Drea Latimer (Owner) drea@totaldivaboutiquespa.com
I was channeled into esthetics by fate at the age of 17 and it was the best thing that could have happened to me. My early training was in the world of Aveda — a beautiful line to work and learn with. I was inspired! I spent much of my time assisting and doing frontline work. In my early 20s, I started questioning my life and completed the two year paralegal studies program while continuing part-time in esthetics. After graduation, I moved to Toronto to work for Blaney McMurtry in real estate law. After a year, esthetics lured me back and I worked at Claus Feser Haute Coiffure in Toronto’s Manulife Centre and Hair Ignamix in the Beaches while I completed my skin care theory at Marca College. Following my marriage in 2005, I wanted home, I wanted Kingston. My first boss, Paula Foster, was kind enough to take me back and I returned, full-circle, to Diva. Soon after I had my first baby, Nate. During my time at Diva, my spa education has continued and now includes Aveda, Dermalogica, Dr. Haushka, Thalgo, Sothys, Gehwol, OPI, Orly, Zoya, DDF, La Biosthetique, Skin Ceuticals, France Laure, Biosculpture Nail Systems, Alexandria Body Sugar Systems and medi spa training in vaculyse, Dermpod Micro, SRS (Skin Remodeling Systems), and Lumicell Body Conturing system. Along with my business training as a paralegal, I’ve also attended numerous management seminars including Collega Managing for Excellence and Ask Management with industry leader Anthony Whitiker. Before the birth of my second child, Essie, I began teaching part-time in the Esthetician program at St. Lawrence college and being a part of the very talented and dedicated staff of industry leaders is something I’m proud to continue to this day.
This salon is my fate and my destiny, a huge part of my life, and where I belong. I am so happy and proud to be the owner of Total Diva — what an opportunity!
Casey Davies (General Manager) casey@totaldivaboutiquespa.com
I have been in the industry for more than 20 years. I trained at the School of Makeup Art in Toronto where I learned day/evening and bridal makeup. After my makeup training, I decided to do esthetics at Marvel Beauty School Academy in Toronto. There I learned all esthetic services and skin care knowledge. I’ve always had a passion for makeup and esthetics and growing up from a young age always wanted to be in the beauty industry. Although I’ve been in the beauty industry for 20 years, I am always ready to learn new services and new techniques. I have just added eyelash extensions to my list of specialty services. Not only do I specialize in bridal makeup, I also specialize in Brazilian waxing and makeup lessons for mature women and teens.
Kelly Hallett (Master Colourist)
With more than 19 years of experience behind the chair, Kelly — who specializes in colours, cuts, and perms — still believes in furthering her education with continued training. To stay current with new looks and styles, she attends countless hair shows and international conferences.
Teaching and competing for Goldwell allows Kelly to share her passion with countless others in the same industry, developing classes and education as a national guest artist gives her an opportunity to share her valuable knowledge and skills. “It provides me with incredible inspiration behind the chair as well as my daily life,” she says. “I am so thankful for the opportunities. My belief is to never stop having fun and continue to strive for excellence.”
Melissa Brandao (Senior Stylist)
I’ve been a hairstylist for about 9 years and I’ve been at Diva for the last 7 years. I love what I do and enjoy working with all my clients! I didn’t always know I wanted to become a hairstylist. I always thought my love of animals, math, and science would lead me to becoming a veterinarian. It wasn’t until my last year of high school I took a cosmetology class and discovered my passion. I attended St.Lawrence college for my hairstyling program. I enjoy building great relationships with clients and getting to know them. I love being unique and being able to provide clients with something they never have had. I enjoy the feeling of knowing I can help clients feel good and work hard to maintain their trust. I love expanding my knowledge in colours, cuts and products. There’s always something new to learn and new trends to keep up with!
Rachel Spiers (Esthetician)
I began my career as an Esthetician at what was then called Diva Salon and Day Spa in 2011, after having graduated from the Esthetics program at St. Lawrence College. As an Esthetician, I am dedicated to making others look and feel their best and strive to offer all of my clients the ultimate pampering and relaxation experience. I work diligently to establish trust with my clientele by paying particular attention to their needs and requests, helping them to achieve their ultimate skin care and beauty goals. I am often praised for my nurturing touch, my great attention to detail and my professional relaxed presence. I look forward to treating you!
Ashleigh McManus (Senior Stylist/Salon Management)
People are my passion!
I’m an empath who feels connected with those I’m around and my goal is to continue to give you the tools and time to make a difference in your life. I’ve often been told that time in my chair feels like the chat they’ve been needing. That feeling of connection and support is what continues to drive me in this craft we call hairstyling and tells me this is where I’m meant to be.
Kingston is my home. I’ve been here since I was 5 and am a graduate of KCVI and St. Lawrence. I always thought I’d follow my parents into working in corrections, but my creativity and affinity for the arts led me elsewhere. I graduated from the St. Lawrence hair program in 2004, quickly completed my apprenticeship, and gained my licence in 2006 and began working with the Goldwell line not long after that. For the last 18 years I have continued my education through the Goldwell community. I’ve gained certification in both the Kerasilk Smoothing System and Elumen Color as well as yearly certificates in the Goldwell Color Mastery Program. I’m dedicated to attending local cut and colour technique classes and feed my mind with the limitless online education available from stylists I admire.
I genuinely care about my clients’ wellbeing, both in and outside of the salon. Kingston is my home, and I’m proud of the relationships and strong community feel here! I have 2 children 11, and 17, and am married to my biggest supporter and my best friend – a typical mom with a chaotic home life and love to support the community where I can.
I can’t wait to meet you!
Jahnita McDonald (Stylist)
What started out as a career turned into a passion for creativity. I am always searching for new inspiration through education, people and environments in order to help my clients express their individuality. I believe in actively pursuing education in order to continue to develop the knowledge and techniques that allow me to follow new trends while striving to effectively maintaining the overall health of the scalp and hair. One of my priorities when a client is in my chair is to create a personal connection and a comfortable environment for my clients to express their thoughts, wants, and concerns. With several years of experience and license I have confidence in working with all hair types and preforming all services listed in our salon.
Justin Wisteard (Apprentice Esthetician)
I am currently an Esthetician student at St. Lawrence College, moving into my second year in the Fall of 2023, graduating in the spring of 2024. I have always been drawn to Esthetics and decided to pursue my interest and enroll in school after 2 years of being a stay-at-home parent during the COVID 19 Pandemic. I fell quite naturally into the world of Esthetics during my first year of college and finished the year as a placement student at Total Diva. Upon completion of my placement, and to my overwhelming joy, I was hired on as part of the Esthetics team! My favorite services include waxing (especially eyebrows), massages, and manicures. I am a gentle person with a soft, warm demeanor and I hope to build long lasting connections and relationships with my clients. I look forward to helping you look and feel amazing!
Lex Salter (Apprentice Stylist)
I am a recent graduate of cosmetology, have been studying and practicing for 3 years, and am currently pursuing my license. Since a young age, I have always been very intrigued by the beauty industry and discovered my natural talent and growing passion for working with hair. I am very sociable, bubbly, energetic, and always strive to create a special and unique bond with each and every one of my clients. Whether that’s chatting up a storm or giving you some much needed relaxation time, I always ensure that your preference of appointment style is my number one priority. I strive to make sure that you feel the most comfortable and relaxed during each and every appointment.
I specialise in working with bright vivid, undoes and reds, but I love a challenge and adore every aspect of the hair industry. I firmly believe that no hair idea is too spontaneous and I encourage clients to let their fun, creative side out when it comes to expressing their desired end goal. If you’re eager to let your wild side come out and let your hair goals come to life, then my chair is the right fit for you! I can’t wait to meet every single one of you and grow as a stylist along the way.
Shasta Ricker (Esthetician)
I have always had a passion for the beauty industry since a young age. It all started during my high school days when I embarked on a salon placement, an experience that carved the way for my career path.
I pursued a comprehensive two-year course at St Lawerence’s College. Graduating with a diploma in esthetics was a significant milestone, and it propelled me into a fulfilling career.
With several years of hands-on experience in the beauty industry, I have had the privilege of witnessing the transformation and joy that can be brought to clients through esthetic treatments. My strenghs are waxing, manicures, pedicures, massages, facials, tint + lift, brow lamination are among my specialties.
I believe in building trust and understanding with each client to provide tailored solutions that cater to their unique needs and desires.
My journey in the beauty industry has been nothing short of transformative. With my deep-rooted passion, rigorous education, and years of practical experience, I am committed to making every visit to my salon a comfortable, relaxed, and refreshing experience. Beauty, cleanliness, and professionalism are my guiding principles, and I look forward to many more years of helping clients discover their inner and outer beauty.
