Rising Stars: Meet Samantha Thompson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Thompson.

Hi Samantha, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

My career started on a morning walk to work through Breckenridge CO. I was walking behind a beautiful woman with beautiful hair (we call her “The Queen”). I asked her where she got her hair done and she informed me she owned the hair salon just down the street. With no need for a job or any reason to ask, the words, “Do you need a receptionist?” poured out of my mouth…

I started working at her salon four days later. Flash forward one year and I knew I had found my passion, my career, and my future.

While living in Summit County I commuted to Denver two days a week for 16 months to go to school for Cosmetology, working as an apprentice in Breckenridge. I had four jobs and a family, but I continued to focus on my goals and leaned on my mentors, friends and family.

Towards the end of my apprenticeship I was given an opportunity to work at a salon in Frisco CO. The owner allowed me to start booth renting part-time so I could continue to learn while feeling the responsibilities and commitment of working as an independent Hair Stylist.

Flash forward four more years and a client had asked me to open a hair chair in her somewhat new small business on Frisco CO Main St. I took the leap and there I was, a stylist in a new location “on my own”. But as we all know, life is full of surprise. Nine months after opening my chair the owner left unexpectedly. Talk about some highs and lows…After a few days of questioning my decisions and future, living in the unknown, I came to one conclusion, I asked the owner of the building space if I could rent from her.

Five years later, I continue to own and work at Atma Prema Day Spa and Salon. It is my home away from home, it is my spa, my salon, and my career. I am proud to say that it has been a stepping stone for some people and their careers and it has been a saving grace for others. It is a place of sanctuary and acceptance.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Not a smooth road at all, but the phrase, “nothing worth doing is easy” is absolutely true. When I decided I wanted to be a cosmetologist, I had to drive to Denver 2 days a week for over a year. I got stuck in snow storms, car accidents, city traffic, you name it. With good weather, it was a 3-hour round trip. While I was in school, I managed to maintain four jobs, but what I am most proud of was never missing my son’s basketball practices or games.He was in elementary school and figuring out his interests, and I felt it was important I was supportive of him to experience any interests he had, just as I was being supported with school. (Needless to say, basketball was not his thing. ha)

More than once I was worried about money and the time I needed to dedicate to the program. I had car issues and schedule issues but what I can tell anyone reading this is, KEEP GOING! I promise it was worth it, for my past, present and future.

Many times I questioned what I was doing and if I would make it. As an apprentice I experienced a lot of changes in the relationships I had with people I worked with, some great and some not so easy. Being new in the salon/spa world is not always welcoming, and building clientele is not easy work. I was humbled, hurt and supported. You must savour the good days and moments and learn and grow from the hard ones.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a cosmetologist and a Day Spa and Salon owner. My specialty is hair but I also love skin care. I think if you asked my clients what they like about me most, they would tell you, I take time for them at every appointment.

I schedule time for each person to talk about their life, ask them questions about their everyday routines, discuss what they have time for and figure out what they want from their service and why. I want to ensure they can achieve their desired look when they are at home. Regardless if it is their first appointment or if they have been with me for years, I schedule time to listen to and catch up with each client. I love that my clients look forward to seeing me as much as I look forward to seeing them.

Being a hairstylist is so much more than being good at hair. It is about listening and caring. Being a hairstylist and spa owner is about providing a safe and relaxing environment that people want to come to and offering a space where someone can slow down and take time for themselves.

I am currently focused on researching and learning more about all the new products our industry has been able to produce. It is an exciting time for us! The environmental improvements to haircare and chemical treatments is such a great advance. Not only for our clients hair health and integrity but the everyday work of a stylist. The same is happening in skin care and I am looking forward to introducing a new line to our skin care room that is natural while effective.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?

If people would like to talk to me, please call the spa or email me directly. I am always open to new ideas, I love discussing options and trying new things!

Communication is key! “We are only as good as the company we keep”…

Life is hard, things happen and situations change. To have a successful business we must be willing to work hard and support each other. Not everyone will always be on the same page but if we can understand that and support each other through our differences it will work out. You need to offer others what you would like to be offered.

Positive attitudes, good communication and persistence is the best support and collaboration any business can have. Not every idea will work, but no idea is bad.

Contact Info:

• Website: atmapremadayspaandsalon.com
• Instagram: @atmapremadayspa
• Email: hairbysamanthajean@gmail.com
• Phone: 973 – 455 – 8408