Meet LaTanya Lodge of TrêsLife

Today we’d like to introduce you to LaTanya Lodge.

Hi LaTanya, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
TrêsLife was birthed January 2019 on my vision board. I honestly didn’t think it was a reality but I’m not afraid to think big so I added it to my vision board that year, not realizing how much this would be my reality in three months. Before I get into the details of how TrêsLife came to life, let me give a backdrop on my life. I did what I was taught to do and received my education. After graduate school and working Corporate America, I realized this was not my passion so I decided to pursue my true passion…hair! In 2010, I excitedly signed up for cosmetology school. While in school, I was pregnant with my daughter and her concerned about the toxins that were in many products. It was at this time I began to study the science of hair. After graduating from school, I found so much joy implementing these healthier alternatives by incorporating all natural ingredients to products used on my clients. My clients began to rave about the health of their hair and started calling me “growing hands” stylist. I was in my bliss just being able to help so many but did not know if this career could sustain my life. So I returned to Corporate America. But January 2019, I wrote on my vision board to start my own Haircare line, not thinking this was possible, however I believe in thinking BIG and the power of prayer.

Only three months later with $200, I began making my own shampoo, scalp oil and body butters. I went to my very first vendor event and sold out of all my products. This was just what I needed to continue to plow forward. I really wanted this vision to be successful, so I prayed. I asked God to bless me with my own Haircare recipes and Haircare line. Within two months, I had 40 Haircare products. I had a website created and began marketing TrêsLife. With the help of Hair shows TrêsLife had an amazing first year and I began to write the vision how I could pursue TrêsLife full time. With the vision, my husband and I decided that I could leave my Corporate America job January 2020. With a product line, a vision, and support from my husband I knew TrêsLife would be a success….then the world shutdown March 2020. At this time, I was still not concerned I prayed. Within a couple of months, the thought came to me to go Live on Facebook, help those at home to care for their natural tresses, and create bundles for them with directions on how to achieve salon quality hair at home. Mind you, I am totally a behind the scenes person but I did it…nervous and all. My first live was not only a success but I felt sooo good helping and educating on how to achieve and maintain healthy hair. THIS is when I found my true passion. It wasn’t hair, but it was helping others achieve healthy hair safe and naturally.

The mission of TrêsLife changed from providing safe and natural hair and skincare products to providing the tools and techniques to achieve and maintain salon quality hair in the convenience of your home. In the midst of a pandemic 2020 was a successful year. In 2021 I was ready to continue on my Facebook Lives but the world started opening up and my Lives took a slight turn. Although still successful, I could tell there was a shift so in March 2021, I began looking for retail locations to now have in person sessions for local customers. To say the retail sector was a challenge for a hair care line that was less than two years old is beyond an understatement. I decided to put the retail location on pause. In the meanwhile, I started my in person wash and go classes and yet again, it was a success for TrêsLife. As I was continually pushing along the TrêsLife model of education and products, I was fortunate to finally get a retail location Nov. 2021. Although TresLife is less than three years old, we are continually forwarding our mission and helping so many believe and know healthy hair IS possible!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. The number one obviously struggle is the pandemic. This impacts events and supplies. The cost of supplies has increased and availability of supplies has decreased. At one time, we were contemplating different bottles and caps because they were sold out instantly from bigger brands that purchase in larger quantities. Another struggle has been having large events or in store events. Although we’ve opened up, events are not always conducive due to the pandemic and the desire to keep our customers well.

Lastly, price increases with supplies and shipping has certainly been a challenge. At TrêsLife, we try to have our products affordable and give free shipping for orders over $99, but the reality of price increases can ultimately impact the prices we charge for products and shipping.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am a Licensed Cosmetologist that offers a solution for healthy hair and skin goals. I create regimens that when followed, guarantee healthier hair and skin, using all natural and safe ingredients that are safe for the entire family. The thing that sets TrêsLife apart from other Haircare lines is my knowledge, skill, and expertise that empowers our customers to understand and embrace their natural hair. I am extremely proud to know all product formulas have been created by me and that we are providing top-quality ingredients that actually nourish your hair. We accommodate customers throughout the US with virtual consultations, live demonstrations, and online education. Our local customers experience a curl bar to test products and in person consultations to give an accurate personalized regimen. We provide the how-to, so no more testing products and hoping they work.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
COVID has reminded me to stay prayerful and flexible. Things can change at any time but don’t panic, trust the process and stay focused on the mission, even if that requires changing the initial plan. STAY FOCUSED ON THE VISION!!!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.theTresLife.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/thetreslife
• Facebook: Facebook.com/thetreslife
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCra1mcC3CaWdgUhqT86IgZg

Image Credits
Rotcelis Rose