Meet J’nez Thomas

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful J’nez Thomas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

J’nez, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?

Well, let me take you on a journey through my risk-taking evolution. Early in my career, I navigated through highly structured environments like the military, airport, and government sectors where risk aversion was the norm, and the stakes were often life or death. It was a sink-or-swim situation that pushed me to break free from that rigid mindset and embrace calculated risks in other aspects of my life.
I decided to step out of my comfort zone intentionally, exposing myself to new experiences that were far from familiar territory. And guess what? Those leaps of faith led me to unexpected career opportunities that I never imagined. As I reflected on the kind of life I envisioned for myself as I grew older, I prioritized comfort and freedom and identified what truly mattered to me.
With clear goals in mind, taking risk felt less daunting, and my confidence in decision-making soared. Stepping into the unknown can pave the way for remarkable growth and self-assurance. So, here I am today, embracing risks with gusto and steering my path toward the future I dream of!

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am currently the owner and founder of J’nez & Things INC., a diverse and innovative organization dedicated to providing top-notch services in a variety of industries. It is the parent company of J-Direct Modern Homes, Subject to change LLC-an equality consulting and corporate speaking division and Sugaring NYC Gahanna, an all-organic hair removal and lash studio franchise.
Our latest venture is Sugaring NYC Gahanna, and we are thrilled to introduce the FIRST all-organic hair removal and lash studio franchise to the Columbus Ohio market! We opened our brick-and-mortar location late 2024 and are preparing for our grand opening on April 26th, 2025!

I was inspired to purchase a Sugaring NYC franchise after my move to Ohio from Philadelphia, PA where I noticed my favorite services weren’t available within the state! I immediately started looking for brand recognition (preferably SugaringNYC) and thought, If I am in search of it, maybe someone else is too!
I took the steps to vet SugaringNYC and to leap into the entrepreneurial world by buying the first franchise in Ohio! I am extremely proud of the community support we have received, community engagement and the ability to grow a dedicated team! We recently secured a partnership with the ONLY women’s professional sports team in the state, Columbus Fury (Women’s professional Volleyball) and are excited to support women’s athletic talent and passion at the highest level.

Open invitation to join us for our grand opening April 26th, 2025, 1-3pm est, at 121 Mill St. Suite 100, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 or you can follow us on all social media platforms @Gahanna_sugaring

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Ah! The 3 key ingredients that continue to spice up my journey (IMO) and personal qualities I value.

Versatility in communication- I love the saying “greet the janitor the same as you do the CEO”, and tailor messages that resonate with everyone. It’s all about speaking the language of understanding.

Flexibility- Embracing the unplanned, staying elastic and being ready to pivot when needed allows you to stay focused on the goal even when the approach changes.

Courage to embrace risk- You’re not born an expert at anything! Having the audacity to dive into uncharted waters, take on fear of failure and continue to learn helps you to evolve.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

Sugaring NYC Gahanna is on a mission (everyday) to introduce the brand and educate the community on the differences between chemical-based waxing and the benefits of sugaring. We are actively on the lookout for local partners and funding resources to help get the word out!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photo credit: Purple Star Photography

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