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
We are your local Advanced Training Salon focused on providing you with affordable, top notch hair experiences in a safe + inclusive environment.
LCATS is a pilot salon program aimed to solve some very preventable problems in the salon industry which are directly related to some pretty abysmal statistics regarding turnover, job satisfaction and employee experiences which are accountable for the lackluster or the downright horrible client experiences.
We believe when we focus on becoming 'wholehearted hairdressers' ourselves we can better see and relate to our community and love them for exactly who they are by providing customized services to ensure everyone knows how to properly care for their unique hair and scalp situations.
LCATS is the brainchild of veteran stylist and educator, Kristina Malolua. Since 2001 she has been working on developing the strategies and business acumen necessary to bring this vision to life and in September of 2021 Left Coast Advanced Training salon was launched. She believes that many of these very avoidable challenges can be impacted by a major shift in the way we recruit, train and sustain the people of the salon industry (really all trades, but we'll start here).
Creating a training program that turns out wholehearted hairdressers focused on remaining balanced technically, professionally and personally became the mission and LCATS was born.
The Salon Residency Program is committed to created sustainable funnels leading predictable successful + satisfactory outcomes for both new stylists getting started and seasoned master stylists interested in giving back by mentoring. It creates a collaborative effort to remove the common pain points and completely avoidable career ending experiences that keep perfectly amazing people from being able to serve their community in a deeply fulfilling way.
We hope to make a lasting impression and change the conversation forever about the world of hair and what it means to be a hairdresser. For now we start in Tacoma, WA....then, the world!
Hair Experience: 20 Years
PNW Local and Army brat
Millennial Leo
Zumba Instructor + Wannabe Fitness Fanatic.
4 kids from 2 marriages ages ranging 3-22 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
Lead Stylist/Mentor/Owner
G
Salon Resident
Level 2
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 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
Salon Resident
Level 2
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
Salon Resident
Level 1
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.