Visionary consultant. Lifelong entrepreneur. Unapologetic small business cheerleader.
I'm Tricia Rivas — a hairdresser turned salon owner turned consultant, based in Iowa and championing small businesses everywhere.
Aligning culture with big, bold visions.
Tricia Rivas is a visionary consultant, lifelong entrepreneur, and unapologetic small business cheerleader. With over two decades of experience in the beauty industry and small business development, she founded The Culture Compass to help mission-driven business owners align their culture with their big, bold visions.
She doesn't do fluff, and she's not your accountability buddy — she's the one who rolls up her sleeves, sits beside you, and maps out a path that finally matches the passion in your head and heart.
Tricia is especially passionate about supporting rural business owners, nonprofits, creative thinkers, and community-centered brands who are ready to stop playing small.
When she's not helping businesses realign, you can find her leading her award-winning salon, Trixie's Salon & Spa, serving those experiencing hair loss through Heart of a Hairdresser, or cruising rural Iowa with a cup of local coffee and a head full of new ideas.
A path built one chapter at a time.
Behind the chair
Started as a hairdresser in a small-town salon — learning that every appointment is really a conversation about someone's life.
Trixie's Salon & Spa
Opened her own salon rooted in service, confidence, and care — building a team that treats hospitality as craft.
Heart of a Hairdresser
Launched a community platform uplifting stylists through honest conversations, mentorship, and shared stories.
The Culture Compass
Formalized nearly two decades of mentorship into a business advisory practice for purpose-driven entrepreneurs.
Where I do my best work.
Culture builder
Developing meaningful, values-driven workplace culture that people actually want to be part of.
Leadership consultant
Real-world, actionable leadership tools — not theory, not fluff.
Community connector
Strengthening community connections through intentional outreach and partnerships.
Mentor & cheerleader
Systems that support long-term goals and well-being — with encouragement and accountability.
Awards & recognition.
A quiet trophy shelf built by loud advocacy for small business, culture, and community.
- NAWBO Iowa Advocate of the Year
- SBA Women In Business Champion
- Lincoln High School Hall of Fame
- Fabulous People in Iowa
- FuseDSM Citizen of the Year
- Inspiring Women of Iowa — Character Award
- Jim Goodman Entrepreneurial Spirit Award
- Nonprofit of the Year Award
- City View Business Journal — Business People Who Made a Difference
- Qnity Impact Award for Engagement
- Des Moines Register — Best Hair Salon
- Salon Today Top 200 — Philanthropy & Culture
- FuseDSM Best Workplace
- 2024 Curvy Model Winner
Two decades of receipts.
I don't sell theory. Every piece of guidance I offer has been tested behind the chair, in the salon, on the community stage, and across the kitchen tables of hundreds of small business owners.
- 20+ years in the beauty industry & small business development
- Founder & owner, Trixie's Salon & Spa (award-winning)
- Founder, Heart of a Hairdresser (nonprofit)
- Consultant to rural business owners, nonprofits & community brands
- Advocate for those experiencing hair loss
- Based in Iowa — serving small business owners everywhere
Available for keynotes, panels, podcasts, and workshops on small business, culture, and community-driven leadership.
Book Tricia to speakLet's find your true north.
Whether you need a clarity session, a long-term mentor, or a partner for your next big move — I'd love to hear where you are and where you're headed.