LaVon Royal-Reed

LaVon Royal-Reed is a licensed manicurist and instructor in the State of Missouri where she has been providing service in the nail industry since 2017. Mrs. Royal-Reed transitioned to the nail industry after working in corporate America for several years. She holds a bachelor’s degree Business and Marketing from Harris-Stowe State University and an MBA from Lindenwood University. In 2021, LaVon took a leap of faith and opened a full-service nail salon in St. Louis County aptly named Royal-Reed Nail Salon. Royal-reed Nail Salon employs several licensed manicurists and as well as offering apprenticeships and mentoring g for aspiring manicurists. She looks to open a second location of the salon by the end of the year. As a licensed instructor, LaVon has supervised several local manicurists in their apprenticeships, taught aspiring manicurists at a St. Louis area cosmetology school, and developed a training program to help ease the transition for manicuring students from student to licensed professional. More than a manicurist, she is also a woman of many talents, including singing and standup comedy. LaVon Royal-Reed’s success is driven by her love of God, her desire to grow the mentorship and networking within the nail industry, and her love for her family and friends. Mrs. Royal-Reed is the wife of Tony and devoted mother to Erynn, Mason, Rhyan, and Loryn.

Founder

Kristen Collins

Kristen Collins has been an educator in the St. Louis area for nearly 20 years. She began her career teaching middle school English/Language Arts and is currently serving as a Professional School Counselor, also at the middle school level. Ms. Collins is a proud HBCU graduate of Prairie View A & M University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an Emphasis in Secondary English and Reading and a Minor in English. She later went on to earn a Master’s in Counseling from Lindenwood University and is currently working towards clinical mental health licensure. In her role as a Professional School Counselor, Kristen is an advocate for young people in the areas of academics, social-emotional development, and college and career readiness, providing students with the skills needed to be successful, productive members of the greater community. In her spare time,Kristen enjoys live music events, trying new restaurants, as well as engaging in various acts of self-care. Ms. Collins is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated where she has served in various leadership roles and supports various community initiatives, including black maternal health. Kristen is the eldest daughter of Carolyn Wilson and has one sister,Brittany.

President

Vernessa M. Streater, MBA, is a seasoned Human Resources professional with ore than 20 years of experience supporting organizations through thoughtful leadership, strategic planning, and a deep commitment to workplace equity. She currently serves as the Manager of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for Bi-State Development Agency, where she oversees the development and execution of the agency’s EEO strategy. In this role, Vernessa leads the creation of policies, programs, and training initiatives that promotes fairness and inclusion, while ensuring the organization maintains full compliance with federal regulations and guidelines. Her work reflects her passion for cultivating organizational cultures in which all employees can thrive. A proud native of East St. Louis, IL, Vernessa began building her educational and professional foundation at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management. She later went on to complete her Master of Business Administration at Lindenwood Universtiy in St. Charles, Missouri, further strengthening her expertise in organizational operations and leadership. Outside of her professional career, Vernessa is deeply engaged in community service and civic involvement. She contributes her time and talents through membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., and Impact Church St. Louis. Additionally, she serves on the boards of directions for the Pearls of Power Foundation Inc. and Better Family Life, Inc., supporting initiatives that empower families, strengthen communities, and expand opportunities for youth. Above all, Vernessa treasures her role within her family. The loves of her life are her nieces Kellan and Merrick and nephews Dwaine Jr. and Justin, who continue to inspire her in everything she does.

Vice President

Vernessa M. Streater

LaTrese Robinson is a dedicated attorney who brings a strong foundation in business and corporate law to her practice. A proud graduate of Saint Louis University School of Law, she discovered her passion for the intersection of law and commerce during her undergraduate studies, where she eared a bachelor’s degree in international business. This background continues to shape her approach to legal problem-solving, allowing her to navigate complex issues with both analytical precision and a global perspective. Beyond her professional work, LaTrese is committed to lifelong learning and personal growth. She is an avid reader, an enthusiastic traveler who enjoys exploring new cultures, and an active participant in her religious community. Whether advocating for clients or engaging in service, she strives to bring integrity, curiosity, and compassion to everything she does.

Secretary

LaTrese Robinson

Geraldine Goston

Geraldine Goston is a Senior Manager at Magellan Healthcare, where her leadership is informed by a rich and diverse professional journey. After successfully owning and operating Macklin Finacial—where she served as Owner and CFO, originating over $3 million in residential mortgages annually— Geraldine pivoted toward healthcare with a vision to serve people in a deeper, more impactful way. Inspired after closing her mortgage brokerage firm, she embraced new purpose and excellence through advanced leadership training with McKinsey, Horizon, and Harvard. Beyond her professional life, Geraldine stays deeply engaged in her community. She teaches water aerobics at local community centers and brings care and connection to her Mary Kay clients as an Independent Beauty Consultant. A proud member of Mt. Chapel MB Church, Geraldine finds joy in exercising, dancing, cooking, traveling with her husband, laughing with her sisters, family and friends and tend got her flourishing houseplants.

Co-Treasurer

Velma Fulks is an Executive Assistant at Aon Insurance Company, bringing a strong foundation in administrative leadership and organizational excellence. A proud graduate of Saint Louis University, she has built a distinguished career supporting senior executives across both corporate and healthcare environments. Before joining Aon, Velma spent more than 20 years as an Administrative assistant at Saint Louis University/SSM Health, where she provided high-level support and played a vital role in strengthening academic and healthcare operations. Beyond her professional achievements, Velma serves as President of the Mildred Thimes Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer. In this capacity, she leads initiatives to raise awareness, provide compassionate support, and fund research in the fight against pancreatic cancer. She is also an active volunteer with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), where she teaches Family-To-Family classes that equip families with essential tools and resources to support loved ones living with mental illness. In her personal time, Velma enjoys traveling, reading, shopping, and spending time with her family.

Co-Treasurer

Velma Folks

Doris Stewart is a retired educator whose distinguished career in East St. Louis School District #189 Spans more than 35 years. throughout her tenure, she dedicated herself to teaching Special Education student from primary through middle school, shaping the lives of countless young learners. Her passion for education, coupled with her commitment to ensuring that every student gain essential academic and life skill, has left a lasting impact on the community she proudly served. A native of East St. Louis, Illinois, Doris is deeply rooted in the city she loves. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from East Illinois University and later completed her Master’s Degree at National Louis University, further strengthening her expertise in student development and educational leadership. In retirement, Doris continues to exemplify service and leadership. She currently serves on the library Board for the City of East St.Louis where she holds the position of Board President, advocating for accessible learning resources and community enrichment. Her dedication extends beyond education— she is an active and engaged member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a Life Member of the NAACP, and a faithful member of Impact Church St. Louis. Through each of these roles, she remains committed to uplifting her community and supporting meaningful change. Above all, Doris treasures her family. She is the proud mother of Dwaine and Vernessa and the loving grandmother of Dwaine Jr., Justin, Kellan, and Merrick. Her legacy is one of service, leadership, and unwavering devotion to both her family and her community.

Doris M. Stewart

Kristin Huey is a skilled nail technician and dedicated manager at Royal-Reed Nail Salon, where she combines artistic talent with strong leadership to create a welcoming and high-quality client experience. A proud graduate of the Grabber School of Hair & Design, Kristin’s journey into the manicure industry began unexpectedly during her early college years, when a nail technician recognized her potential and encouraged her to explore a career in nail artistry. This pivotal moment sparked her passion for the craft and set her on a path of continued growth and creativity. Before joining Royal-Reed Nail Salon, Kristin served as a salon manager at Beauty Brands. In that role, she excelled at developing and implementing marketing strategies designed to elevate stylist visibility, strengthen client engagement, and attract new customers. Her ability to merge business insight with a deep understanding of the beauty industry has made her a trust team leader and valued professional. Outside of her work, Kristin enjoys spending quality time with friends, traveling to visit family, and relaxing at home with her two beloved cats. Whether managing operations, supporting her team, or perfecting a new nail design, Kristin brings enthusiasm, creativity, and care to everything she does.

Kristin Huey

Earlene Bolton is dedicated advocate for equity and access, with over 16 years of experience in social services and public policy. A proud native of St. Louis, Missouri, she holds dual master’s degrees in Health Administration and Nonprofit Leadership from Webster University, along with certifications in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Inclusive & Ethical Leadership from the University of South Florida. She is also a Fellow of the Racial Justice Institute. Throughout her career, Earlene has championed initiatives that remove systemic barriers for underserved populations. Her early work focused on strengthening access to Medicaid and SNAP benefits through strategic partnerships and community engagement. Today, she collaborates with schools and local organizations to expand healthcare access for children and families, driving policy changes that improved access. Earlene lends her expertise to several coalitions, including the Cover Missouri Steering Committee and Generate Health’s Advocacy and Advisory Committee. Her leadership extends into civic and cultural spaces as well—she currently serves as President of the Zeta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and as Social Justice Chair for the Bertha Black Rhoda Section of the National Council of Negro Women. She will support the National Association of Black Manicurists with marketing and event planning.

Earlene Bolton

With more than 40 years of experience in the beauty industry, Michelle Towns is a highly respected cosmetology professional and educator. Her career spans salon ownership hairstyling, and nail technology, where she has consistently delivered exceptional services and stayed at the forefront of industry trends by participating gin major trade shows in St. Louis, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Chicago. For over nine years, Michelle has led and mentored aspiring beauty professionals as an instructor, currently teaching the manicuring program at a leading cosmetology school. Her teaching approach blends technical expertise with a passion for empowering students—instilling in them not only the skills and knowledge to excel but also respect for the profession and a commitment to integrity, honesty, and professionalism. Michelle chose cosmetology to transform more than appearances—her goal is to help clients and students see themselves in a new, confident light. Her dedication to excellence and mentorship continues to shape the next generation of beauty professionals.

Michelle Towns

Corsica Dancer is a licensed nail professional, educator, and entrepreneur whose passion for nail artisty began at the age of 10 with her very first set. What started as fascination quickly evolved into a lifelong commitment to creativity, confidence, and self-expression through nails. Although she explored a wide range of careers—including customer service, education, childcare, healthcare, food service, and corrections—her calling to the beauty industry remained undeniable. In September 2015, Corsica formally began her nail career by enrolling at Elaine Stevens Beauty College. By 2017, she made the bold decision to leave her role as a Correctional Officer and pursue entrepreneurship full-time. From that leap of faith, TopCoat was born (formerly Baby Doll’d Nails & Designs), a brand rooted in artistry, professionalism, and elevating industry standards. Her exceptional talent and creative precision soon garnered recognition, leading to opportunities to work with celebrity clients. While nails remain her foundation, Corsica’s vision extends far beyond the nail table. In May 2021, she became a licensed Nail Instructor, combining her passion for education with her industry expertise. She is currently licensed in three states—Missouri, Georgia, and Kentucky—and is widely respected for training the next generation of nail professionals with authenticity, strategy, and purpose. Corsica is the creator of the “WURKshops” program, an advanced educational experience that goes beyond textbook instruction. Her program focused on real-world techniques, business development, branding, and the mindset required to succeed as a beauty entrepreneur. The goal is for graduates to leave with more career skills, and to be confident, empowered professionals prepared to stand out in a competitive industry.

Our Team