At the Fellowship’s Luncheon & Awards in December 2025, four up-and-coming hairdressers were awarded a place on the prestigious F.A.M.E. Team for 2026. Regarded as a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’, The Fellowship Academy of Merit and Excellence is an annual initiative that was created to nurture, encourage, and promote an elite group of hairdressers who are looking to take the next steps in their career. Offering unique exposure and a platform for industry growth and development, the F.A.M.E. Team is the UK hairdressing industry’s original, and still the best, independent launch platform for creative stylists.
From diverse and varied backgrounds with potential to evolve throughout their F.A.M.E. Team journey – Troy Boyd, Oliva-Rose Brady, Samantha Bryne, and Chesley Stone – were brought together under the guidance of mentor, Christel-Barron Hough, who will guide and support them throughout 2026.
Troy Boyd, Anthony John Salons
Troy was a member of Project Colour, growing and developing his craft from strength to strength and decided to apply for the 2026 F.A.M.E. Team to push himself and prove exactly what he can bring to the table. Troy works as Creative Director of Anthony John Salons, having also been on the L’Oréal Professional ID Artist Programme and finalising for ‘Salon Stylist of the Year’ at the British Hairdressing Business Awards 2024. Troy is a triple threat, being an expert in cutting, colouring, and styling.
Olivia Rose Brady, The Honey Comb Hair
Olivia Rose Brady is a familiar face amongst the Fellowship community, having begun on the ClubStar Art Team and working her way up to the 2026 F.A.M.E. Team. Regarded as an ‘up-and-coming’ stylist in the industry, Olivia heads up The Fellowship’s Youth Board, showcasing everything that the Fellowship has to offer to young stylists. For 2025, Olivia was the support for Project X, having been on the Project herself in 2024. She is the Creative Director and Salon Manager of the Honey Comb Hair, specialising in all things colour!
Samantha Byrne, Vanilla Hair Design
Samantha Bryne is the owner of Vanilla Hair Design in Tullow, County Carlow, Ireland. With multiple accolades already under her belt, Samantha brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the F.A.M.E. Team. She works closely with the Irish Hairdressing Federation and Alfaparf Academy, having also been named ‘Irish Hairdresser of the Year’ in 2019 and a L’Oréal Colour Trophy Finalist. Samantha is an all-rounder, specialising in cut, colour, and styling.
Chelsey Stone, Chelsey Stone Hair
Chelsey Stone has been in the hairdressing industry for over 16 years, having already partaken in Project Colour and Project X. In 2025, Chelsey was also awarded the Calligraphy Cut Scholarship. For Chelsey, being part of these projects has helped her to develop her skillset and allowing her to be more creative and believe in herself more! Alongside being a L’Oréal and Wella Colour Specialist, Chelsey loves cutting and dressing hair, working with both bridal hair and hair up.