Kimberly Owens-Anderson, The Diva of Hair.
By Lana Pierce
“Giving back to the community comes from the heart.” It’s the philosophy upon which Anso Divine Spa Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit, operates and the personal mantra of its founder, Kimberly Owens-Anderson.
Making waves in Hot Springs, Anderson is best known locally for her indomitable spirit of giving back by offering free haircuts, hairstyles, and manicures to some of our town’s most deserving populations: free haircuts for the unhoused; haircuts and hairstyles for the children; and hairstyles and manicures for the homebound.
Originally from Wilmot, Arkansas, Anderson graduated in 1994 from Eudora High School before coming to Hot Springs to study computer programming. Being diagnosed with dyslexia slowed her typing proficiency, and she was steered out of the program. Disheartened at the time, Anderson believed God had different plans for her life. Instead of fast typing, her hands have worked in the art of hair and make-up.
Her accomplishments since those early years are dizzying, and all started with a basic cosmetology license in 1996 from the Arkansas Career Technical Institute (former Army/Navy Hospital). The ink on that certificate had barely dried when, in 2011, she earned a Cosmetology Educator license. While earning her educator license, she worked as an assistant dietician, hairstylist, and cosmetologist. Soon enough, she was named lead hairstylist and manager of Smart Style.
To be sure, her laurels weren’t earned strictly on academic achievements. The momentum of her career—and her generosity—have not slowed. In 2014 she opened Tha Diva of Hair, LLC. Anderson is a former 2020-2022 Mrs. Garland County who competed at the Mrs. Arkansas America Pageant, earning titles for both Mrs. Community Service and Mrs. Congeniality. Additionally, she has published an e-book, Tha Five Diamond Steps to an Amazing Haircut which combines her expertise in service and education. The e-book can be purchased at www.thadivaofhair.com.
Anderson received both the 2023 and 2024 Giving Tree Grant from the Hot Springs Area Community Foundation. Her Anso Divine Spa is using this grant to grow its mission of “Empowering beauty in the Community one head at a time.” She feels bringing hope and healing to our community helps the community grow as one.
It’s not just free haircuts. Anderson expresses a desire to educate the same community members about self-care, grooming, and maintenance. She sees each meeting as a starting point where relationships begin and education continues.
She just closed out her 2nd Annual Back to School After Winter Break Bash on January 3, 2025. While Hot Springs is largely aware of this venture, Anderson recently shared other, less-advertised events that she heads:
Spring 2025: “Hair-itage & Happiness” – a 3-day retreat for young girls ages 8-15 to discuss mental health, financial skills, relationship literacy, and communications skills, as well as basic combing and grooming techniques. According to Anderson, the event aims to “promote growth in individuals within the framework of community.”
Online registration begins in late January. Donations needed are monetary and supplies. Donations can be sent via CashApp to $DivineAnso, via credit card, and through ansodivinespa.com. Tap the “DONATE” box underneath About the Founder.
Summer 2025: “The Angelic Beauties” – forms traveling teams assisting with hair and makeup for pageant competitors of all ages, allowing team members to “showcase their work and foster their brand.” They experience firsthand, under mentorship, a very competitive and exclusive atmosphere. “The Angelic Beauties” has partnered with Pure International Pageantry Worldwide for four years and plans to travel to Orlando, Florida, in 2025.
For more information regarding volunteering, donating, or participating in the events listed above, please contact Kimberly at 501-701-4132 or email letzvibethadivaofhair@gmail.com, or ansodivinespainc23@gmail.com.
Lana Pierce is a captain with the North Little Rock Fire Department and owner of The RetroFit. Under a pen name, she has been published in over 200 books, journals, and newspapers.
