Miss Avis- Mitten Maven Studio

You are invited!

Hey, beautiful humans!

We’re officially ONE WEEK AWAY from our first Class & a Glass at Urbanrest Brewery!

Join me for Beauty & the Ballot: Lock In Your Lip. Lock In Your Vote. 💋

Think red lipstick isn’t for you? Think again! We’ll find your perfect red, learn how to make it last, create a DIY lip scrub, and explore the history of red lipstick as a form of self-expression and resistance.

We’ll also be joined by the Michigan League of Conservation Voters for a conversation about protecting Michigan’s air, land, and water, with voter resources from Shape Up the Vote.

Your $35 ticket includes:

* Full-size lipstick, liner, and lip products to take home
* Hands-on makeup instruction and DIY sugar scrub
* A complimentary drink from Urbanrest (21+ and N/A options)
* Voter resources and community connections!

📅 Monday, October 19 | 6–8 PM
📍 Urbanrest Brewery | Ferndale

We’re almost full! Grab your spot before it’s gone!

🎟️ GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!⁠
eventbrite.com/e/beauty-and-the-ballot-tickets-2002252374752?aff=oddtdtcreator (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beauty-and-the-ballot-tickets-2002252374752?aff=oddtdtcreator)

Come for the lipstick tips and tricks. Stay for the community. 💄

Check out our event on Monday, Oct 19, 2026.

View event details Click here for event details from Miss Avis @ Mitten Maven Studio!

OMG, It’s been so long its scary 👻

Honestly, one of my favorite parts of doing hair and makeup has always been the connection that happens in my chair. I get to know what you’re up to, what you’re creating, the causes you care about, and all of the cool ways you’re showing up in our community.

And lately I’ve been thinking… how can I bring more of you together?

So I’m starting a new class series at Urbanrest Brewery in Ferndale!

Classes will run from 6–8 PM and combine hands-on hair and makeup education with community, conversation, and some of the amazing work being done by people and organizations around us.

Basically: learn something, meet some cool humans, have a drink, and leave knowing how to do the thing you’ve been asking me about from my chair.

💄 OCTOBER: BEAUTY & THE BALLOT

Lock in your lip. Lock in your vote.

We’re kicking things off with a long-lasting red lip class!

We’ll make a DIY sugar lip scrub, talk exfoliation and hydration, figure out which reds work with different skin tones, and learn how to apply a red lip and KEEP. IT. THERE.

We’ll also dig into the history of red lipstick as a symbol of resistance and political expression.

The League of Conservation Voters will be joining us to share information and answer questions, and I’ll have additional voter engagement resources through Shape Up the Vote, an organization helping hairstylists and barbers turn their spaces into places for civic engagement.

Beauty + history + community + a drink?
Yeah. That sounds like my kind of class.

Tickets are on sale now for $35.
🎟️ eventbrite.com/e/beauty-and-the-ballot-tickets-2002252374752 (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beauty-and-the-ballot-tickets-2002252374752)

ALSO… THE WEBSITE GOT A GLOW-UP ✨

If you haven’t visited my website lately, things have moved around!

The biggest changes are new photos, a revamped Wedding page, a growing Classes page, and perhaps most importantly I moved the BOOKING BUTTON CLOSER TO THE TOP. 🎉

Because we do not need an unnecessary scavenger hunt to book a haircut.

Updating the photos was also a necessity because apparently my website needs periodic updates to accurately reflect whatever color my hair currently is.

Seriously an Occupational hazard.

⸻

YOU ASK ME WHAT PRODUCTS I USE… A LOT and sometimes it’s after you leave.

So I finally made it easier.

My Instagram Linktree has gotten an update, and I’ve been building out my ShopMy with the hair, makeup, skincare and, yes, running products I actually use and recommend.

Right now you’ll find collections like:

🎨 Lock In That Rad Color — color-care favorites
✨ Mane Tame — smoothing + frizz control
🪄 Fine Hair Magic — products for the fine-haired humans
〰️ Wavy Hair — products for bringing out your texture
💄 Evolving Skin Core Collection — skincare + makeup products I use and recommend in my one-on-one makeup classes, especially for the 30+ crowd

Shop My Link: shopmy.us/shop?Curator_id=174940&Section_id=531137

And this is just the beginning. As I add more classes, I’ll keep adding corresponding product collections so you can easily find what we used after class.

When you purchase something through one of my ShopMy links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. It allows me to recommend a much bigger range of products without keeping a small Sephora’s worth of inventory at the salon and gives you another way to support Mitten Maven from home.

Whether you’re sitting in my chair, coming to a class, following along online, or shopping one of my recommendations, I want what I do to be about more than just getting your hair done.

I want it to be a place to learn things, try things, meet people, connect with your community, and maybe get a little weird with your hair and makeup along the way.

And I have a feeling we’re just getting started. 💕

Wishing you the crispiest FALL morning and the coziest hoodie!

All the best,
Avis Saunders

Something New Is Brewing 🍺💄 Click here for an update from Miss Avis @ Mitten Maven Studio!

Allow me to introduce myself: My name is Avis aka Mitten Maven, an alt beauty pro based in Metro Detroit. I do a whole bunch of things: hair cuts, color, makeup, wedding and event styling to name a few. I do all the things because it makes my neurodivergent brain happy. I’m behind the chair in Berkley, Michigan at Golden Hour Collective Salon. I travel for weddings all over Michigan and beyond. My chair is always a safe space for all humans. Here are some color and cuts I’ve done lately. Hoping my humans , who want awesome hair, find me.

It’s almost Spring… right?!?

Hello Beautiful Human,

If you’ve looked down at your favorite black shirt lately and thought, “am I… shedding?” this one’s for you.

Winter in Michigan is cute when it starts until it drags on forever and your scalp decides to cosplay as a powdered donut. So let’s break down the difference between dry scalp and dandruff, because they are NOT the same diva.

❄️ Dry Scalp: The Thirst Trap

Dry scalp is exactly what it sounds like, your skin is thirsty. Cold air outside + blasting heat inside + lava-temperature showers = tight, itchy, flaky scalp.

Dry scalp flakes:
• Small
• White
• Usually fall off easily
• Often come with itchiness or tightness

How to Combat Dry Scalp at Home

Here’s your Mitten Maven approved end of winter survival kit:

1. Oil Treatments
A pre-shampoo oil treatment can work wonders. Massage into your scalp, let it sit 20–30 minutes (or longer), then shampoo out.
On hair wash day, I personally love using Verb’s Ghost Oil for my scalp massages. I add 5 pumps at a time to my hands- massage it in, brush it through, and clip it up out of the way while I work around the house. If you do not have Ghost Oil- you can use Coconut, Castor, or Jojoba oil instead. Just watch out in the shower when you are shampooing it out, it can get slippery.

2. Scalp Exfoliation Before Washing
Think of this like skincare for your scalp. The Verb Ghost Exfoliating Scalp Nectar gently lifts buildup and dead skin so your shampoo can actually do its job.

3. Switch to a More Moisturizing Shampoo + Conditioner
If your shampoo still says “clarifying” and it’s March and still snowing… we need to talk. Winter is for hydration.

4. Turn. Down. The. Hot. Water.
I know. I KNOW. But super hot water strips your scalp of its natural oils and makes dryness worse.

5. Blow Dry Your Roots (Especially in Winter!)
When you air dry in cold weather, your scalp stays damp longer. That lingering moisture + cold air can disrupt your scalp barrier and sometimes lead to irritation or even fungal imbalance.
Quick root blast with a dryer = happy scalp + more volume. Win-win.

❄️ Dandruff: The Plot Twist

Dandruff isn’t just “dry scalp.” It’s usually related to an overgrowth of yeast (Malassezia) on the scalp and is more of a skin condition.

Dandruff flakes:
• Larger Flakes/ Scales
• Often yellow-ish
• Can look greasy
• May come with redness or inflammation

If you suspect true dandruff, this is where a dermatologist is your MVP. Prescription or medicated treatments can rebalance your scalp in ways salon products simply cannot.

If you’re unsure which one you’re dealing with, bring your scalp to me. I cannot give you an official diagnosis but I can tell you if it is dry scalp and treatable in the salon.

💆🏻‍♀️ How I Can Help In the Salon

When you come in for your haircut or blowout, you can add:
• ✨ A dreamy scalp massage
• ✨ A Malibu treatment to remove buildup and rebalance
• ✨ A Verb exfoliating scalp treatment for a clean slate moment

These are quick 10-20 minute add on’s that can pay off in the long run.

🇪🇸 What’s the deal with this Spain thing?!?
From March 8th–15th, I’ll be traveling in Spain visiting my friend who moved there in November. This is my first European adventure and an early 40th birthday gift to myself (I turn 40 in April, excuse me while I spiral gracefully).

You may notice appointments are limited for a couple weeks around this time. Also fun fact when I open my booking app overseas, it adjusts to whatever time zone I’m in, which has made things… chaotic in the past. So if booking feels tight or confusing, that’s why.

If you need a March refresh, please book sooner rather than later. Easter is coming and so is the warmer weather 🎉 but you know what that means… people will start taking off their hats and they will notice that they need a haircut (which means I will be busy behind the chair).

If you’ve gotten this far I appreciate you thank you for trusting me with your hair, your journey, and your seasonal scalp drama.

Hydrate your roots. Lower the shower temp. Book your appointment.
And if you see me eating tapas pretending I’m in a Wes Anderson film- know I’m living my best life.

All the best,
Avis
Mitten Maven Studio ✨

💆🏽Let’s talk about your scalp and Spain!!! 🇪🇸 Click here for an update from Miss Avis @ Mitten Maven Studio!

🎃It’s the best week of the year!👻

Hello Beautiful Humans,

This season has been spooky in more ways than one, and I’m not just talking about my attempt to watch the Conjuring Series, so much change and reflection. Last week, the federal government announced that SNAP benefits will not be available for Michigan residents in November, and many local food banks that normally help fill that gap have lost significant federal support.

That news really struck a chord with me, as someone who grew up on food stamps, I know how deeply food insecurity can affect a family. That’s why, through the end of the year, I’ll be collecting non-perishable food to donate to local food pantries.

You can drop off donations during your appointment or reach out to coordinate another time to stop by.

And if you’re stocking up for Halloween, consider an alternative idea that’s been floating around TikTok: offering instant ramen, Easy Mac, or snack cups instead of (or alongside) candy. They’re affordable, easy to make, and bring a little extra comfort to kids who might be experiencing food insecurity.

💛 Why This Space Means So Much

When I moved from my salon suite into Golden Hour Collective, it wasn’t just a change of address- it is a chance to finally bring my longtime vision to life.

My dream has always been to salon differently and create a space where connection goes beyond “just” hair and makeup. A place where my amazing, creative, and kind clients can come together, not just to be pampered, but to feel part of something meaningful.

Now that I have the extra space, I can finally host the kinds of events I’ve always wanted to:
✨ Zine-making parties
🧶 Knitting and craft nights
🔮 Tarot readings and self-care workshops
♻️ Parent toy and clothing swaps
💎 Vintage, clothing, and jewelry pop-ups

These gatherings are about community-building friendships, sharing creativity, and supporting one another. I want Golden Hour Collective to be a space that uplifts and connects us, no matter what’s happening in the world outside. I would love your input on what this community will look like please fill out my form here!
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdxnMhvrZR3yrBzJTCj5_Re2IxE6wtkxYPiol1jvoyehEc3og/viewform?usp=publish-editor

🌼 Here for You

I know that times are tough for a lot of people right now. While my prices have changed over time to meet the demands of higher costs, I always want to make it clear that I’m here to help when I can.

If you’re experiencing financial hardship or job loss, please reach out to me directly. We can find a way to make things work together. I’d rather have an open conversation than see you go without care you need.

Thank you for continuing to support me, my work, and this growing community. Every one of you has helped make this vision possible, and I can’t wait to see what we build together next.

All the best,
Avis
Mitten Maven Studio @ Golden Hour Collective

🥫Food Drive + What’s Next for Our Community Space✨ Click here for an update from Miss Avis @ Mitten Maven Studio!

Fallin’ for Fresh Hair in the D!

Hello Beautiful Humans,

🍂Do you feel that crispness in the air? The kind that makes you want to a warm c***r donut, real bad! (Just me over here channeling my inner Jennifer Coolidge).

This time of year, a lot of you mention feeling like you’re shedding more hair—and you’re not imagining it! Scientists think we actually hold on to more hair in the summer to help protect our scalp, and then when the weather cools down, our hair goes through a little seasonal shed. Totally normal, but if thinning hair has been stressing you out 🙀, I’ve got some new tricks up my sleeve.

✨ What’s New from Verb: They just launched a Peptide Serum + Shampoo designed to help strengthen hair, support your scalp, and promote healthier growth over time. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and a great option if you’re ready to give your hair some extra love this fall.

Oh—and remember when I roped you into my last science experiment with bringing in your water from home? That was part of the Malibu Hair Makeover Giveaway, and Annamaria was our lucky winner! 🎉

💧 Malibu Treatments: These are here to stay! Summer fun can leave your hair feeling a little funky, and Malibu has a detox for every issue—chlorine, hard water, or just too much product build-up. Think of it as a “reset button” for your hair.

Speaking of fun, weekends in September are filling up fast (it’s still wedding season—shout out and congrats to my gorgeous brides Tori, Kate, and Rachel 💕). And mid-September, I’ll be sneaking out of town for a little break to go to Riot Fest in Chicago (Sept 18–22). If you’re going too, let’s compare lineups! Here’s what I’m excited to see 👉 riotfest.org/riot-fest-schedule-2025/?friend=1zhi.1OSw.1FrJ.YvAT.1YAT.f9ga.MSzX.QdAp.hLL8.1trS.ipM.qvMm.1YYQ.2bIM.1FR7.1DP4.PG42.vIBz.1TDZ.25r1.Eu7x.2jaq.110I.1ikX.1oND.xcaN.BLgH.

Lastly, if you haven’t been by the new spot yet—come see me at Golden Hour Collective in Berkley. If you’re reading this, it might be your sign that you’re due for your fall haircut 😉

Thanks for being the best humans around. Wishing you the coziest fall vibes, and maybe even a c***r donut (or three).

All the best,
Avis

Your September Hair Survival Kit (with c***r donut energy) Click here for an update from Miss Avis @ Mitten Maven Studio!