For many teenage girls, beauty is about so much more than appearances — it’s a lifeline to self-expression, confidence, and mental well-being. When 14-year-old Avery Colvert’s school was destroyed in the devastating Altadena fires, she saw firsthand how losing access to personal care and beauty products could deepen the trauma her peers were experiencing. Inspired to take action, Avery and her stepdad, Matt Chait, launched the Altadena Girls Fire Recovery account, a grassroots effort aimed at restoring a sense of normalcy for young girls who had lost everything.
“When disaster strikes, people only focus on basic survival needs,” Avery shared in a heartfelt Instagram post. “But for teenage girls, feeling like ourselves again is also really important for our mental health. Things like basic hygiene products or the makeup we wear every day help us feel normal in a time when everything else feels chaotic.”
Avery’s initiative started small but quickly grew into a movement that captured the hearts of her community — and beyond. In just 24 hours, her efforts gained traction on social media, drawing attention from celebrities like Paris Hilton and Charli XCX, who amplified the cause to millions of followers. According to TIME, this outpouring of support also led to significant donations from major beauty brands like Skims, Orebella, and Huda Beauty, transforming her vision into a reality.
The impact has been remarkable. Avery and her team of volunteers—many of whom she had never met before — organized and distributed thousands of personal care items to girls in need. Thanks to the generosity of Small Green Door, a creative studio where Avery’s stepdad works, she has transformed the space into a hub for organizing and distributing donations. The studio now resembles a fully stocked beauty supply store, offering everything from shampoo and tampons to lip gloss and mascara. “It’s like a CVS in here,” Avery’s stepfather told TIME.
But the effort is about much more than products. It’s about restoring dignity and providing a moment of reprieve for girls navigating unimaginable loss. “I want to help other teen girls in my community rebuild their sense of identity and self-confidence during this difficult time,” Avery said. Her understanding of the deep connection between beauty and mental health has resonated widely, inspiring others to join her mission.
The Altadena Girls Fire Recovery account has become a beacon of hope, demonstrating the power of collective action and compassion. Volunteers from all backgrounds have stepped in to lend a hand, and donations continue to pour in. Avery’s requests reflect her deep consideration for her community, which has long been home to many Black and Brown families. She has centered her efforts on collecting items like curly hair products, textured hair conditioners, diffusers, wigs, lashes, skincare designed for people of color, and clothing in sizes XXS-XXL. This focus ensures that the support provided addresses the diverse needs of those affected, underscoring the profound impact of Avery’s work.
Avery’s story is a reminder that in the face of devastation, small acts of kindness can spark something extraordinary. Her efforts not only highlight the importance of beauty as a tool for mental health and identity but also showcase the resilience of a community determined to support its youngest members in reclaiming a sense of normalcy.
To support Avery’s mission, visit the Altadena Teen Girls Fire Recovery account on Instagram and learn how you can contribute to this incredible cause. Together, we can help these girls rebuild their lives — one product and one moment of confidence at a time.
