THE FELLOWSHIP AT WEST SUFFOLK COLLEGE EXPO
The Fellowship Connects & West Suffolk College EXPO invites college students and partnering brands to showcase the very best that hairdressing and barbering has to offer.
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.
The event kicked off with a welcome from the Head of Academy of Hair and Beauty Studies at West Suffolk College, Marnie Williams, who gave insight into the relationship between the Academy and the Fellowship, alongside the opportunities are available for students. Marnie then introduced her co-host for the day, Fellowship for British Hairdressing President Ashleigh Hodges. Marnie and Ashleigh invited two West Suffolk College alumni to the stage to showcase their work, Rachael Jennings and Lucy Wilding, Lucy was also a member of Project Colour 2024. Whilst styling their models, Lucy and Rachael were asked to share which trends and techniques they were using to create their on-stage looks, and how their time at the college has enabled them to progress through their own personal career and pathway. Racheal is a bridal expert and Lucy specialises in colour, especially blondes.
Next up, Marnie and Ashleigh invited former students of West Suffolk College, Connor Chesterton and Oli Norman to the stage to showcase the barbering aspect of what the College has to offer. Connor was also on Project Men & Media in 2024, discussing with Ashleigh about how he has integrated his Fellowship experience into his working life whilst working on his model. Marnie chatted with Oli about how he has grown and developed from his time at the college, winning awards and owning his own barber shop, along with explaining the inspiration he used for his look.
Rachael Lomax, otherwise known as the Copper Queen and Molly Raynor, who was an award-winning student at West Suffolk College and part of the Club Star Art Team in 2024 took to the stage to share their tips and any advice they would give to someone starting out in the industry and how they found their niche as an educator.
To round up the EXPO event, Ashleigh and Marnie welcomed award-winning stylist and ClubStar Art Team Leader, Sophie-Rose Goldsworthy to stage with members of the 2025 ClubStar Art Team – Yasmin Snowdon, D’arcy White, Yasmin Clifford, Amelia Krasinski, Tash Filip, Amelia Wilmott, Leah Barker, and Isabella Finnis. On stage, the team demonstrated their braiding skills and styling skills as they talked the audience through what they were doing. They also discussed what it’s like to be on the ClubStar Art Team and the opportunities that the Fellowship have given them so far – and of course, their excitement for their stage slot at HAIRCON!
Ashleigh Hodges, President of the Fellowship said: “The talent showcased by the artists was absolutely incredible – I was lost for words. The annual West Sufffolk College EXPO is an amazing opportunity for the college and the Fellowship to demonstrate what we can offer to the students as it’s crucial that nurture and help to develop the future generation of talent.”
Marnie Williams, the Head of Academy of Hair and Beauty Studies at West Suffolk College said: “EXPO Academy of Hair & Beauty Studies at West Suffolk College 24th of March ’25 saw our second EXPO event in partnership with The Fellowship for British Hairdressing. This exposure event is aimed at current students on L1, L2 and L3 Hairdressing and Barbering, with a focus on future careers and options for each young person studying in our Academy. We were able to showcase seven recently qualified Academy students on stage, they shared their career journey and the niche market they have created for themselves, talking about the steps they took towards success. The finale saw a wonderful exhibition of Avant Garde hair design showcasing the talent nationwide amongst the Club Star art team. This team mentored by Sophie Goldsworthy, used techniques and skills the students hadn’t experienced before, and this created a fitting Finale to what was a great event. One of the Club Star artists is also a recent Apprentice of the Year from this Academy. We are so proud of everything our alumni have achieved and being able to share that with our current students means the world!”
The event came to a close with thanks from Marnie and Ashleigh, and a round of applause for all the artists.
For further information on the event or the Fellowship for British Hairdressing , please contact Sophia Kerr of AJC93 on 0131 202 0659 or via email sophia@ajc93.com
