Salon Today’s Meet the Manager series celebrates and highlights the managers, team leads, and directors in the industry who work to maintain the vision and goals of salons, barber shops, and spas. In today's profile, we meet Jessica Thomas, who manages, develops and inspires the team at Venue Salon and Spa. And, it all started with a simple email....

The manager: Jessica Thomas

Nominated by: Patricia Uiterwyk, owner of Venue Salon and Spa in Lakeland, Florida

Date of Hire: July 2022

SALON TODAY: How did Thomas come to work in your salon? 

Uiterwyk: “When I received an email from a young woman hoping to move from Oregon to Florida, looking for a career in our salon, I doubted I would hear from her again. Jessica had been working in an Aveda salon as part of a leadership team. My hope was simply to help—at most, to find another Aveda salon in our network that would be a great fit. I was certain she would be wooed by the beach and move to Tampa or another part of our great state. When she decided where in Florida she was going to live, I'd be happy to be a resource. Fortunately, when Jessica arrived in Florida, she fell in love with Lakeland and accepted a position with us as a manager-in-training. The timing could not have been better—we had just had our manager recruited to Aveda Florida Corporate, and it was an important role to fill. I knew once she started in guest care that she held all the traits perfect for a manager, including honesty and integrity, as well as not being afraid to disagree with me and offer other thoughtful solutions.”

ST: What personality characteristics does she have that make her a good manager?

Uiterwyk: “Everyone on the team would agree that Jessica has become a natural, gentle leader we all adore working with. She is not only beloved by the staff, but she also absolutely dazzles the guests we serve. From her exceptional problem-solving skills to her calm and effective conflict-resolution style, it has been a pure pleasure to work side by side with her. With our company's core beliefs in mind, Jessica manages our growing business with grace and keeps everything in perspective through her practical, reality-based solutions.”

ST: How is Thomas compensated? 

Uiterwyk: “Jessica is compensated with a salary, and she receives a bonus based on the salon’s productivity. We offer benefits that include a 401(k) plan, access to various healthcare options, and complimentary monthly services. Did I mention she has stunning long red hair, and the team fights to get her in their chair?”

ST: What are the three most important tasks Thomas takes on at Venue?

Uiterwyk: “Leading by example, she trains Guest Care Associates and coaches the entire team to achieve established service and retail benchmarks by providing hair care and wellness expertise along with excellent service to guests. She manages, develops, and inspires the team, including guiding them to consistently perform the Aveda Guest Service Cycle and deliver the full 5-Star Experience to ensure guests have an exceptional experience from start to finish. She addresses all concerns using excellent communication skills, and creates systems that ensure we operate in alignment with our core values and in workplace harmony.”

ST: How is she held accountable for the salon’s performance?

Uiterwyk: “As a hands-on founder, I meet with Jessica weekly at a set, non-negotiable time, and am devoted to providing support and resources so she can effectively fulfill her vital role. Once our quarterly evaluations with the entire team are completed, we meet for her own ‘Hopes and Dreams’ meeting that focuses on her performance and the salon’s for the past quarter and what’s to come in the next quarter.”

ST: What types of continuing education do you offer this manager? 

Uiterwyk: “Upon hiring Jessica, I enrolled us both in an off-campus Polk State College program for new managers. This six-month course included training in public speaking, conflict resolution, and other essential leadership skills, taught by professors and executives from diverse industries. Jessica, along with the entire leadership team, has attended numerous Aveda Florida business classes, including Fierce Conversations, taught by successful professionals in our network. This industry-specific training allows her to collaborate and seek solutions from peers across our network.

She has also attended Serious Business and Aveda Congress as part of her ongoing leadership journey. Jessica joined me in a Mastermind session based on Donald Miller's Business Made Simple, contributing insights appreciated by business owners from various industries. Additionally, she has completed Emotional Intelligence training, with a focus on Working Genius and DISC behavior style assessments. These tools have greatly enhanced our communication and team adaptability.

Most recently, Jessica graduated from a five-week leadership experience hosted by the Lakeland Economic Development Center. Since 2008, this program has connected rising leaders (ages 21–32) through immersive experiences in leadership development, team building, industry insights, and community service. With over 960 graduates from 100+ companies, Jessica is now part of a powerful network of changemakers in the Lakeland area. 

ST: How has this manager helped you grow the business? 

Year after year, we have experienced growth and recognition in our industry. Without a doubt, much of this would not have been possible without Jessica’s leadership. She has helped me grow personally and professionally as a leader. I am always seeking opportunities to prioritize education and development for both of us, in the spirit of relentless self-improvement. She is a vital part of our leadership and a beacon of excellence. 

Got a manager you'd love to celebrate? FIND OUT MORE and access our nomination application.