Former Stylist Acquires Historic Boulder Salon Pompadours

Amanda Shields took ownership of the long-standing salon on October 1, 2026, from original founders Eddie Donisvitch and Lisa Fraser.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Openings & Closings

A bright, professional hair salon workstation featuring a leather chair, porcelain sink, and neat styling tools in a sun-drenched space.
Amanda Shields assumed ownership of the historic Boulder salon Pompadours on October 1, 2026, after purchasing the business from its founders. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Amanda Shields assumed ownership of the Pearl Street hair salon Pompadours on October 1, 2026. She purchased the business from its original founders, Eddie Donisvitch and Lisa Fraser, who opened the shop in 1990.

Why it matters

The transition ensures the long-term continuity of a local business that has operated for 35 years. The original owners specifically chose a former employee to carry on the salon's legacy.

The salon has served the community for 35 years and maintains a staff of 15 employees. It is located in an upstairs studio at 1320 Pearl St. in Boulder.

The players

Amanda Shields

She is the new owner of Pompadours and a former staff member who previously operated her own salon in Broomfield.

Eddie Donisvitch

He is a co-founder of Pompadours who now serves as a mentor and stylist following the sale of the business.

Lisa Fraser

She is a co-founder of Pompadours who continues to work at the salon as a mentor and stylist after transitioning ownership.

The details

Amanda Shields previously worked at the salon from 2006 to 2013 before returning to take the helm. Donisvitch and Fraser will remain on-site to assist in a transition role as mentors and master stylists.

Timeline

  1. Pompadours opened on the Pearl Street Mall in 1990.

  2. Amanda Shields served as a stylist at the salon from 2006 to 2013.

  3. Ownership officially transferred to Amanda Shields on October 1, 2026.

  4. The salon is scheduled to host events during the Sundance Film Festival in January 2027.

Market Landscape

This transition aligns with the pattern set by the succession of family-run local businesses on the Pearl Street Mall. The shift secures the future of a legacy institution amidst the ongoing evolution of Boulder's central retail corridor.

Clients can expect continued service from the same team, as the original founders remain at the salon in mentorship roles. Pricing and service availability are expected to remain consistent following the transition.

The takeaway

Legacy businesses often thrive when owners prioritize internal promotion to ensure cultural continuity. Existing customers should expect a seamless transition as the original founders continue to provide mentorship to the new owner.

What happens next

The salon is expected to host events during the Sundance Film Festival in January 2027.

Further reading

For more news on local business changes, see our Openings & Closings section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Boulder Daily Camera.

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Do you trust local businesses more when leadership transitions to a former team member?