Conversations with Arinthea Haynes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Arinthea Haynes.

Hi Arinthea, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Cosmetology has been a lifelong dream of mine, one that began when I was just nine years old. It started with playing in my grandmother’s rollers and when my cousin’s mom finished cosmetology school, she gifted me her mannequin heads. To most, they were practice tools. To me, they were possibility. I spent hours styling, parting, pressing, and imagining the life I would one day create.

While attending Louisiana Tech University, I became the unofficial campus hairstylist for many of my friends. I remember sitting at my grandmother’s house with my best friend — who is now a cosmetologist — in my aunt’s room, writing out our dream lifestyles on a blackboard. We imagined freedom, ownership, balance, and fulfillment. Although we eventually took different paths, that dream never left me.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, I began my career in laboratory and pathology services. Over the years, I advanced into leadership roles, serving as a Laboratory Manager and Point of Care Coordinator. Professionally, I achieved milestones I once prayed for. Yet creatively, I still felt the quiet pull toward the dream I had carried since childhood.

After years of contemplation, I chose to take a leap of faith. I decided to be audacious and enroll in the hybrid cosmetology program at Ogle School of Hair, Nails, and Skin.

A year later, I am enjoying the fruits of that decision — newfound freedom, creative fulfillment, and the autonomy to design a life that balances family, career, and leisure. This journey has reminded me that it’s never too late to honor the dreams written in your heart.

It took courage — the kind Ambrose Redmoon described when he said, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.” For me, that “something else” was purpose.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
NO! It has not been a smooth road. Changing careers required tremendous courage. The thought of starting over, rebuilding from scratch, and having to network to build a clientele pushed me far outside of my comfort zone. I am naturally an introvert and struggled with social anxiety for years, so placing myself in environments that demanded constant engagement and visibility was uncomfortable at times.

Another challenge was being a non-traditional student. Sitting in classrooms with students who were my daughter’s age while being taught by instructors and administrators who were my peers required emotional maturity and humility. Navigating that dynamic wasn’t always easy.

Entering a new industry as a novice can also be intimidating. There were moments of self-doubt. Moments when I questioned whether I should continue. Many days I cried driving myself to school asking-women are you having a midlife crisis, what age you doing?! Those were the days I wanted to throw in the towel the most.

But I had my daughter and son watching me. Encouraging me. Cheering me on daily.

In many ways, that made it easier. Their belief in me strengthened me. They gave me the fortitude to push through the discomfort and keep going, even when it felt hard.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At Crowned.byPea, every client receives royal treatment. I specialize in nurturing and transforming the crown you wear every day — your hair. My mission is to promote strong, healthy, flourishing hair while creating styles that leave you confident and radiant the moment you step out of my chair.

I specialize in natural hair and silk presses, with a strong emphasis on hair health. What makes my approach unique is the fusion of my healthcare background and cosmetology expertise. With a foundation in medical technology and laboratory science, I understand that many hair concerns are not just external — they can be intrinsic. Hair fragility, thinning, and breakage often require a holistic perspective. I take pride in educating my clients and, when necessary, encouraging collaboration between stylist and healthcare provider to support long-term hair goals.

One of my proudest moments is hearing clients share that their silk press lasted for weeks — even through intense workouts — while maintaining the integrity of their natural hair. That balance of beauty and health is important to me.

What truly sets me apart is my ability to connect with my clients. I listen. I create a safe, judgment-free space where their concerns are heard and addressed. My clients trust me not only because of my skillset, but because of the care, knowledge, and intention I bring to every appointment.

For me, it’s never just about style, it’s about restoration, education, and confidence.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The beauty industry is evolving rapidly, especially as clients become more educated about hair health and holistic wellness. I believe we’re moving toward more specialized, experience-driven services rather than just traditional “behind-the-chair” appointments.

While working behind the chair is rewarding, I don’t necessarily see myself there in the same capacity over the next five to ten years. I see expansion. I see innovation. I see elevation.

One major shift I anticipate is the rise of intentional scalp care and elevated wash experiences. Many people genuinely dislike washing their own hair, yet scalp health is foundational to strong, thriving hair. I envision curated salon scalp experiences that transform what people view as a chore into something restorative and luxurious.

I won’t share too much just yet. Some visions need time to develop but I am working on something meaningful. Something larger than a single service. I’m excited about where it’s heading, and when the time is right, it will speak for itself.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://canitralashaebeautylounge.glossgenius.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowned.bypea3?igsh=dHcxY3R4N2Nza29o&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@crowned.bypea?_r=1&_t=ZP-93nQbX7CHdu