Tiny Diva Princess Party Expands from Lakeville to Eagan

When Tiny Diva Princess Party arrives at a party, the girls are in for a treat of games, music and many times, a Disney princess.

Dawn Manthey and Ashley Lusk are the mother-daughter team who started the business out of their home in Lakeville five years ago partly as an outlet for some of their interests.

Lusk was 17 when she lost her job at Libby Lu because the store closed at the Mall of America. Lusk had planned to advance into management and was left wondering what she was going to do next, said her mother, Dawn Manthey.

Manthey, who works full-time as a registered nurse, said she enjoys decorating and organizing a setting while Lusk has an interest in entertaining and make-up.

“It was just a fun idea,” Manthey said as she described the beginnings of their business.

Tiny Diva Princess Party offers a variety of themed parties for kids and young teens, including fairy, diva, spa and princess parties. Lusk and Manthey also set up character appearances with the help of those who they hire to fill the different roles. This year they also sponsored the Fairy Festival during Silk Road weekend at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival.

Their most popular party is the Princess party, followed by the Diva and Spa parties.

The Princess party is a common choice for children ages 4 to 8 years old, explained Manthey. Lusk, who has now received her certificate in make-up artistry, keeps the children busy with hair and make-up while Manthey prepares the space for the other party activities.

Then they bring out the princess dresses that the girls can wear for the party. Later in the party the children have time for dancing and completing a craft. 

"There really isn't any down time," said Manthey.

Their business has become so popular they are now moving into their first event location. Their new location will be in Eagan at 1095 Diffley Road. They will open on Jan. 4, 2014 and will start offering additional services, such as etiquette classes and tea parties.

The grand opening is set for Jan. 24-26. It is a public event that will include meet and greet with princess characters, music and prizes.  

They will continue to offer parties at other locations, and said Lusk, they are on the lookout for the next Prince Charming to participate in their character appearances.