This month, we’re highlighting not only our stylist but our amazing manager, Thomas Sena! From our Regency location, Thomas has made an invaluable contribution and his dedication and passion never go unnoticed.
We can go on and on about how great Tom is but you truly have to meet him to understand! Continue reading to get to know this month’s stylist spotlight all the reasons we appreciate him so much.
How long have you been a stylist at Garbo's Salons and what made you want to work here?
I have a long history with Garbo’s. I worked for Garbo’s in its original location in One Pacific Place almost 30 years ago. From there, I went out and did my own thing for many years and then came back to Garbo’s under the current owner, Darcy Michalek, in 2014.
Why did you choose to be a stylist and why do you love it?
I don’t even know if I could say that I chose to be a hairstylist. I grew up in the business. My dad was a stylist and owns salons as well as my aunt and then my older sister. I always say my first job was emptying ashtrays in my dad‘s salon when I was about 4 years old. So eventually I just kind of stepped into the role.
What would you consider to be your specialties when it comes to your job?
As far as a specialty, I can just tell you a couple of services that I do that are still somewhat unique. I’ve done extensions since way before they became trendy. OK, I should probably stop answering every question making me sound like I’m 100 years old.
I also do the Japanese Thermal Straightening. This is the original system (oh man here we go again) that’s tried and true. The products are actually in Japanese. No, I did not learn how to read Japanese but I did learn how to use the products a long time ago from a stylist in LA. It’s the best chemical straightening method, period.
What is your favorite service to provide to your clients?
It’s hard to nail down a favorite single service or aspect that is my favorite because what I love so much about this business is that it’s allowed me to do so many different things and utilize my talents (if any) in so many areas. Cutting, coloring, styling, extension, photoshoots, art direction, marketing, management, mentoring, product development, and fashion, to name a few. Love it all.
In your opinion, what does it take to become a successful stylist?
I’ve had the honor of managing, hiring, training, and mentoring Stylist for a long time. Unfortunately, I’ve also had to let some go. I’ve seen stylists succeed for a number of different reasons. Some take longer than others. I can tell you it’s been very rare that I’ve ever let anyone go because I didn’t think they had the capacity to learn how to do the work. Some take to it like fish to water and others develop their craft over a long period of training. But the story I try to tell all of my stylists is that when I got started I thought the craft was everything. I did not pay attention to customer service because I felt if I could just do the work better than most people that I would be busy. I then watched a lot of stylists pass me on the way up, I finally figured out the importance of human connection. Looking good should always go hand-in-hand with feeling good. The fastest building stylists are the ones that are competent at their craft but also provide a fun, safe, and genuine customer experience as well. That is our ultimate goal.
Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you or your work?
I love to have a good time. I love a loose and fun atmosphere in the salon and with my crew. If it’s not fun it’s not worth it. When I see my staff really enjoying what they’re doing and having fun with each other there’s just nothing better.
Lastly, I’ll do a little plug for my newest venture. Darcy and I have started a new company called, Baby Dog Mama and we could not be more excited. It’s a specialty hair product company with three core products, to begin with. A baby shampoo, a dog shampoo, and a shampoo for mama. The dog shampoo is already available at Garbo’s salons and online at garbossalons.com. Look for the other two shampoos to come online later this year. We are doing a lot of very special things with this company and these products but the one thing I’ll mention is that for every product you buy we will give away a shampoo to a pet, family or women’s shelter. That’s really at the heart of our mission and we hope we can highlight some of the great work being done at shelters.
How amazing is Thomas! We cannot thank him enough for all that he does and it is truly talent like Thomas that makes Garbo’s the salon that it is! If you’re interested in booking an appointment with Thomas, you can schedule any service by calling our Regency location at (402) 391-2333 or by booking with him online. Finally, make sure you’re following Thomas Sena on Instagram @thomassena to see more of his work!
