Nearly 18 years ago, I attended cosmetology school at night while working fulltime during the day, commuting by city bus. Those years taught me resilience, but more importantly, they taught me the value of earning trust, showing up for people and creating genuine connections. Many of the clients I met early in my career are still with me today, and their support has shaped my journey.
In September 2023, I opened Grand Noir Salon with a vision of creating more than beautiful hair. I wanted to build a place where beauty professionals could grow through mentorship, education and a strong culture that supports both personal and professional growth. I don’t believe in work-life balance — I believe it’s one life, and everyone deserves to build a career they’re excited to wake up to. That same passion led to Bronze Madison in 2026, a boutique spray tanning studio dedicated to helping women feel confident in their own skin.
Looking ahead, my husband and I are excited to bring HobbyTown Madison to our community this fall, continuing the same philosophy that has guided me from the beginning: when you invest in people first, everything else follows.
When I look back on my career, I realize I was never just building businesses — I was building relationships.
— Anna Thompson
