Today we’d like to introduce you to Na’Cole Thompson.
Hi Na’Cole, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a native Texan and Austinite. My parents raised me to value hard work, faith, education, and showing up for family and community. Those values guide how I lead and serve.
Leander became my home in 2007. I raised my children here and built a local business here. Living and working in this community gave me a close view of the issues families and small businesses face as our city grows.
In 2021, I stepped forward to serve and was elected to the Leander City Council. Since then I have continued to serve as Mayor Pro Tem and now as Mayor, helping lead Leander through rapid growth while focusing on infrastructure, safety, and long-term planning for the future of our city.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, the road has not been smooth.
Leadership definitely brings challenges, scrutiny, and strong opinions. Public service means every decision is visible and people do not always agree with the direction you take. I’ve learned quickly that leadership requires steady focus, resilience, and the ability to stay grounded while making decisions that serve the long-term interests of the community.
As one of few elected women in Central Texas, I have found myself in rooms and in circles where I was the only woman and often times the only person of color. While I know I belong in those spaces as I have worked and earned my place, I still feel the sting of ignorance that sometimes permeates those spaces.
Those moments strengthened my resolve and reminded me why representation in leadership matters. They also reinforce my belief that more people should step forward and lead in their communities.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about LBS Hair & Beauty ?
LBS Hair & Beauty is a boutique beauty supply store created to give women a quality beauty shopping experience. The store specializes in high-quality hair care and extensions, with a focus on knowledgeable service and products that work for textured hair.
The business was built to fill a gap many customers experience in traditional beauty supply stores. At LBS, customers receive guidance, product education, and a welcoming environment. The goal is simple: provide quality products, trusted expertise, and a space where women feel confident and cared for.
I also invest time in developing future leaders through my Women Who Lead mentorship initiative including strategy sessions with women through my Run to Win initiative. These efforts support women who want to step into leadership in business, community organizations, and public office. The goal is simple. Help more women gain the knowledge, confidence, and preparation needed to run for office and lead in their communities. Strong communities grow when more people step forward to serve.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is my family, my community, and service.
Family sits at the center of my life. Being a wife and mother shaped how I lead. My parents raised me with strong values around faith, hard work, education, and responsibility to others.
Community matters because the quality of a city shapes daily life for families, small businesses, and young people. My public service focuses on building strong infrastructure, safe neighborhoods, and long term opportunity for residents.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nacolethompson.com
- Instagram: nacole4leander
- LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/nacolethompson
