Six Stylists Who Stopped the Scroll

Sixty finalists. One incredible day. And six rising stars who turned heads and made their mark. On May 19th, the Matrix All Stars competition brought together finalists from across Australia and New Zealand to create a colour and style look on one model, all at the same time. The brief? Create a scroll-stopping image that reflects personality, individuality, and everyday salon brilliance.

Celebrating commercial and social trends, the Matrix All Stars comp champions the hairdresser behind the chair - the real artists transforming clients every day.

The six winners each scored an unforgettable prize package valued at $8,500, including return flights and five nights in Sydney, a 3-day mentorship and content experience with global Matrix artists, exclusive product training, a day at Hair Festival 2025, a ticket to the AHIA Creative Awards Gala, a Mocha Hair Magazine feature, and more. Now part of the Matrix Advocate Team, we caught up with each winner to hear about their All Stars journey, what the experience means to them.

CIENNA O’DONNELL. @hairbycienna_

Matrix All-stars winner for W.A

I’m proud to be with Matrix. I’ve been in the hair industry for 9 years, and it’s been an incredible journey of growth, creativity, and passion. Entering the Matrix All Stars competition was something that truly pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it was also one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

What inspired me to take part was the opportunity to challenge myself creatively, connect with like-minded artists, and be part of something bigger within our industry. I’m so grateful to Hairhouse for encouraging and supporting me to step up and enter the competition it gave me the confidence to put myself out there.

The entire experience was nothing short of amazing. I met so many inspiring people, including industry icons I’ve admired for years. Winning the competition means so much to me. It’s a reflection of the dedication, love, and hard work I’ve poured into my craft over the years. To be recognised in this way reminds me why I started and makes me even more excited for what’s to come.

APRIL AQUILINA. @april_ladyandthehair

Matrix All Star Winner for VIC.

With 10 years in the hairdressing industry, I can honestly say this has been the most rewarding and inspiring experience of my career so far. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for years, I can’t recommend the matrix All Star enough. You truly have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Opportunities like this remind us how incredible our everyday work really is and how many doors the industry can open when we step out of our comfort zones. This journey has been unforgettable not just for the skills and education I’ve gained, but also for the amazing people I’ve met along the way. From learning and growing, to connecting and creating lifelong friendships, it’s an experience I’ll cherish forever.

KELLY POWELL. @hairbykellypowell

Matrix All Stars Winner for NSW

With over 20 years in the hair industry and running my own home salon in Western Sydney, this has been one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of my career. After taking part last year and absolutely loving it, I knew I had to do it again. This year felt completely different. It was more intense, and being in front of the camera really pushed me out of my comfort zone. But with that came so much growth, personally and professionally, along with some amazing connections I’ll never forget.

If you’re thinking about entering, my advice is simple: go for it. No matter where you are in your journey, the All Stars program will push you, inspire you, and remind you just how incredible our industry truly is.

Winning as an independent salon owner means everything to me. It’s more than a title, it’s recognition of the heart, dedication, and passion I pour into my craft every single day.

BROOKE FELSCH. @brooke_freshimage

Matrix All Stars Winner for QLD

I am the proud owner of Fresh Image, a boutique salon located in the small coastal town of Evans Head, NSW. Being named a Matrix All Star Winner for 2025 is a career-defining moment and a true testament to what’s possible for regional stylists. As a business owner in a rural community, opportunities like this don’t come often which makes it all the more meaningful. This journey has opened doors I never imagined and shown me that where you come from doesn’t limit where you can go.

The Matrix All Stars program has given me access to a national network of artists, mentors, and creatives who are just as passionate about the craft as I am. The education, support, and connections have not only elevated my skillset but also my business vision. I’m walking away with more than just industry knowledge I’ve built friendships, reignited my creativity, and found the confidence to chase bigger goals. This is just the beginning, and I’m beyond excited to keep pushing boundaries, proudly representing small-town stylists with big dreams.

TEGAN FOLEY HUSSEY. @teganfoleyhairstylist

Matrix All Stars Winner for NZ

With over 22 years of experience in hairdressing, I’ve been fortunate to build a career that has taken me around the world, honing my craft and expanding my creative perspective. After years of international work, I’ve returned home to New Zealand, where I now work in a welcoming, family-owned salon that encourages growth and creativity. Here, I have the freedom to push boundaries, take on editorial styling projects, and explore the full breadth of my passion for hairdressing.

Winning the Matrix All-Stars competition has been a true highlight of my career. This incredible opportunity has given me valuable recognition for the years of dedication and hard work I’ve put into my craft. It’s given me a huge boost of confidence to keep creating, experimenting, and pushing my creative limits. Even after two decades in the industry, this achievement reminds me how important it is to keep dreaming bigger and striving for more.

AIMEE PARR-DUKA. @aimeelouisehair_

Matrix All Stars Winner S.A

I’ve been hairdressing for three years and am currently completing the final year of my apprenticeship at Hairhouse Marion. Winning this competition not only boosted my confidence in my skills, it validated all the hard work and dedication I’ve poured into building my career over the last three years. It opened up so many doors, giving me access to some of the industry’s most respected professionals and the chance to learn and grow alongside other creative, like-minded artists. It really proved to me that this industry offers so many exciting and diverse pathways and the options are endless.

The experience that Matrix put together for us in Sydney was nothing short of incredible. As an apprentice still finding my place in the industry, the knowledge and education I gained during that time was next-level. From hands-on learning to creative collaboration, it gave me a new perspective on what’s possible in this career. I walked away feeling inspired, motivated, and more certain than ever that I’m on the right path. For anyone considering entering, don’t let your level of expertise stop you. This whole experience has proven that it doesn’t matter what skill level you are at, anyone can do it and there’s always something new and exciting to learn.

The memories I created, the friendships I made and the knowledge I walked away with is something I am so grateful for and will cherish throughout my career.