“Girl, you are going to be stylin’!” Olinda Sapp beams at the young lady who leaves the store at 224 W. Water Street with a hat, furry and brilliant red.

Annies beauty supply store has sent a lot of folks out “stylin’” in thirty years of service to the Elmira community. Known primarily for wigs, Annies carries an impressive collection of hair products and supplies, accessories, make-up, handbags, shoes, socks, and the occasional red hat. She carries items for men, for kids, and for those facing the loss of hair due to illness.

“We’ve cried a lot of tears in here,” Olinda says. “We try to make it an upbeat process. And if a wig doesn’t look good, we will tell you. We want you to look your best.”

The original owner, a woman named Gail Wantuck, passed away from cancer eight years ago. (Annie was her grandmother.) Olinda was helping out at the store as Gail’s condition worsened. When Gail’s will was processed, Olinda was stunned to hear that Gail wanted her, and only her, to take over the store. If she didn’t want it, it was to be closed.

“This is a multicultural business. We support all races,” Olinda says with pride. “The community needs this place.”

Annies has wigs of all materials, both human and synthetic, and every style and color imaginable from chestnut brown to hot pink. “If you don’t see it, we can order it,” says Olinda. Customers come from a 100-mile radius, and the store does virtually no advertising, depending on word of mouth from a fan base that spans the generations.

Olinda’s daughter is ready to step in at Annies when her mom retires. And there is a granddaughter in the wings, so the future of the shop is secure.

Olinda still misses Gail, but she knows her friend’s spirit is close by. “I wanted to sell handbags, and she didn’t. After she passed, I ordered some and hung them on that wall over there. The next morning, they were all on the floor. Neat piles of them. Not another thing was disturbed, and I said, ‘Darn it, Gail, you put me in charge of this place, and we’re selling handbags!’”

Annies beauty supply is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Follow them on Facebook or call (607) 426-0075.