The first time I ever heard of John Steinberg was from my friend, Stefany Reed, of Profound Beauty fame. At the time, John was visiting New York and according to Stefany, he was an incredibly fascinating person-a must to meet.

Unfortunately, my travel schedule took me out of the city during John's visit. Alas, I missed my opportunity to meet him.

Fast forward to the "Contessa Awards" sponsored by Canada's Salon Magazine at which I was a guest of editor-in-chief Laura Dunfey. As my friend, Mike Burchard, president of PURE Hair Extensions escorted me to Laura's table, I began introducing myself to the others who had already gathered.

A very distinguished man with the most proper British accent had already taken his place to my right. I introduced myself to him, but with all the music and conversations going on around us, the only thing he caught was my reference to Redken 5th Avenue. He said, "Would you happen to know Ann Mincey?"

We both laughed when I told him I was Ann Mincey. It was a humbling experience to know that not everyone on the beauty industry planet recognizes me on sight.

The distinguished man was John Steinberg. We struck up a friendship that evening, and he vowed to stay in touch. On his very next trip to New York, he kept his word.

John Steinberg


The Noguchi sculpture.

On a brisk, wintery Sunday, I met John at the Asia Society on Park Avenue, where we boarded a bus to Queens. We were off to visit the museum hosting the design work of Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi. Years before, I had fallen in love with the Noguchi fountain on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and I couldn't imagine what other treasures we'd find among his collection.

John and I strolled through the museum, taking in all the quiet simplicity of the master's hands. When I saw one stone sculpture that I thought looked like a heart, John took my photo. But while John was being inspired by Noguchi, I was being inspired by John.

As I learned that day, he began his hairdressing apprenticeship in his native London at the age of 15. Since moving to Toronto 50 years ago, he's become a true legend. Today, he's one of Toronto's best known hairstylists, has completed 90,000 haircuts, trained hundreds of apprentices and assistants, and owned The Rainbow Room and John Steinberg Associates Salons-both uber successful.

Outside the salon, he's raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for breast cancer research, and has worked in film, television, print, theater and video. He's also represented several, major professional manufacturers. The New York Art and Fashion Group has honored him with its International Award, as World Master of the Craft.

Just as I was thinking, "It doesn't get any better than this," he told me that after 50 years, he was reinventing himself, using his knowledge of art and beauty history, a life time of experience and ever-sizzling passion to create a new form of presentation. He calls it "John Steinberg, The Adventure."

Having a friendship with John truly is an adventure. Whether through Facebook or via e-mail, he keeps me up-to-the-minute on his continual discoveries and explorations. A couple of weeks ago, he made his "electic and electric" presentation at the Toronto ABA Convention to standing room crowds. Seems that salon professionals of all generations are clamoring to hear what this industry guru finds inspirational, informational and international.

Then last week, John sent me a clip from "Scissorboy," which is a local television show. He was the featured interview in the clip and was his hip, current and modest self, as always.

It was the final question of the interview that made an indelible impact on me. The question was, "John, what advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?"

John didn't hesitate. "Listen to your elders. Don't think that you know it all. Never stop learning." He obviously hasn't stopped even after 50 years….and there's more!

I'm still pondering that question in regards to myself. In the meantime, I'd love to hear your responses! Please drop a line here and share your wisdom with all of us. Maybe we'll collect all of them and bind them into a book!

And be watching for John Steinberg…you never know where he may show up! www.johnsteinbergthelectures.com

About Ann Mincey
For 35 years, Ann Mincey's training programs have helped beauty professionals reduce stress, refuel creativity, open their hearts and enrich their lives. As one of the first women to teach motivation, inspiration, confidence and well-being, Ann worked for Redken 5th Avenue NYC, where she advanced to Vice President of Global Communications before recently retiring. She remains a spokesperson for the brand, in addition to developing her own speaking and enrichment business. Having been recognized with numerous leadership awards and philanthropic honors, Ann is a sought-after public speaker and author of "Get Glowing! You are a Star Right Where You Are!". She can be booked through Equanimity, Inc. speakers' agency (equanimity.com). Salon industry inquiries should be made to amincey@redken.com.