Meet the Staff

Erin France – “The Barber’s Daughter”

A Montague native, Erin grew up surrounded by the art of barbering—her father still works alongside her brother and nephew in the family shop. You could say that hair runs in her blood.

After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Grand Valley State University, Erin followed her passion to Missouri, where she attended Merrill University of Beauty Arts and Sciences. Now with 19 years of experience behind the chair, she specializes in razor cutting, short hair, and is a certified Deva stylist

Much of Erin’s career has been rooted in Aveda salons, where she completed over 20 advanced Aveda classes and even attended the prestigious Aveda Business College. Education remains one of her biggest passions—she loves mentoring new stylists, helping them grow in their craft, and empowering them to reach their professional goals.

For Erin, Alchemy Salon isn’t just about great hair; it’s about creating an experience. She strives to make every guest feel pampered, cared for, and as comfortable as if they were visiting an old friend. 

Reaghan French

Reaghan French received her training at French Academy of Cosmetology in Spring Lake. She began her career at Vintage Salon in Montague, and developed a love for Erin and her methods of teaching. Reaghan has been a part of Alchemy Salon from the very beginning- from screwing together appliances to putting in the finishing touches. She is so excited to see the development of Alchemy Salon!

Reaghan has a love for balayage and dimensional/lived-in color. She is committed to continuing education to broaden her skills in hair color and cutting techniques. Her favorite thing about her job is learning about her guests, and sharing life experiences. She aims to bring laughter and joy to each guest in her chair. 

When Reaghan isn’t in the salon, she still stays very busy! She is currently a drumline technician at Spring Lake high school, and will be finishing her 4th season in November, 2024. She also works the occasional shift at Olive Garden in Muskegon! Outside of her work, she loves watching her brother play baseball and spending time with her family and boyfriend. She also has a MEAN fantasy football team. Reaghan would love to get to know you and give you the hair you’ve been dreaming of!
Follow @frenchflairhair on Instagram to see Reaghan’s work!

Danielle Fitch

Danielle Fitch is a Hair Color Specialist who moved to Muskegon in March 2023. After moving to the area, she joined Ulta Beauty Salon as a Stylist in April 2023. Her time at Ulta was greatly appreciated, however, she was ready to take her career to the next level. Danielle said: “After meeting with Erin and seeing the Salon, I knew right away that Alchemy is where I needed to be.” 

Danielle Fitch got her start as a cosmetologist in 2015 when she graduated from Marinello School of Beauty in Meriden, Connecticut. Since graduating, she has been expanding her skills and knowledge through her time working in several salons throughout Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. 

With specialized skills in Hand Tied Extensions, Vivid Colors, Blonding, Lived in Colors, Razor Cuts, and Bobs, Danielle brings as much energy and enthusiasm into her work as she does her personality. Being in Danielle’s chair goes beyond your hair, creating genuine relationships with her clients is so important to her.

What she enjoys most about her work is using her creativity to create unique looks that her clients can feel comfortable and confident in. When Danielle isn’t behind the chair, she enjoys spending time with her family, and reading a good book by the fireplace. With a welcoming attitude, Danielle is ready to grow her clientele and skills at Salon Alchemy. 

Follow @fitchcraft_cosmetology on Instagram and TikTok for more of Danielle’s work! 

Rachel Rush

Rachel is a passionate stylist who brings creativity, connection, and just the right amount of sass to every appointment. She loves working with a wide range of clients—no two days are ever the same, and that’s exactly how she likes it. From vivid purples, fiery reds, and rich coppers to bombshell blondes and rainbow transformations, Rachel thrives on bringing her clients’ hair dreams to life.

She has a special place in her heart for layered cuts topped off with a big, bouncy blowout—because who doesn’t love a little volume? But beyond the techniques and trends, Rachel’s favorite part of her job is forming genuine connections with her guests. She believes everyone who sits in her chair has their own unique beauty, and her mission is to help it shine through.

Even if she’s not your stylist, you’ll probably still hear her before you see her—Rachel proudly embraces her title as the salon yapper, always making time to chat, laugh, and brighten the space around her.
When she’s not behind the chair, you’ll find her cozied up at home with her two beloved cats, Peter and Pluto, catching up on the latest reality TV or playing Animal Crossing in full cozy mode.

Samantha Pitts

Sam has been a hairstylist since 2021 after graduating from the prestigious Douglas J. Aveda School. She’s passionate about helping clients express themselves through their hair. She specializes in vivids, dimensional blonding, and curly hair—some of her favorite services to create behind the chair.

Outside the salon, Sam loves adventuring with her daughter, crocheting, painting, and finding inspiration in fashion and gardening on Instagram. She’s also a proud pet parent to her spoiled furbaby, Dan Dan, who often makes appearances on her social media. A creative at heart, she enjoys reading, gaming, and exploring the world—having lived in three different states and even learning to speak Japanese.

Sam always looks forward to connecting with new people and can’t wait to welcome you into her chair!

Amaya Powell

Amaya Powell was born and raised in Michigan and has had a passion for hairstyling from an early age. She graduated from the French Academy of Cosmetology in Spring Lake in 2022. Shortly after, she began assisting Carrie Whiting, traveling across West Michigan to create beautiful bridal hair and makeup looks. In April 2023, Amaya continued to grow her career behind the chair as a stylist at Ulta Beauty. After nearly two years, she felt inspired to find an environment that would better support her creativity and growth.

 

That path led her to Alchemy Salon, where she instantly felt at home. From her very first day, Amaya connected with the salon’s welcoming energy and collaborative atmosphere. Since then, she has continued to expand her skills, build meaningful relationships with clients, and share her creativity and passion through every service. Her goal is always to ensure each guest leaves feeling confident, cared for, and excited about their hair.

 

When she isn’t behind the chair, Amaya loves spending time outdoors. Whether she’s fishing, foraging, fossil hunting, hiking, or relaxing by the beach, nature is her favorite escape. What she enjoys most, however, is seeing the joy and confidence reflected in her clients’ smiles. With her eagerness to learn and dedication to mastering new techniques, Amaya is committed to making your hair goals a reality.

 

Follow Amaya’s work on Instagram: @amaya_powell99

Anna Padilla

Anna brings fresh energy and a true passion for all things hair and beauty to Alchemy Salon by the Barber’s Daughter. She loves creating transformations through cutting, styling, color, perms, and makeup, as well as enhancing brows with waxing, lamination, and tinting services.

Along with her work at Alchemy, Anna also spends one day a week doing hair at a local nursing home—something close to her heart that lets her share her talents and brighten the days of her residents.

Outside the salon, she’s a creative spirit—crafting, thrifting unique finds, and always filling her space with fresh flowers. With her eye for detail and love for beauty, Anna is excited to share her creativity and help every guest feel their most confident and radiant self.

Follow Anns’a work on instagram: @softglambyanna

Monica Flatin

Monica is a seasoned stylist and educator with deep roots in Aveda salon culture and nearly two decades of experience behind the chair. She graduated from a Goldwell Academy in 2007 and began her career in Seattle at the renowned Gary/Manuel Aveda Salon, where she completed an intensive two-year internship and went on to teach at the Gary/Manuel Aveda Institute through their instructor program.

Her passion for education led her to Chroma Salon, where she developed training curriculum for new artists, and later to Aura Salon in Jacksonville, Florida (2013–2016), where she built and led their education program. Monica returned to Seattle in 2016 to manage one of Chroma’s five locations while serving as a lead educator through 2020.

From 2020–2023, Monica lived in Sicily, Italy, where she founded Musa, a private studio salon operated as a full Aveda salon—an opportunity made possible through her long-standing relationship with the brand. After returning to the U.S., she built a custom single-chair studio in Oak Harbor, Washington, working with Pravana while maintaining her elevated, education-driven approach.

Now based in Muskegon, Monica brings a global perspective, a mentor’s mindset, and a deeply intentional approach to hair—offering one-on-one services designed around flexibility, expertise, and thoughtful care.