Meet J’nez Thomas | CEO/Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with J’nez Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi J’nez, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started the company in 2022 and was inspired by my move to Cleveland from Philadelphia, PA where I noticed my favorite services weren’t available! I immediately started looking for brand recognition (preferably SugaringNYC). Due to my sensitive skin and customer loyalty, I would make the drive to Michigan (the nearest Sugaring NYC at the time) for a service. I thought, if I am need of all natural hair removal services, then others are too!

I took the steps to vet SugaringNYC and to leap into the entrepreneurial world by buying the first franchise in Ohio and making the move to Columbus. We recently opened at Creekside in Gahanna late 2024 and have been preparing for our grand opening on Apri 26th, 2025!

What should our readers know about your business?
I am the owner of J’nez & Things INC., Doing Business As (DBA) Sugaring NYC, an all-organic hair removal and lash studio. franchise located in the Creekside development in Gahanna.

Sugaring NYC offers a variety of all organic hair removal services for all genders. Think traditional waxing but without the chemicals! Our sugar paste used for hair removal services consists of only 3 ingredients – sugar, water, and lemon juice! Thats it! Less ouch, no bad stuff, lasts longer and is perfect for those with sensitive skin. 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! I am mostly fond of knowing and being able to offer natural beauty enhancement without the chemicals and supporting other women in all fields! 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.

Our journey has not been easy (who’s has?)! A few of our hurdles consisted of, finding the right location that took almost a year, a 7- month construction delay that forced me to change hats quickly and learn the general contractor role (everything from vetting sub-contractors, reading architectural drawings, preparing schedule of works, punch list, obtaining permits and passing inspections). to keep this thing moving. All while working a full time-job (before departing), introducing the brand and myself to the community and building a strong team. Our delays caused us to open during the slowest months of the year and Columbus finally showed us a real winter! The snow was pretty but slow sales was harsh.

Despite our many hurdles, our team has used their passion for making others feel beautiful to stay dedicated to perfecting their skill, keeping morale high and providing great service! Seeing the growth in my team and the inclusive environment we’ve created makes me smile every day!

We want everyone to know that everyone deserves natural and safe beauty enhancements! It is important for our staff to mirror our client base, and that diversity is the bedrock of our foundation and not an afterthought. We welcome all and provide free consultations, tours and demonstrations. Or, you can just stop in and say hi!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First, we’d have to stop at Sugaring NYC Gahanna to get our skin care game strong and glowing! We’d pick up a few signature sugar scrubs to maintain our glow then swing over to Upper Cup coffee for an Iced Chai latte. We’d stretch our legs by walking the beautiful grounds at Creekside and stopping in at the Gahanna herb store for add-ons for dinner.

We’ll then head down to the Columbus Metropolitan downtown library to snag some great reads and walk the topiary park. Hit the Charmy’s grocery market for perfect ingredients to match our herbs and head in for the day to make dinner and chat over a chilled glass of white wine.

The next day, we’ll kick off the day with a fulfilling breakfast at Hangover Easy, hit a few museums in the Short North area and head over to Nationwide Arena to cheer on the Columbus Fury Volleyball team! Afterwords we’ll end the night at one of the many rooftop bars that give an awesome view of city!

Closing out our visit, we will catch a free concert or outside event at the Commons, stop in at Forno’s for some great pizza and strawberries, walk our meal off at the Goodale park and people watch and later that evening and we’ll head over to Studio 35 catch a movie and cold beer!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Big Sis! Jacquillia Hooper- When I transitioned out of the military, Jacquillia filled in the gaps that the military did not prepare me for. She generously offered her expertise, helping me with my resume, translating military jargon into valuable corporate skills, providing professional attire and image consulting, and even connecting me with paid internships to prevent financial hardships. I am forever grateful for her guidance, mentorship, support and love that she has offered and the countless ways she has helped me navigate the chapters in my life.

Website: https://www.sugaringnyc.com/locations/sugaring-nyc-gahanna/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gahanna_sugaring/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j’nez-thomas-mba-8329908

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566751204582

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sugaring-nyc-gahanna

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SugaringNYCGahanna/shorts

Other: All social media platforms are @gahanna_sugaring

Image Credits
Purple Star Photography