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!”
Originally posted on Modern Salon
In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.
Entries are now open for the industry's most prestigious creative competition, marking the return of Nail Professional of the Year while celebrating the artistry that defines professional beauty.
MiniLuxe’s Donna Charloff shares the season’s most-requested nail art, the secrets to a polished bare manicure, and her trend predictions for fall.
Known for creating manicures worn by some of Hollywood's biggest stars, Ganzorigt incorporates this strengthening treatment into every service as the final step before clients leave the salon.
Premiere Orlando 2026 welcomed more than 54,500 visits from beauty professionals and students.
The Orlando-based nail technician will use the $5,000 prize from Booksy to upgrade her salon space and elevate the client experience.
Licensed beauty professionals can save on host hotel rates with group promo codes through June 9.
After seasons of barely-there manicures and minimalist nail looks, chrome is officially back in the spotlight.
CND is relaunching its SHELLAC system with a new CND Visible Light Lamp, updated packaging, and an expanded shade offering.
Aura Salonware is proud to announce its 2026 scholarship recipients. This first-time scholarship in partnership with the Professional Beauty Association awarded three different scholarships to support beauty professionals at every point in their professional journey.
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
A new report criticizes the regulations' impact against students and entrepreneurs.
For years, press-on nails have been treated as the alternative to professional services. But the category has evolved and so has the client.
A bottle of OPI product in Bubble Bath is sold nearly every 45 seconds* according to new sales stats shared by OPI as they celebrate 45 beautiful years.
Square data shows that regular customers tip 11% higher and are shared across 32% of businesses in the same ZIP code, driving thousands of dollars in additional revenue per connection.
With more than one million licensed professionals nationwide, industry leaders are celebrating growing momentum behind cosmetology and esthetics interstate compacts designed to reduce licensing barriers and expand career mobility.
After a successful career in strategic M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions) and working for a Fortune 500 company, Amit Shah decided to pursue franchise ownership and open a nail salon.
