Kicking off the 80th anniversary with a bang, the Fellowship for British Hairdressing brought together their 2026 project teams who are about to embark on an exciting year of opportunity and creativity. Held at Loft Studios, the new Project Teams came together with their Project Leaders and Project Supports, to find out was in store for their 12 months of creative opportunity.
Welcoming the 2026 mentees, leaders, supports and internal team, President Ashleigh Hodges thanked everyone for their attendance and gave a detailed insight into the Fellowship, its history and how the organisation is creating a platform for succession to those who are involved and part of the next generation.
Ashleigh invited Project X leader, Marlon Hawkins, Project Afro leader, Patricia Davis, ClubStar Art Team leader, Josh Goldsworthy and Project Extend leader and Vice-President of the Fellowship, Michelle Griffin to the stage. The group gave project members a better understanding to what’s instore for them and how to get the most out of the year ahead. Up next, 2025 Project Support and this year’s Project Extend Leader, Marlene Lamont and Project Colour 2025 Support, Karis Woodward joined Ashleigh on the stage to chat about the role of Project Support and how they can help both the Project Leader and the Project Team.
Following on, Daniella Fowler joined Ashleigh on stage to prove that you can never stop learning, as she is about to embark on her third project! In past years, Daniella has been a member on both Project Colour and Project Afro – this year, she’s starting a new journey with Project X! Daniella gave advice to the new Project members about what to expect, talking about how incredible her experience has been with the Fellowship so far.
Then it was Vice President, Michelle Griffin’s turn to take to the stage to talk the Project members through key dates for their calendar including HAIRCON in June, the Project’s photographic shoots throughout the year and the Projects Finale in November held at the House of Sassoon in London. Michelle talked Project members through what happens at each event and what to expect, putting any nerves at ease and reminding Project members how exciting these experiences will be.
After a quick lunch, the teams came together with their team leaders and find out more about their year ahead. Each team broke off and met their new teammates and shared a little about themselves and their hopes and goals for the year ahead. With many bringing along mood boards, presentations and creative scrapbooks - it was a joy to see the inspiration and passion in each individual.
Following the creative session, Ashleigh welcomed the Fellowship’s Head of Emerging Talent Sally Brooks. Sally, known for her creative passion and exceptional work, shared her experience with the projects - from working on shoots and shows, creative briefs and how to make the most of their year in the Fellowship. Sally then asked the teams to write down five things they want to achieve in the next 6 – 12 months – she asked them to keep it hidden and relook at it at the end of the year - a great way to keep everyone thinking! After closing remarks from Ashleigh and the team, the teams left the day full of energy, inspired and ready for their first team days.
