top of page
The LaVontays Experience Website_edited.jpg

BEAUTY BEYOND THE BASICS:

Empowering Graduates for Success in the Beauty Industry

EXPERIENCE (1).png

Wife, mother and entrepreneur: I have over 24 years of experience in the beauty industry. Ranging from a stylist, salon owner to an industry trainer/educator, I have extensively studied the craft. Fresh out of beauty school, I was hired as a shampoo tech in Houston. Despite critics telling me that I wouldn’t make much money, I followed my gut and became a sponge. I was eager to learn from base level. Turns out that the salon catered to a celebrity clientele. While employed there, the salon’s owner became my Mentor. As I was training, my perspective began to shift. I began to realize all of the unreleased potential inside of me that I had yet to tap into. My desire expanded from being career driven to entrepreneurship.

 

I became a salon owner, progressively owning salons ranging from 1,000 sq. ft. to leasing salon suites of over 13,000 sq. ft.—making me the first African American woman in Harris County, Texas to manage 40 + employees in the beauty industry. Seeking to elevate to another level, I began to partner with cosmetology and barber schools. I soon saw that there was a disconnect when I met students who graduated, passed their exams, had magnificent talent, but didn’t really grasp the vital business structure as professionals.

 

I started creating ways to bridge the gap of beauty school graduates who would enter the “real world” of the industry, and provide necessary tools to develop them on their journeys. The seminars are geared towards tomorrow’s career driven beauty professionals and entrepreneurs. Students will learn to weather the storms of an ever changing and ever growing industry. They will stay up to date on the latest trends, learn to scale their business, and grow a strong clientele base.

I’m not just an expert, I’m experienced!

MEET VELMA THOMAS

CONSULTANT, EDUCATOR,  & TRAINER

IMG_1709 (1)_edited.jpg

THE BEST WAY TOPREDICT THE FUTUREIS TO CREATE IT

GETINVOLVEDAND IMPACTOUR STUDENTS

Join Our Leadership Team

Join As

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to empower beauty graduates to reach their maximum potential in the industry. In addition to basic training, our team delivers high-quality, hands on tailored-made coaching and consulting based on individual needs. We provide solutions through plans of action to equip you to build, sustain, or enhance your brand. At our core, we believe in a personalized approach to help us better understand you, your skill set, and your goals.

LaVontay’s Academy is here to support you on your journey.

bottom of page