WEST SUFFOLK COLLEGE AT EXPO

The Fellowship Connects & West Suffolk College EXPO was a welcome event for 2024, bringing together college students and partnering brands to showcase the very best that hairdressing and barbering has to offer as wider industry.

Held within the state-of-the-art facilities at Bury Sy Edmunds West Suffolk College, the Expo event was an opportunity from Fellowship proteges and local artists to showcase their work, their journey in hairdressing and allow those attending the chance to find out more about the connection between the Fellowship for British Hairdressing and West Suffolk College.

Introduced by Head of Academy of Hair and Beauty Studies at West Suffolk College, Marnie Williams, attendees were welcomed to the expo, with Marnie sharing information on the opportunities available through The Academy and giving a brief overview of the Fellowship Finishing School initiative held at the college in June of 2023 – a momentous occasion for all involved. Marnie then introduced the hosts for the day, Fellowship for British Hairdressing Vice President Ashleigh Hodges and Head of Education Simon Shaw, both inviting their respective teams to showcase their work.

Each team included members of the Fellowship Project Teams – Sarah Dawes from Project Sassoon, Connor Chesterton and Emma Herrieven from Project Men and Media, and Natasha Stantic Brajovis from Project Afro alongside former students or local artists including Oli Norman of O.P. Barbers, Antonio Palladio of Antonio Giovanni Hairdressing and Fellowship Regional Ambassador Janene Hawkins-Bush.

Local salons and Ambassadors were interviewed by Ashleigh Hodges, whilst showcasing some of the trends and techniques they have been using to create inspirational looks when in the salon and on stage, whilst Simon chatted to the Fellowship Project Team members about their experiences as part of the Fellowship and how it is enabling them to progress through their own personal career and pathway.

To round up the expo event, Ashleigh welcomed esteemed Session Artist and Founder of Curated Hair, Alistair Jubbs, to share with the audience his own personal hairdressing journey and experience through continuous education. “Education has forever been at the forefront of my journey, I am a believer that you can never have enough education – in this instance, more is more. Even today, I still educate myself on new techniques, products and skills. As part of an industry that continues to evolve, it is essential that you remain at the top of your game.”

The event came to a close with thanks from Marnie, Ashleigh and Simon and a round of applause for all the artists.