Kristina's journey in the beauty industry is one of resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to transforming the hairstylist profession. With over two decades of experience, she has evolved from a young stylist experimenting with foils at home to a visionary educator shaping the future of salon education.

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A Foundation Rooted in Curiosity

Born to a Samoan father and a mother from Idaho, Kristina was raised in a multicultural environment, first on a military base and later in the adjacent community. These early experiences instilled in her a deep respect for diversity and an appreciation for cultural differences, particularly in beauty standards and hair care practices.

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In 2002, Kristina graduated from Gene Juarez Cosmetology School at the age of 20. Her natural talent and enthusiasm propelled her into leadership roles, including being elected class president. Determined to create a sustainable career, Kristina announced her intention to one day own a salon and pursue business education.

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Her journey, however, was anything but linear. After leaving the Gene Juarez Advanced Training Salon in search of a more supportive environment, Kristina found her footing at Euphorico, an Aveda salon in Seattle. There, she learned the fundamentals of hairdressing, ingredient knowledge, and color formulation while cultivating a love for education and a commitment to serving a diverse clientele.

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Growth Through Challenges

Between 2006 and 2010, Kristina navigated significant life transitions, including raising children, relocating, and working in mismatched salon environments. Despite the challenges, she continued honing her skills, serving clients from home, and expanding her understanding of the industry.

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In 2011, Kristina returned to Tacoma and began renting a suite at Azarra Salon. This period marked a turning point in her career as she:

• Taught herself business fundamentals.

• Conducted service and demographic research.

• Delved into deep industry studies to refine her craft and approach.

It was during this time that Kristina began to notice systemic issues within the industry, including the lack of inclusive education and the absence of sustainable career pathways for stylists.

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Building a Vision

In 2017, Kristina founded Left Coast Salon, a space dedicated to inclusivity, education, and community impact. Her focus on serving the natural texture community and improving client outcomes laid the foundation for her broader mission. By 2021, she expanded Left Coast Salon into an Advanced Training Salon and launched the Salon Residency Program in 2022, an initiative designed to train and support "Wholehearted Hairdressers."

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Through this program, Kristina developed a methodology that combines technical mastery, emotional intelligence, and sustainable business practices. Her approach not only equips stylists with the skills to succeed but also fosters a sense of purpose and connection within the industry.

 

A Mission to Transform the Industry

Kristina believes that businesses exist to develop people and communities. Through Contextual Salon Education™, she addresses the gaps in foundational education, providing hairstylists with the tools to serve clients of all textures and backgrounds while building sustainable careers.

Her vision is simple yet profound: to transform the beauty industry into a space of holistic well-being where professionals are skilled artisans, empathetic confidantes, and trusted pillars of their communities. By fostering inclusivity, collaboration, and trust, Kristina aims to rebuild the connection between commerce and local communities.

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Want to hear it straight from Kristina?
Explore her thoughts, insights, and experiences on the Contextual Salon Education Blog. From navigating industry challenges to sharing her vision for the future, Kristina’s blog offers a personal and unfiltered look at what drives her mission to transform the beauty industry.

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Joining Contextual Salon Education™ isn’t just about learning new techniques—it’s about becoming part of a movement that values transformation, connection, and excellence.