Business of the Year 2014- Studio A Salon & Spa

Business of the Year

“Nominees in this category will have conducted their business in such a way as to distinguish him or herself in an extraordinary way and to have made through his or her business a significant contribution to the community.”

Studio A – Trish Thompson, Owner

A for Aveda and A for Amazing

The Osceola Chamber would like to recognize Studio A, Trish Thompson, owner, as our Business of the Year for 2014.  Studio A is owned by Trish but she fully admits she could not operate her successful business without her group of very dedicated employees.  Trish would like to acknowledge her fine staff for their hard work and dedication:  Ashley Rutledge, Salon Coordinator, Service Providers: Desirae Steffen, Lora Grabowski, Kristen Aarnio, Ann Marie Craig, Emmalee Hite, and Lisa Mangelson; Front Desk Personnel: Mcgee Thompson, Addeline Methvin, Sarah Vater, and Casey Sajna and Behind the scenes: Lisa Rutledge. They all share the same passion for the industry and all work together to see Studio A thrive.

2014 saw Trish’s first year with six stylists – she finally broke the curse of that 5th stylist.  Trish says it’s very hard to expand to keep six stylists busy.  Studio A has developed a niche in the wedding market that they do very well.  Trish has organized a bridal fair in March in partnership with Dancing Dragonfly winery in St. Croix Falls.  She also has partnered with Aveda for several years and organizes a Ladies Night Out in Osceola, held in conjunction with Earth Day in April each year.

Trish enjoys working with the chamber herself and encourages her employees to volunteer for various projects around the community as well.  “As a whole, we all do well together on Main Street.  People discover what we all have to offer the retail community by supporting each other” says Trish.

Trish moved to Minneapolis from North Dakota in 1992 to train with Horst.  After graduating and working in Hudson, in 1997 she opened her own business in her Osceola home.  She named her new business Studio A.  A for Aveda and A for amazing.  Her business has grown from working by herself to managing a staff of twelve today.

Trish built the building on First Avenue across from Millpond Park in 2004.  Economy changes and major road construction have been challenges for her small business.  Trish truly values her local and regular customers that have supported her and her business over the years.  She has clients who have been with her since the beginning when her salon was in her home. Studio A continues to be a successful full service salon doing haircuts, facials, massages, nails and various body treatments.

Trish LOVES people and their hair.  She loves doing different things.  Trends change and Trish loves being part of it.  She strives for continuing education:  “Crazy what you can do with body waxing!”

She also loves being able to thrive in a small town that appreciates what her business has to offer.  Being able to work and live in a rural setting with all Osceola’s hidden gems and have great access to an urban area is a huge draw for her.

One progressive professional strategy Trish has utilized is to partner with her tenant Brad Nygren Photography.  Their businesses complement each other and together they can coordinate their services and design whatever special package their clients might like.

2014 saw Trish expanding spa options and other remodeling.  In the coming year, she is looking at new signage and new paint.  Trish continues to expand retail sales so she can achieve the title of Aveda Lifestyle Location (only a few salons in the area carry this title).

Trish continues to pursue her personal goal of education.  She feels it is the key to a thriving business.  She is working towards becoming an Aveda Purefessional.  This title is only given to stylists who are up-to-date on current trends and techniques and earning the title will set her apart from her peers.  Trish also credits Ashley Rutledge for helping her keep up on current trends.

Longer term goals show Trish expanding her business into a full spa.  But Trish emphasizes that Studio A will always continue to provide a high quality of service to salon customers and she will continue to support and value her employees.

We wish Trish well in her new endeavors and congratulations on a successful 2014.