Meet the Team
Click a photo to learn some thoughtful details about each stylist. Each stylist brings something unique to the table, if you need help matchmaking please let us know by emailing or texting.
Our Story
Left Coast Salon is your local ALL-Texture Salon focused on providing the community with affordable, top notch scalp and hair care experiences in a safe + inclusive environment.
We believe clients deserve a wholehearted approach that allows professionals the chance to to see, hear and thoughtfully hold space for our community.
We believe hair professionals are more satisfied and perform better when able to be vulnerable and authentic. Finally, we believe there is an intentional way to create these exceptional service experiences for both the client and the stylist.
Left Coast Salon is on a mission to resolve preventable problems plaguing the salon industry which are directly related to abysmal statistics regarding turnover, job satisfaction and employee experiences and are in turn,directly related to dissatisfying client experiences.
Left Coast Salon sets itself apart with an innovative advanced training program for new stylists call The Salon Residency Program™, created by veteran stylist and educator, Kristina Malolua. Since 2003 she has been developing the skills, information, strategies and business acumen necessary to bring this vision to life.
As a solopreneur, Kristina founded Left Coast Salon in 2017 in the Theatre district of Downtown Tacoma in the back space of a photography studio. The pandemic created a unique opportunity to get into a space large enough to house a training program and the intense social/economic upheaval was the catalyst needed finally get the ball rolling and in September of 2021 The Left Coast Advanced Training Salon and The Salon Residency Program were launched!
The Salon Residency Program welcomed it's first residents in April of 2022 and has proven the ability to produce Wholehearted Hair Professionals committed to service, community, teamwork, authenticity, accountability and fun. With a tenacious penchant for excellence in the areas of personal, professional and technical development, the Salon Residents and Left Coast Salon are positioned properly to efficiently create sustainable solutions for improved futures and fulfilling lifestyles.
We welcome all to come visit us and experience the vibe that is created when the psychological safety of ALL is prioritized. We value and respect ourselves so that we may value and respect you. Thank you for taking the time to get to know us and if you're into it we welcome you to begin your journey with us. Whether as a client, friend, employee, community member or virtual fan, we welcome you to the Left Coast Salon community. <3
Hair Experience: 20 Years
PNW Local and Army brat
Millennial Leo
Zumba Instructor + Wannabe Fitness Fanatic.
4 kids ages ranging 3-23 years.
Half Samoan (2nd Gen) and Idahoan.
Would pick palm trees over pine trees any day.
Loves British murder mysteries.
Dreams of someday moving to warmer weather.
Personal Note:
I am accepting new clients who are trying to vibe with a community minded, inspired leader who is passionate about life and making a positive impact.
My work:
I have been cutting hair in it's natural state for over 20 years and I am still fascinated by the behavior of hair and the many ways we can manipulate it into beautiful shapes and styles all by utilizing math and science.
I cut hair many ways and I believe the best silhouettes for most are created using dry cutting techniques. I am well versed in many methods and freely use whatever technique will yield us the best results.
My method:
I want to know you and see you before I ever touch your hair. We will have a lifestyle consultation to get on the same page and create a plan for your unique hair journey. I can be as brave or as mellow and understated as you like with your looks and I am always open to a change and a challenge. It's your hair and I want to respect your priorities.
My purpose:
I am the visionary and Learning Leader at LCATS where it is my purpose, pleasure and privilege to help develop a new kind of wholehearted hairdresser for the needs of today's client by actively listening and soliciting feedback from the communities we serve in regards to identifying the gaps in order to create the new kinds of service offerings necessary to ensure safe and equitable access to hair professionals who are psychologically safe and talented enough to manage the basic care for any kind of hair. This is my mission.
Thank you so much for taking the time to get to know me and I look forward to making your acquaintance!
Clients may email me @ kristina@leftcoastsalon.com
Kristina Malolua
Master Stylist
Lead Educator
CEO
G Eastlake
Assistant Educator +
Level 3 Resident
Kentucky born and youngest sibling
Aquarius /Gen Z
Loves black cats + energy work
Studied psychology at PLU
Loves the Math + Science elements of doing hair.
Dreams of someday living in a tiny home, small and self built with a small spot for them and their cat.
Personal Note:
Hi! My name is G, I’m a non binary human who loves doing ALL hair! I desire to empower people emotionally and give them confidence while loving the work I do in a creative field. I've been doing my own hair for over ten years and decided to jump into the field when I lost direction during the beginning of Covid. I have discovered great joy in digging deep into the math and science aspects of the work and really getting to understand the "why and how". You can trust me to hold a safe space for you and to do my very best each and every time. I enjoy hearing your feedback and learning how I may improve my services and skills. I look forward to getting to know you and your hair needs.
Navy Dorn
Salon Manager +
Level 2 resident
Washington Native
Leo/ Millennial
The youngest of 4 and only girl
Believer in the Law of Attraction
Loves to serve people.
Loves to dance, weight train, journal and meditate as often as possible.
Personal Note:
Hello! My name is Navy pronounced Nah-Vee. I'm 100% Cambodian. I love to read and workout. I've been on a journey of health and all things beauty. I live my life to inspire. It took me a long time through the pandemic to get into actually working in a salon and I am so grateful to be here learning more about serving my community doing the work that I love. I take great pride in my craft and will work diligently to get it right for you. I can't wait to work with you and create a look that inspires your life.
Virginia Yang
Marketing Lead +
Level 2 resident
California Native Virgo/ Millennial
The youngest of 10
Personal Note:
Hi, I'm Virginia. I became a hairdresser to fulfill my dreams of living my life to fullest in the time I have here with the people I care about. I am excited for the opportunity to learn all about what it means to be a wholehearted hairdresser and work with all kinds of textures. I love creating technically exceptional work and beautiful finishes. I have an eye for fashion and style and love supporting people with their own personal looks.
I hope to see you in my chair soon.
Erika Gilbert
Scheduler +
Level 1 Resident
Capricorn
Millennial
Mexican American Twin
Loves all things beauty!
Engaged with dreams of a starting a family<3
Personal Note:
Serving people and helping them feel beautiful has always been a passion of mine and it has taken me awhile to find a place where I feel like my unique gifts were seen and valued. I am so happy to be here and I cannot wait to find out all of the ways that I can help add value to the salon, the stylists and every client. I love a good blowout with iron curl finish and I am learning the skills it takes to set those curls just right!
I want to make sure you feel as comfortable as possible during your time with me and I promise to give you my very best work behind the chair.
Martha Chavez
Assistant +
Level 1 Resident
Leo
Gen Z
Mexican American
Hispanohablante
Foodie
Daughter of a 30 year hairdresser and salon owner
Personal Note:
Hello! I am Martha and I was raised with a great appreciation for the beauty industry and the work that happens in a salon environment. I have been working as a dental assistant since getting my cosmetology license and I am very excited to be here at Left Coast learning all about every texture and getting a chance to find my own way in the salon.
I am currently enjoying the wash and style services, scalp detox treatments and blowouts! Curly hair finishes are so much fun, I love how we can style the hair in so many different ways!
For fun, I love trying out new restaurants with my family and friends. I look forward to meeting you!