Today we’d like to introduce you to TreNita LaShell.
Hi TreNita , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Chicago, a city that shaped my work ethic, resilience, and no-nonsense approach to excellence. Growing up there taught me early that you don’t wait for opportunities, you create them. Those values continue to guide how I show up in business and in life.
Before becoming a licensed cosmetologist, I experienced my own personal struggles with hair health and growth. Like many women, I spent years searching for answers, trying products, and navigating frustration. My journey into the hair industry was personal before it was professional. I experienced alopecia and know firsthand how discouraging it can be to look in the mirror and feel disconnected from your crown. That experience pushed me to start asking deeper questions, not just about styling, but about scalp health, growth, and long-term care.
Becoming a licensed cosmetologist wasn’t about trends for me, it was about understanding hair from the inside out. As I learned, healed, and regained confidence in my own hair, I realized I wanted to help other women navigate that same journey with knowledge, patience, and real solutions. That process ultimately led me to develop my Back To The Basics Krown System, a foundation-based approach focused on restoring scalp health, strengthening the hair, and creating consistent routines that support long-term growth rather than quick fixes.
After becoming licensed, my career took me through multiple states due to life transitions, including being a military spouse. Each move forced me to rebuild, rebrand, and reintroduce myself in new markets. While challenging, those seasons sharpened my skills, strengthened my discipline, and taught me how to build something sustainable from the ground up.
What truly sets my journey apart is my commitment to evolution. I recognized early on that success in this industry requires more than talent, it requires structure, knowledge, and vision. That realization pushed me into building educational resources, digital tools, and systems that support not only my clients, but other beauty professionals as well.
Today, Exalted Reflections represents resilience, refinement, and purpose. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but even more excited about where I’m going. My mission remains the same, to restore confidence, nurture healthy crowns, and leave a lasting impact through excellence, intention, and service.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of my biggest challenges has been navigating constant transitions. Being a military spouse required me to relocate multiple times, which meant rebuilding my business, my clientele, and my brand from the ground up in new markets. Starting over repeatedly tested my patience, consistency, and confidence, but it also forced me to strengthen my systems and become more intentional about sustainability.
Another challenge was learning how to balance creativity with structure. Early on, I realized that talent alone isn’t enough in this industry. There were seasons where I had to unlearn habits, invest in education, and develop business systems while still showing up fully for my clients and my family. That balancing act, especially as a wife and mother, required discipline and clarity around priorities.
I’ve also faced the challenge of standing firm in my approach to healthy hair in an industry that often prioritizes speed and trends over long-term results. Educating clients, setting boundaries, and staying committed to integrity wasn’t always easy, but it was necessary.
Each obstacle taught me something valuable. Those challenges shaped my work ethic, sharpened my vision, and reinforced my commitment to growth, education, and excellence. Looking back, the struggles didn’t slow me down, they strengthened the foundation I’m building on today
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Exalted Reflections is a hair and scalp care brand focused on healthy hair, intention, and results. The work I do is rooted in understanding the hair and scalp first, then creating styles that support growth and long-term care.
I specialize in growth-focused services including my signature ponytail services, protective styling, smoothing presses, and scalp therapy. My ponytail services are one of the things I’m best known for, they combine detailed preparation, proper tension, and techniques that protect the scalp while still delivering a clean, polished look. Every service is approached with the goal of maintaining the integrity of the hair, not just achieving a style.
What sets Exalted Reflections apart is how much emphasis I place on education and honesty. I take the time to assess each client’s hair, explain what it needs, and set realistic expectations. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all services or quick fixes. This approach is supported by my Back To The Basics Krown System, which focuses on foundational scalp care, consistent routines, and understanding the hair before styling, so clients have a clear path toward long-term hair health. Clients leave with a better understanding of their hair and how to care for it between appointments.
I’m most proud of how the brand has grown beyond the chair. Along with services, I’ve developed systems and educational tools that support healthy hair practices and help other beauty professionals strengthen their skills and businesses.
Exalted Reflections represents growth, consistency, and purpose. My goal is for clients to leave feeling confident, informed, and cared for, knowing their crown is being handled with intention and respect.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next five to ten years, I see the beauty industry becoming more community-centered, holistic, and intentional. My personal vision reflects that shift. I’m working toward owning my own piece of land where I can build a multi-use space that brings beauty, health, and education together in one place.
The goal is to create an environment that includes a full-service salon, a beauty supply store, and a wellness-focused space like a juicing bar or healthy eating café. Through my work on The Krown Fuel, I’ve become even more passionate about the connection between nutrition, overall health, and hair health. I believe that what we consume plays a major role in how we show up physically, mentally, and even in our hair, and I want to create spaces that support that from the inside out.
When it comes to the salon itself, I see the industry moving back toward shared spaces and real community. I envision a salon floor where stylists collaborate, fellowship, and grow together, while also offering private suites for professionals and clients who need a more personal setting. That balance allows creativity, professionalism, and care to coexist.
This vision is also deeply personal. My sister, Chara, who passed away at 21 due to health complications, dreamed of becoming a chef. We used to talk about opening a salon and restaurant together, inspired by the culture, creativity, and community we saw in the movie B.A.P.S., where beauty, ambition, and sisterhood lived side by side. Carrying that dream forward is part of what drives me to think bigger about how beauty, food, and wellness can exist in one shared space.
Long-term, I still see myself behind the chair, but not only there. I want to expand into teaching, mentoring, and creating systems that support both beauty professionals and clients. To me, the future of the industry isn’t just about services, it’s about building spaces and experiences that truly serve people
Pricing:
- • Services are customized based on hair needs, preparation, and desired outcome.
- • Pricing reflects time, technique, and the level of care required to maintain healthy hair and scalp integrity.
- • Signature ponytail services, smoothing presses, unique Quickweaves, and scalp therapy are among the most requested offerings.
- • Consultations are recommended to ensure the right service plan and realistic expectations.
- • Full pricing details are available at booking and may vary based on hair length, density, and maintenance needs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.exaltedreflections.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exalted_reflections_salon?igsh=bjh1NnJ2NXYza2p2&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GAtNRzzdv/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@exaltedreflectionssalon?_r=1&_t=ZT-93GGwOfhOnO
