Michael Rafuse - Master Hairstylist

Celebrate the Holiday Season in Whoville: MODE Andover’s, Whobilation, Blends Community Spirit, Local Business, and Holiday Magic - Northshore Magazine On the Sunday after Thanksgiving, just before the Andover Santa Parade, MODE Andover will be transformed from a chic hair salon into Whoville’s top salon—a buzzing, joyful space where kids […]

4th Annual Whobilation — A Holiday Makeover Experience for Kids! Get ready to step into the whimsical world of Whoville at MODE Andover for WHOBILATION 2025 - it's going to be a blast!

✨ Kevin Murphy has truly outdone themselves this year. ✨

The 2025 Holiday Gift Sets come in limited-edition keepsake drawer boxes featuring striking designs inspired by Australian Indigenous artwork — and each box is designed for circularity, meant to be reused and cherished long after the products are gone.

Inside, you’ll find 3 full-size products for the price of 2 — Kevin Murphy’s best value of the year.

📦 Essential Care Gift Sets — $85
💎 Premium Treatment Gift Sets — $100

These sets sell out every holiday season, and with packaging this thoughtful and beautiful, they won’t last long.

Our 4th Annual Transformation of MODE Andover into Whoville

Whobilation is more than glitter and cocoa — it’s a MODE tradition that’s become a magical part of the Andover holiday season.

Each year, just before the Andover Santa Parade, MODE Andover transforms into Whoville — full of sparkle, live music, joyful chaos, and little ones beaming in full Who-glow.

This year marks our 4th Annual Whobilation, and it just keeps getting better. 💫

🎟 TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

EVERY YEAR TICKETS SELL VERY FAST!
Click the link below to purchase yours.

🧡 WANT TO HELP BRING WHOVILLE TO LIFE?

If you’ve ever wondered how we pull this off — it’s thanks to our amazing community of sponsors, donors, and volunteers. We’d love to have you be part of the magic this year.

💖 Become a Sponsor

We’re already partnered with some incredible returning sponsors — thank you!

✅ Already Sponsored (Thank You!)
• 💄 Whoville Makeover Salon – MODE Andover
• 🥂 Who-mosa Bar – Robert Jason Salon
• 🎀 Whoville Decorations – Lifestyle Lulu
• 📸 Photo Booth – InBoston Magazine
• 👗 Whoville Closet – SoleAmour Boutique
• 🏛 Whobilation Hall & Decor – Samantha’s Gardens
• 💰 Financial Sponsor – Dalton & Finegold Law

🎉 Sponsors will be featured at their experience station, in digital and print promo materials, on our parade float, and on our parade-day hot cocoa cups!

🧩 Sponsorships Still Needed

Your business or family can sponsor one of these magical experiences:
• 🎨 Kids Craft Station – approx. $150
“A merry little mess of holiday fun.”
• ☕ Hot Cocoa Bar – approx. $100
“Sweet sips, warm hands, chocolate smiles.”
• 💚 The Grinch Performer – $300
“A magical mischief-maker for meet & greets!”
• 🎷 Live Music: The Andover Sax Guy – $250
“Festive Christmas carols, live!”
• 🎶 Pop-Up Music Moments – $250
“Surprise mini performances throughout the event.”
• 🍪 Refreshments Corner – approx. $150
“Cookies, snacks, juice, and water for hungry little Whos.”

Interested in sponsoring?
Reply to this email or text Michael or April directly!

🎁 Shop the Amazon Wishlist

Want to donate supplies directly?
🎄 Visit our Whobilation Amazon Wishlist — every glitter stick, cocoa packet, and craft supply helps bring the magic to life!

💸 Donate via Venmo

Prefer to support Whobilation financially?
Send donations to: -andover

📌 Please add “Whobilation Donation” in the memo so we know where to apply it!

🙋 Volunteer With Us!

Whobilation runs on 40+ volunteers — and we need our community’s help!

Whether you want to help decorate, prep gift bags, run a station, or dress as a Who, there’s a role for everyone.

Let us know if you’d like to volunteer day-of or behind the scenes.

With Who-love,
Michael, April & the MODE Team
Proud hosts of Whobilation since 2021

📸 WHOBILATION MEMORIES

Whobilation Is Coming … and You’re Invited to Help! Click here for an update from Michael Rafuse @ MODE Andover!

MODE Andover is transforming into Whoville once again for our 4th Annual Whobilation — just before the Andover Santa Parade! 💫

👧✨ Children will be transformed into joyful Whos with hairstyling, face painting, glitter & more, then paraded through town in full Who-fashion.
This beloved tradition raises funds for the Andover Firefighter Relief Fund and sells out FAST every year. 🎟️

But first…
We need YOUR help to make the magic happen. 🛠️🎁💕

—

🧡 HOW TO SUPPORT WHOBILATION 🧡

🎁 Sponsor a Whoville Experience!
Your family or business can sponsor one of these magical moments and be featured at event stations, on signage, marketing, parade float, and cocoa cups! ☕✨

✅ Already Sponsored (Thank You!):
💄 Whoville Salon –
🥂 Who-mosa Bar –
🎀 Decor –
📸 Photo Booth –
👗 Whoville Closet –
🏠 Whobilation Hall –
💰 Financial Sponsor – Dalton & Finegold Law

🎯 Still Needed:
🎨 Kids Craft Station – $150
☕ Hot Cocoa Bar – $150
💚 Grinch Performer – $300
🎷 Live Music – $250
🎶 Pop-Up Music Moments – $250
🍪 Refreshments Corner – $150

📩 DM us or text Michael/April to claim a spot!

—

📦 Amazon Wishlist
Want to donate supplies instead?
Shop the official wishlist:
🛒 https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1DO65Z3V3JKW1?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_ggr-subnav-share_NGZ79NNMQ19VPNWGFACS&language=en-US

💸 Venmo a Donation
-andover — please write “Whobilation Donation” in the memo!

🙋‍♀️ Volunteer With Us!
We need 40+ volunteers to bring Whoville to life. Help out the day-of or behind the scenes — we’d love to have you.

✨ One Chair, Endless Opportunities ✨
MODE Andover currently has 1 styling station available for rent.

Our space is more than a salon—it’s a luxury lifestyle boutique built on expertise, community, lifestyle, and fun. You’ll be working in a thoughtfully designed environment with high-end finishes, retail that sells itself, and a team that supports one another while running their own businesses.

💇‍♀️ Perfect for an established stylist or beauty professional looking for independence with a touch of boutique luxury.
🌿 Retail partnerships with curated, ingredient-conscious brands like O Way, Kevin Murphy, AVEDA, Monastery, and more.
✨ Access to MODE events, client experiences, and a community-driven atmosphere that keeps guests coming back.

If you’re ready to elevate your business, DM us or email [email protected] for details about the station.

MODE Andover is transforming into Whoville once again for our 4th Annual Whobilation — just before the Andover Santa Parade! 💫

👧✨ Children will be transformed into joyful Whos with hairstyling, face painting, glitter & more, then paraded through town in full Who-fashion.
This beloved tradition raises funds for the Andover Firefighter Relief Fund and sells out FAST every year. 🎟️

But first…
We need YOUR help to make the magic happen. 🛠️🎁💕

—

🧡 HOW TO SUPPORT WHOBILATION 🧡

🎁 Sponsor a Whoville Experience!
Your family or business can sponsor one of these magical moments and be featured at event stations, on signage, marketing, parade float, and cocoa cups! ☕✨

✅ Already Sponsored (Thank You!):
💄 Whoville Salon –
🥂 Who-mosa Bar –
🎀 Decor –
📸 Photo Booth –
👗 Whoville Closet –
🏠 Whobilation Hall –
💰 Financial Sponsor – Dalton & Finegold Law

🎯 Still Needed:
🎨 Kids Craft Station – $150
☕ Hot Cocoa Bar – $150
💚 Grinch Performer – $300
🎷 Live Music (Andover Sax Guy) – $400
🎶 Pop-Up Music Moments – $250
🍪 Refreshments Corner – $150

📩 DM us or text Michael/April to claim a spot!

—

📦 Amazon Wishlist
Want to donate supplies instead?
Shop the official wishlist:
🛒 https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1DO65Z3V3JKW1?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_ggr-subnav-share_NGZ79NNMQ19VPNWGFACS&language=en-US

💸 Venmo a Donation
-andover — please write “Whobilation Donation” in the memo!

🙋‍♀️ Volunteer With Us!
We need 40+ volunteers to bring Whoville to life. Help out the day-of or behind the scenes — we’d love to have you.

InBoston Magazine Launch Party

One year at MODE Andover

A year ago, I had no idea what the future would look like.

When I made the decision to leave The Professional Stylist Forum—because of financial practices I couldn’t stand behind—I just knew I needed to do things differently. I wanted to build something more honest, more values-driven, and more in line with how I think this industry should treat both clients and stylists.

That’s how MODE Andover was born.

I didn’t set out to build the perfect salon—I just wanted to create a space that felt good. One that was beautiful, thoughtful, and modern, but also warm, real, and full of life. A place where people could come in, relax, laugh, get amazing hair, and feel totally taken care of.

Over the past year, I’ve grown more than I ever expected—personally and professionally. We’ve hosted events I’ll never forget. I’ve gotten to bring in brands I’ve loved for years and curate new favorites for shopMODE along the way. We were even honored with two BONS Awards—for Best Hair Coloring and Best Women’s Salon—which still feels surreal.

But honestly? The best part has been the people. The clients who show up for us. The stylists who bring their talent and heart. The energy that fills the space on a busy day. The quiet moments where someone says, “I really needed this.”

Thank you for helping make MODE what it is.
I’m so proud of what we’ve built—and even more excited for what’s next.

Here’s to year two.
Let’s keep going.

With love and gratitude,
Michael

Golden Hour at The Best of the North Shore 2025 Event

I’m so excited to celebrate MODE Andover’s Best of the North Shore wins at the 2025 BONS Event tomorrow! 🥂✨
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and forget to pause, take a breath, and feel truly thankful — for the hard work, the incredible guests, and the obstacles we’ve pushed through to get here.
Here’s to celebrating not just the wins, but the journey that made them possible. 💛