Those who have gone to Diva’s Hair and Body Care Professionals to shape their appearance since its 2008 opening in Annandale can continue to do so in the future, though the name and ownership of the business underwent subtle changes this fall.
Founder Donita Knaus, also known to various crowds at the expo or Fourth of July parade as Wonder Woman or Lady Liberty, sold both her Annandale and Kimball Diva’s salons to nine-year employee Erin Rae Bollman of Kimball on Oct. 1.
Bollman has changed the name of the business to Diva’s Inc. and some interior painting has been done, but most everything else will stay the same. One new staff person has been hired for the Annandale salon, bringing the total number of employees to five in Kimball and five in Annandale.
"We’re a team. I’m a hair stylist just like they are hair stylists, so I don’t want to consider myself the boss," said Bollman. "I’m just the owner and we all are even. It’s the same great place, just under new ownership."
Knaus has stepped aside from the salon business, though she still owns the Kimball building, to focus on opening a new gym called The Body Strength Training Shed in a 10,000-square foot building in Kimball.
She opened Diva’s in Kimball in 2007, added Annandale the next year and a Buffalo location in 2009, but shut that salon down after a year to focus on Annandale and Kimball.
"I’m actually from Annandale, so that’s where I wanted to be," she said.
After a 10-year run with Diva’s, Knaus said she was ready to pursue a dream.
"I’m not a hairdresser," she said. "This is my 20th year as a massage therapist and I’m a personal trainer. This was something I’ve always wanted to do, to have a gym.
"We had achieved a lot of success with Diva’s. It felt like it was kind of a Seinfeld move, where if you’re going to go out you better go out on top," she added with a laugh.
Knaus said she will still be around Annandale to an extent.
"I renewed my membership so I’m still a chamber member," she said. "I still intend to do the Fourth of July parade because I’m the reigning champion and I’ve got to defend that."
To contact the Annandale salon, call 274-4247.