Greentoes has a beautiful origin story and a much-to-be-admired business model. It was a total joy to interview Victor Thompson and learn more about how he came to own this unique day spa. We covered the following questions/topics on our show. Enjoy!
How you came to own and operate Greentoes is really a love story. Your wife, Christina, created Greentoes, and it was her dream business. Tell us about how you came to be involved in running the company.
I’ve had many conversations over the years with women about what it’s like to work in various male-dominated industries. In your case, you’re a man who found himself in a female-dominated industry. What was it like for you to make that adjustment? What did you have to become comfortable with, and is there anything that still feels strange to you?
As I like to emphasize at the start of the show, I really want entrepreneurs to know that they are not alone in their struggles. You’ve shared with me the story of placing your first inventory order for nail polish, and I thought it was such a great example of how we never stop needing to just sit and figure it out. Can you share that story with us and how you overcome challenges in general?
I think every business owner is frustrated by a misconception about their business or industry. I think this is especially true for service businesses because what they offer is often intangible and therefore subjective. What is something about the salon industry or Greentoes in particular that you wish people understood better?
In 2015, the New York Times ran an article called “Perfect Nails, Poisoned Workers.” They shared the stories and statistics of salon workers who were being poisoned over time by the chemicals they handled every day. Share with us your choice to be an eco-friendly day spa. What does that choice mean for your staff and your clients?
Last year Greentoes expanded to a second location. Your original spa is located on 6th Avenue, and your new location is at Roller Coaster and Oracle. A lot of business owners struggle with the decision of if or when to expand. How did you come to the decision to open a second location?
One of the challenges of any business, particularly one with multiple locations, is having a team who shares your vision and standards. How did you mentor and prepare your employees to take over the day-to-day while you focus on building the business?
If someone wanted to experience Greentoes, what do you offer and how can someone make an appointment?
Book your Greentoes appointment online at https://www.greentoestucson.com/
529 N. 6th Avenue
Tucson, AZ, 85705
520-777-6281
615 W Roller Coaster Rd
Tucson, AZ, 85704
520-329-8972
Monday – Saturday
9:00am-6:00pm
