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Elizabeth Thomas is something of an accidental business owner, but she loves it.
An aesthetician since 2008, Thomas worked for several spas, including one owned by a friend. When the friend decided to exit the business in 2016, Thomas launched her own company, something she had thought about for years. “I’m logical and analytical,” she says, so she didn’t take the risk of going out on her own lightly.
That business, Pure Skincare by Elizabeth, has been growing a word-of-mouth-based clientele. Thomas’ niche is in combing skin care appointments with some elements of lifestyle and psychology, where, according to her website, “facial treatments should be less about machines, and more about a hands-on approach.” Appointments can last up to two hours. “It’s not just an in-and-out facial treatment,” Thomas says. “I want people to feel really comfortable here.”
Thomas operates her business out of a small studio in west Bradenton. In addition to regular appointments, she also offers a bride package that starts three months before the wedding day. “The coolest thing” about her business, she says, “is knowing people trust me to take care of them.”
One challenge, like many other young entrepreneurs, is finding the time to do all the tasks outside seeing clients, such as marketing and networking. Thomas publishes an active blog on Pure Skincare by Elizabeth’s website. She also spends time with others in the field, including photographers, massage therapists and hair stylists, often looking for chances to cross-promote businesses.
A native of a small town outside Rochester, N.Y., Thomas was going to go into biology or a related field after college. “But I found skin care fascinating,” she says, “and I was always drawn to the wellness industry.”
— Mark Gordon
Name: Elizabeth Thomas
Age: 29
City of residence: Bradenton
Employer: Pure Skincare by Elizabeth
Title: Owner/aesthetician
Birthplace: Rochester, N.Y.
Years on the Gulf Coast: 14
Marital status/children: Single/0
Alma mater/degree: University of South Florida/Psychology
Best place to network: I love connecting with other business owners like bloggers, photographers, massage therapists and hair stylists to create relationships and cross-promote.
Messy desk or clean workspace: Clean, fresh, sanitized
Eat lunch out or at your desk: At home between clients
Best business lesson ever learned: It will be consuming but worth every moment as long as the passion is there.
A website that makes your job easier: Canva. Love creating images for social media.
App you use the most: Instagram. Love connecting with my followers!
One thing you do everyday: Cook every meal! Healthy skin comes from within so I always love encouraging my clients to nourish themselves with whole, unprocessed foods.
Community group you’re most involved with: Snacks and Chats. A fun women's group to connect and showcase our businesses.
Favorite off-hours activity: Strength training, yoga and researching for work. I truly don't take much time away from work. I'm always learning new ways to improve my techniques and gaining knowledge to better my client's lives.
Two people, dead or alive, you’d like to have dinner with: Neil deGrasse Tyson and Julia Child. My obsession with space and cooking would be complete.
What you would be doing if you could pick another career: Nutritionist/personal chef. Something about creating wholesome meals and helping others is always on my mind.
Top item on your bucket list: Travel to New Zealand
Your happy place is: Home..it's my haven. No clutter, lots of blankets, my kitty and candles creates the perfect setting to relax after a long day.
Your biggest fear: Getting lost in a place that I cannot escape. Perhaps I should embrace it if this ever happens and see where it takes me.
Favorite Ted Talk: How to Make Stress Your Friend by Kelly McGonigal
Skill you’d like to learn: Brush lettering. I'm a quick, messy writer so I would love to learn to slow down and create unique letters and designs.
Who would play you in a movie about your life: Emma Stone. Love her personality — down-to-earth, charming and a bit silly.
Describe yourself in three words: Warmhearted, honorable and driven
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