Fabulous People: Tyneese Thompson

Tyneese Thompson is the spa director of the luxurious The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Los Angeles. Outside of her time at the spa, Thompson crafts her own spirits, with two flavors scheduled to be produced later this year. Learn about Tyneese Thompson…

Hometown: I was born and raised in The City of Angels, Los Angeles.

First job: My first job was at Famous Foods, which was our family’s restaurant that was owned and operated by my grandparents, dad and uncles. Our family business was founded in 1974 to 1994 in Los Angeles, then later moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, and was later renamed N’Orleans. 

Favorite ways to spend your free time in CA: I truly enjoy going to concerts, which I have had the pleasure of attending since the age of 10. Also, a delicious oyster bar paired with a martini on a warm summer night and, of course, a relaxing day at Paradise Cove in Malibu listening to the waves.

Your biggest accomplishment and why: Becoming a director of spa is my biggest professional accomplishment. I began my spa career as a spa concierge, continued on to be a Learning Coach, later becoming spa supervisor, spa manager and had set a career goal of becoming a director. 

The biggest obstacle you overcame: The biggest obstacle that I overcame was having to put my career on hold when I became a mother. I am extremely thankful for my family, and I would not change it for one second as it has made me the woman that I am today. 

Someone who inspires you and why: My mother is my true inspiration. She is Superwoman in the flesh. My mother is one of the most loving, caring, genuine and generous human beings that I know. My mother embodies greatness and has a glow that surrounds her. My mother has a heart of gold, and I absolutely love and adore her. 

Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: First, have a true passion for taking care of others. Educate yourself on all aspects of the spa world. Become licensed or certified as a therapist, if you have the opportunity to do so. Being in the spa is not just a job or career; it is a lifestyle. Be a great leader, one that your team respects, is confident in, can always come to you no matter how small or large the task is, be innovative, creative, take on new challenges for yourself and your team and have a great attitude. 

Favorite quote: “All things in Divine Order.” -Helene Stewart; “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” -P. Diddy

Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I make my own spirts that are absolutely delectable. I have a total of seven flavors, and later this year two of my flavors are scheduled to go into production. One of flavors was inspired by my journey in the spa. 

What makes someone fabulous: You must be confident, have a presence, be fearless, not willing to take no for answer, be a go-getter, wear perfume, be elegant inside and out, and able to compliment someone else on how exceptional and fabulous they are.