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We first started chatting to Viv a few years back over on Instagram. We then had the pleasure of meeting her IRL as she popped in to the studio to exchange a few pieces from her Beyond Nine collection. We instantly clicked and loved her style, so much that we even named the Vivienne jumpsuit after her. She's a true icon and a long standing #BeyondNiner. We have been trying to pin Viv down for a while to share more with you all, so here we go. Worth the wait of course. Enjoy!

 Tell us a bit about yourself?

I always find it difficult to answer this question so I’ll do it in the style of Blind Date (and if you don’t know what Blind Date is, I long for your youth). Hello! My name is Vivienne, I’m a born and bred South East London girl and I’m an actor.

What's your career history?

I’ve always wanted to be an actor and have been passionate about it for as long as I can remember. After leaving The BRIT school I went on to train at drama school. When I left, with the advice of my parents (in true Ghanian style they wanted me to have a backup plan) I trained as a primary school teacher. So for a few years I was doing both side by side until eventually I was acting full time.

  Vivienne Acheampong wearing Beyond NineViv wearing Mabel's in Rust Stripe     

What's been the biggest challenge in your career so far?

I love my career and there are so many pinch me moments but it’s been a difficult path. The constant rejection is tough and longevity isn’t guaranteed. There was a time when I wasn’t working at all and that was extremely difficult and I wondered if I’d ever act again. So instead of wanting and waiting, I decided to take action and try and take back control. I wrote a one woman show, took it to a fringe theatre and it felt great to be doing what I love. It taught me that in an industry where you’re constantly waiting for others to make decisions about you, it’s important have autonomy and it also reminded me what made me fall in love with acting in the first place. 

 Vivienne Acheampong wearing Beyond Nine dungareesViv wearing Astrid in Black Wash    

 Any tips for our community who would like to get into acting and performing?

This is such a tricky one because not one size fits all and everyone’s journey will be different. The first thing I’d say is always be open to learning and growing. Explore various genres by watching films, going to the theatre, listening to audiobooks/plays, reading etc. Always keep your creative juices flowing and appreciate the craft. Collaborate with other artists to create your own projects or showcase your talent through self-produced content. Lastly I’d say, although there will be rejection and setbacks keep pushing forward, have fun and believe in yourself.

Vivienne Acheampong wearing Beyond Nine jumper Hugh
Viv wearing Hugh in Olive   
   

What is your relationship like with fashion and shopping?

I’m a self confessed shopaholic and have always been passionate about fashion. The right clothes are more than just clothes to me, they're an expression my personality and the right outfit can be transformative.

As I’m getting older I’m much more conscientious  about what I purchase, I want whatever I have to last. My go to is classic, well made, timeless pieces. My mantra (which I stole from a friend and never looked back) is ‘Buy better, Buy less.’ 

Vivienne Acheampong wearing Beyond Nine co-ord Mabel and Esme Black

Viv wearing Mabel and Esme in Black 

 How did you find Beyond Nine?

My obsession with Beyond Nine began in 2020 when I clapped eyes on Sahara jumpsuit in Melon on Instagram and that was it… I was hooked! I slid into your DM’s and asked some boring questions about sizing and you haven’t been able to get rid of me since.

Vivienne Acheampong wearing Beyond Nine Mabel and Esme mono red check Viv wearing Mabel and Esme in Red Mono Check
 

You have a pretty impressive Beyond Nine collection, do you have a favourite piece?

Honestly I couldn’t pick a favourite because every piece has it’s own uniqueness in how amazing it makes me feel. Laura is great for lazy Sunday mooching and lounging. Jenny is literally like my second skin as they are insanely comfortable and I could wear them all day everyday. Mabel likewise is such an amazing fit and with the addition of Esme there are just so many co-ords of dreams. I’ve been on the search for the perfect dungaree for years and Astrid has just ticked every box. Celine takes me from casual to chic in a heartbeat. As I said, too many to choose from because I love them all.  

 

What makes the perfect outfit? 

Elegant, classic, sophisticated.
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