MENU
SEARCHMy Salon Suite invited aspiring beauty professionals to apply for once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to "Unlock Your Dream Suite" and Shaela Thomas, owner of Soulful Intentions Esthetics has been announced as this year's winner of the contest.
Shaela Thomas is the winner of the "Unlock Your Dream Suite" contest by My Salon Suite, awarding her with a one-year complimentary membership to grow her business in her own luxury suite.
Photo: My Salon Suite
My Salon Suite, a co-working style space where salon professionals provide beauty services to their clients, announced the winner of its national Unlock Your Dream Suite contest: Chesterfield, VA resident Shaela Thomas, owner of Soulful Intentions Esthetics. Thomas will receive a one year complimentary membership in a luxury suite in Short Pump, VA, one of My Salon Suite’s 270 locations across the U.S. and Canada.
600 beauty stylists submitted a one-minute video expressing their specialty, expertise, creativity, and personality, and shared why they deserved to be My Salon Suite’s next beauty entrepreneur. Submissions were reviewed by a My Salon Suite panel who selected the top 10 entries. The public was then invited to vote for its favorite finalist.
Thomas is a licensed esthetician specializing in facials, skincare, waxing, and lash and brow services, and is currently enrolled in a master’s program in advanced skincare to expand the services she can offer to her clients. A mother to Kyhiem, Jr., who is almost two, Thomas has been passionate about skincare for as long as she can remember. While she wants her clients to enjoy how they look and feel after their treatments, she is also committed to educating them on the vital role skin plays as the body’s largest organ.
“While we all want to achieve that glowy look, there is so much to learn about our overall health from our skin, which is where many health concerns first start. I’m thrilled by this incredible opportunity provided by My Salon Suite to bring my passion for skincare to life. This next year will allow me to be more intentional in growing my business and building my clientele without having to worry about paying rent. I can’t wait to witness the growth, experiences, and opportunities Soulful Intentions will embark on throughout the next year!”
— Shaela Thomas, Owner of Soulful Intentions Esthetics
Looking ahead, Thomas plans to one day open her own spa where aspiring beauty professionals can pursue their own dreams as she has. She also hopes to expand her client base to include celebrities.
"We were so impressed by Shalea’s entrepreneurial drive and her commitment to creating a personalized experience for each of her clients,” said Stacy Eley, brand president of Suite Management Franchising, franchisor of My Salon Suite. “We look forward to watching her flourish as a Member of the Suite Elite as she brings her inspirational spirit to My Salon Suite in Short Pump!”
In an anniversary year for the Arrojo NYC brand, on an early Monday morning, Nick Arrojo used a razor on my hair. And I liked it.
Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.
With more than four decades in the industry, hairdresser and MODE Education founder Stan Newton has built a career around the art and discipline of cutting hair, learning the rules so he can break them.
Ashley Leoncini believes success in beauty is built through genuine connection, resourcefulness and the willingness to evolve. A bridal specialist with 17 years in the industry, Leoncini has created a career by making clients feel valued, investing in hands-on education and redefining success to include a healthier work-life balance.
Able to create a shag with gorgeous texture on anyone, Stephanie Carrillo has found her calling within the beauty industry. Now she teaches shag cutting techniques herself, inspiring countless other stylists to fall in love with creating the popular look.
When you think of Stephanie Geib, think bold color. Think beautiful dimension. Think...your hairstylist best friend. As a 2017 Honoree of the MODERN SALON 100, Geib is the perfect example of being a positive force in the beauty industry, advising that being kind to others and sharing your knowledge is the real success.
Hannah Mejia believes lasting success comes from mastering your craft, embracing lifelong education and trusting that the career you dream about is within reach. A stylist, educator and content creator, Mejia has spent 15 years building a business rooted in creativity, communication and continuous growth.
Katy Samuels has spent 14 years proving that creativity thrives when you stop searching for the "right" way and start trusting your own instincts. Known for her creative color work and signature Headband Prism technique, Samuels encourages beauty professionals to embrace mistakes, refine their craft and develop a style that's uniquely their own.
Erin Munoz has spent 17 years building a thriving business behind the chair while proving that success doesn't have to come at the expense of life outside the salon. A color specialist, content creator and salon owner, Munoz believes beauty professionals should treat their careers like businesses, embrace change and make room for both financial growth and personal fulfillment.
North Carolina-based hairstylist Tyler Plemmons wants you to know one thing: Positivity and perseverance will get you everywhere. This MODERN SALON Artist Connective Member and 2018 MODERN SALON 100 Honoree is known for beautiful balayage, gorgeous vivids, and soft pastel hair color.
For Angelica Tanta, success has always come down to one thing: practice. Originally from Romania, Tanta credits an online mentor from Ukraine—despite never meeting in person and communicating through Google Translate—with inspiring her to perfect her bridal artistry through relentless repetition.
Angela Orozco believes long-term success in the beauty industry is built on trust, consistency and genuine human connection. A stylist at The Nest Salon in Brea, California, Orozco has spent 14 years cultivating a reputation for dimensional brunettes, precision haircutting and authentic relationships that have fueled her career.
Erin Mills believes beauty professionals deserve more than a successful career. A hairstylist turned multi-salon owner, Mills has spent 17 years growing her business while helping her team create lasting impact.
For Mish Jolie (@meltedbymish), success isn't measured by how busy you are, it's measured by how fulfilled you feel. The Connecticut-based stylist, educator and MODERN SALON 100 honoree has built a career around balayage, lived-in brunettes and razor cutting.
Amanda Harsche has built her career on two simple beliefs: never stop learning and never stop connecting.
Whether it's social media, fashion, film, art, or culture, Chaz Dean advises stylists to stay aware of what's inspiring people. Take the elements that make sense for you in these five lessons learned through a life in beauty.
For Jessica Domoney, building a successful career isn't about saying yes to every opportunity, it's about protecting your time, investing in yourself and creating an experience clients won't forget.
