Kristina Malolua is a Tacoma-based salon owner, educator, and industry advocate with more than 23 years of experience in cosmetology. She is the CEO of Left Coast Salon and founder of Contextual Salon Education, a training system that integrates technical excellence, professional development, and emotional intelligence to prepare hairdressers to serve people across all hair textures and patterns. Kristina’s advocacy centers on equitable access to safe, inclusive, and high-quality hair and scalp care. Her work has led to collaboration with the Washington State Department of Licensing on cosmetology education and regulatory conversations. She also serves as a Subject Matter Expert for the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology, contributing practical industry knowledge to national testing and licensing standards. Kristina brings the perspective of a working cosmetologist, employer, educator, and small-business owner. She hopes to serve the COWU board by strengthening communication between professionals and policymakers, supporting thoughtful and inclusive industry standards, and helping Washington’s personal-services community move forward through practical collaboration, accountability, and shared purpose.
