife College's 125th Anniversary
2024 marks the 125th anniversary of the first college presence in Fife when the Lauder Technical College was established in 1899 due to the vision of George Lauder and the financial backing of his nephew, Andrew Carnegie.
The College has evolved through the years, delivering education and training opportunities for all and contributing to the prosperity of the region and local communities across Fife.
About Fife College's Hall of Fame/Alumni
Fife College’s Hall of Fame recognises and celebrates the talents and outstanding contributions made by former students. If an individual is a graduate of Fife College, having studied at the institution either in recent years or previously at one of its legacy colleges, then the College is delighted to consider them as one of its alumni.
Anyone wishing to register as a Fife College alumni can do so by completing a short form on the College’s website here.