IBWZ – James Vivian

Meet James Vivian

Director at James Vivian and Creative Director of Viviology

We stepped inside James’s expressive inner city home to see how his custom Hudson Bed in a natural linen stripe has settled into the space. Known for redefining Australia’s skin and wellness landscape, James shared the unexpected journey from aspiring performer to skincare entrepreneur, the rituals that keep him centred and the unlikely new love of his life.

We’re always so intrigued to hear Founder stories… James Vivian is now a successful brand including amazing therapy services and products - how did this all come about?
Quite accidentally! I had always thought I would end up singing or performing as that was all I had ever wanted to do growing up. Whilst at university I took a part-time job at Aesop and on my first shift I had what you can say was a life-changing facial. I got off the bed and said to the facialist, 'I want to make people feel like you just made me feel.’ 

Fast forward a few years and upon completing my Health Science degree I bought a bag of peels and started peeling my mum, my friends, their friends. It wasn’t long before I started my first business, The Travelling Peelsman - a mobile chemical peeling service in people's homes and offices across Sydney and Melbourne.

I think we all want to know… what's your top tips for maintaining beautiful skin?
Define beautiful skin? It’s different for everybody and that’s both the beauty and the challenge of this industry. For many of our clients they have a realistic understanding of their skin and its limitations and work to express their skin's natural beauty through in-clinic treatments, skincare and other forms of health and wellness practices.

Considered exfoliation (read: not overdoing it) is a great way to boost skin luminosity and encourage better penetration of whatever products you’re putting on afterwards. Ingredients such as Vitamins A, B and C can boost skin health and general appearance. Finally, sun protection, such as a wide-brimmed or thick-fabric hat and SPF 50 reapplied throughout the day is always #1 when it comes to maintaining the skin and protecting it from premature ageing and skin cancer.

Looking back on your career and achievements, what has been your biggest pinch-me moment? Any regrets?
Over the last 15 years there have been many causes for celebration but the one that gave me the greatest warm and fuzzies was when I gave a key-note speech at an industry conference on inclusivity. The skincare industry can do both a great job and a poor job at making people feel included, welcomed and comfortable. Through sharing my experiences growing up being bullied and excluded I was able to open up a conversation in front of my peers and get them examining their own inclusivity practices as clinicians, business owners and human beings.

Regrets? Many but none that have had a detrimental impact. Knowing when to give up an idea or a new approach is really important when you have both an entrepreneurial spirit mixed with ADHD.

Your products are Australian made. Like Zenn! What's the reasoning behind locally made and why is this important?
Supporting locally owned businesses and adding to the landscape of Australian owned skincare brands is not only the right thing to do but it also allows us greater control and flexibility when it comes to creating and updating products. 

The custom Hudson bed in a classic natural linen stripe looks absolutely perfect in your bedroom.. What's the inspo behind this?
To be honest, there wasn’t one that stood out as perfect for our bedroom. When in consultation with Zenn we worked to select a fabric that complemented our masculine aesthetic whilst adding a little texture and colour to the room. We love it!

Do you have any night time rituals to achieve a sense of zen?
Switching off has never been a virtue of mine, however, with the recent addition of Wales our miniature sausage dog to our family, slowing down and getting her settled and safely into bed each night has become the ritual I didn’t know I needed.

I do my skincare routine well before I go to bed otherwise I get too lazy to do it later in the evening. I am a big fan of cleansing my skin for upwards of 2-minutes as this not only gives my skin a really good clean but also activates the skin and the skincare I put on afterwards.

What's one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
Well, anyone that knows me cannot believe we have a dog. I have never been a pet or dog person but I knew there was a little space in my heart for a little dog. I cannot believe how much I love her already and I finally ‘get’ what everyone feels about caring for pets. 

What's next for JV? Anything you can share?
I’ve recently returned to the treatment room after taking quite a long break since COVID to help grow the team and manage the growth that COVID brought to us. Being back in the treatment room is reminding me of how important this all is. Being able to help people with their persistent acne, chronic dryness and sensitivity or simply help people navigate their way through this crazy industry is exactly what I want to be doing right now in addition to collaborating with the rest of the JV Team and being involved in industry boards and councils to improve our standards and reputation.

What are you coveting right now?
We’re actually on the hunt for our next home. We’ve lived here very happily for the last 5 years and what we’ve really been missing is an outdoor area to hang with our friends and of course now for Wales to enjoy. Easier said than done but we’re in no rush and know our next home will find us when it's ready.

Shop the Look
Bed: Hudson Bedhead
Fabric: Warwick Derry Grey
Piping: Warwick Ingham Grey

Image Credits
Photographer: Elisa Watson
Styling: Zenn Design
Linen: Abode - Citi Linen in Slate Quilt Cover and Pillowcases, Citi Linen in Lino Pillowcases