From Family Business to Community Builder: Mina Thomson’s Journey of Entrepreneurial Passion

DeShay Williams

Tuesday, November 18

7:00 a.m.

Spark Thomasville Executive Director

Some leaders are born into business. Others choose it. Mina Thomson did both. 💼

When a child grows up unpacking inventory in her early years and later becomes a champion for entrepreneurs, you know she understands the journey from both sides<<<

Some leaders are born into business. Others choose it. Mina Thomson did both.

Ever wonder what happens when 20 years of family business experience meets a passion for youth development?

Meet Mina Thomson–the new Interim Executive Director of GP Thomasville and Spark Board member whose life story embodies the entrepreneurial spirit she now helps others discover.

The Business Bug: Caught Early and Never Shaken 🐛

Mina’s entrepreneurial education began before she could read.

Her parents’ family business became her classroom–from product selection to trade shows, from unpacking boxes to meeting suppliers. “At three years old, I was literally on a plane joining along business trips,” she recalls.

This wasn’t child labor – it was immersion.

“I loved it,” Mina admits. “We never did vacations just for pleasure. But we always made sure we added some fun activities during business trips.”

The lessons stuck:

• Hardworking ethic from watching her father transform a small acquired company

• Adaptability when markets shifted

• Customer service from direct interactions

• The rollercoaster of entrepreneurial life – “the breakthroughs and the walls”

When Business Meets Education ⚖️

Despite growing up in commerce, Mina discovered her calling in education. “I decided I wanted to teach, specifically business,” she shares.

This unique blend — generous business acumen plus educational passion, makes Mina the perfect leader for GP Thomasville, which serves middle and high school students needing mentorship and alternative learning environments.

What better preparation to lead an organization for mentoring young leaders than a lifetime of business lessons?

The Spark Connection: Full Circle 🔄

Mina’s path to Spark began in Leadership Thomas, where she connected with Executive Director DeShay Williams.

“I was always interested in Spark’s mission,” Mina explains. “I love that Spark helps someone with a dream bring it to reality.”

Her attraction to Spark runs deep:

• Personal experience with entrepreneurship’s challenges

• Understanding of what aspiring business owners need

• Passion for enabling those without formal business education

• Appreciation for the courage it takes to start a business

I think the starting point can be different for different people who decide to go into business, but still, how brave you need to be to do that!

What Mina Brings to the Table 🍽️

As a Spark Board member, Mina offers:

1. Lessons learned from 20+ years in family business

2. Experience as a business administration educator for 12 years

3. Truths that transcend industries–principles that hold steady regardless of market conditions

4. Cheerleading spirit–“Hey, you can do this! Keep going!”

5. Humility–“My experience isn’t authoritative. Yours will be different.”

Ever had someone believe in you before you believed in yourself?

That’s the gift Mina gives Spark entrepreneurs – the same belief her parents gave her as a child in their business.

Why This Matters for Thomasville ❤️

When leaders like Mina step into roles at both GP Thomasville and Spark:

• Young people see entrepreneurship as a viable path

• Aspiring business owners gain kind mentors who’ve walked the walk

• The 5% minority business ownership rate has another champion

• Thomasville’s economic future gets brighter

Mina’s journey proves that entrepreneurial passion isn’t just about starting businesses; it’s about building communities where everyone has the chance to thrive.

What’s one business lesson you learned early that still guides you today? Share in the comments; Mina would love to hear your stories!