Meet Jacqueline Waynick of Lizard Thicket in Druid Hills

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Waynick.

Jacqueline, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
For starters, I grew up in the retail business. At three days old, I was in a crib in the back of my mother’s clothing store (to say retail and customer service is in my blood would be an understatement). I started working for Lizard Thicket at our Peachtree City location in 2006. I worked every job from part-time sales to management to buying, learning the ins and outs of the business.

As I imagine a lot of people do when their families own businesses, I tried to go in an entirely new direction upon my college graduation and make my own mark. I worked for the State Senate and contemplated setting my sights on law school. It wasn’t too long before I returned to my roots, working on the corporate end of the company. Fast forward a year later, and an opportunity came available in 2012 to open my very own franchise in Emory Point. As a Georgia State University graduate and an Atlanta enthusiast, this was a dream location for me! I had the opportunity to bring the company that I love to the city that I loved just as much at the age of 22.

As our company has expanded over the years (approaching 30 franchises by the end of 2017), my role in LT’s growth has developed past being a franchise owner. I am passionate about the training and development of new franchise owners and in 2016 took a leap of faith out of my comfort zone to explore that passion. I sold my Emory Point store back to the corporate team in order to open up more corporate locations, as well as take a more active role in the growth of Lizard Thicket as a whole. I still run all of the day to day operations at the Emory Point store and am extremely optimistic about LT’s growth through the Atlanta area!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been about as smooth as sandpaper, ha! I’m not sure there are too many business owners that could tell you otherwise. I was very young when I opened my first franchise. Managing young women (especially when I was one) was and is the most difficult and at the same time, rewarding, thing I have ever had the privilege of doing. Work weeks’ average about 70 hours and depending on business, can be extremely trying on an owner both physically and mentally. Some days, sales are great, spirits are high, and you can feel on top of the world. Other days, business is extremely slow, half of your team calls in sick with the flu, and you’re at the store working open to close (all while also infected with the flu yourself, ha!) It’s a roller coaster. The most trying, amazing roller coaster that I have ever been on and I am thankful each and every day for the struggles. They continue to make me better and better at what I do and more grateful for the times when everything seems to fall into place.

Lizard Thicket – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Lizard Thicket, established in 1981, prides itself in selling the latest, most fashion-forward styles and accessories at surprisingly affordable prices. We want our clientele to wear our threads with the confidence that their wardrobe is as unique as they are. We only carry limited quantities of items so that our customers do not “see themselves everywhere.” Our turnover is very high, meaning our customers will walk into what appears to be an entirely new store every week. We love these things about our company; however, what we are most proud of is our customer service. You don’t get that stereotypical “let me know if you need help finding anything,” greeting in our stores. Our teams welcome you in with open arms to let you know that you are among friends when you shop with us. Our teams want to help. That is the biggest difference we see from other retailers. We hire teams that aren’t helping you because they make a commission, or because their manager is in the store so they must. We hire teams that genuinely care to make your experience the best they can. Whether you need a dress for a dinner party, a birthday present for a friend, or a candle for your new home, you know the ladies at LT will go above and beyond to make sure you walk out with exactly what it is you are looking for.

The company is also very invested in giving back. In order to work for our company, at any capacity, you are required to volunteer your time within your community. My journey with Lizard Thicket’s passion for giving back has led me as close to home as the Atlanta Humane Society, and as far away as Honduras, which has changed my life. As a whole, our company donates 10% of our sales nation-wide to various local charities the first Wednesday of every month through our We Give Wednesdays outreach. We have various clothing lines in our stores that portions of your sale will go towards benefiting different charities as well. We are developing several charitable brands at the moment to expand our reach not only on a national level, but a global one as well. As our company grows, we see no limit to what we can achieve and are extremely optimistic about the impact we can have on our communities and the world.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
A quote by Thomas J. Watson, Sr. that has always motivated me says, “To be successful, you have to have your heart in your business, and your business in your heart.” For me, success is defined in so many ways. On a personal level, I have not woken up one time in the past 5 years and dreaded going to work (and I go to work 7 days a week.) If that isn’t somewhat a measure of success, then I am not sure what is. I have trained numerous franchise owners who are successfully operating profitable businesses and spend my days training young women. I get to teach them about the importance of punctuality, a hard work ethic, positive attitudes, customer service, leading their peers, and creating an experience for customers that makes them want to return. I am fortunate enough to watch teams give back to their communities, to work alongside some of the smartest, most driven women with hearts larger than life. Making a difference in the lives of those I lead and our ability to impact our communities in a positive way is what continues to not only define success for me, but drives me to reach for more.

Pricing:

• Average dress price – $39.99
• Tops typically range from $26.50-$36.50
• Jeans typically range from $36.50-$76.50
• Jewelry typically ranges from $9.95 to $28.50

Contact Info:

• Address: 855 Emory Point Drive
  STE C-130, Atlanta, GA 30329
• Website: http://www.shoplizardthicket.com/
• Phone: 4046347999
• Email: jwaynick@shoplizardthicket.com
• Instagram: @lizardthicketboutique
• Facebook: Lizard Thicket Boutique
• Twitter: @lizardthicketboutique
• Yelp: Lizard Thicket