Cristina Tocaj

IN GOOD COMPANY

Cristina Tocaj

There’s a quiet confidence in the way Cristina Tocaj moves through the world — balancing motherhood, creativity, education, travel, and artistry with intention and ease. As a hair artist and educator at one of Vancouver’s leading salons, she has built a career rooted not only in beauty, but in connection: helping others feel empowered, authentic, and fully themselves.

Tell us a bit about yourself and the work you do.

I'm a full-time mom to my two boys, Tyler and Anthony and balancing motherhood with my career is one of my greatest accomplishments. As an Hair Artist and educator at Suki's Salon, I'm able to express my creativity, inspire others and build meaningful connections through beauty and education. I'm also deeply passionate about travel and experiencing different cultures, which constantly inspire both my personal life and artistry. I strive to live with purpose, creativity and adventure while creating meaningful experiences along the way.

How do you stay conscious and grounded as you move through moods, life stressors, and the responsibilities of being a parent while juggling a career?

Staying grounded for me means being present and giving myself grace through every season of life. Balancing motherhood, career, travel and everyday responsibilities can be overwhelming, but I always come back to what matters most — my children, my well-being and the life I’m creating for my family. Traveling, movement, meaningful connections and quiet moments help me recharge and stay inspired. I’ve also learned that balance isn’t about perfection — it’s about staying connected to yourself, your values and the people you love.

“I’ve learned that balance isn’t about perfection — it’s about staying connected to yourself, your values and the people you love.”

Where do you tend to turn for inspiration—personally or professionally?

I find inspiration in both my personal life and professional journey because they are deeply connected. Travel, new cultures, meaningful conversations, music, movement and everyday beauty constantly fuel my creativity and perspective. Professionally, I’m inspired by education, fashion, beauty and the artistry of hair. Working with clients, teaching and being on stage as an educator allows me to connect with people in meaningful ways while continuing to grow, evolve and stay creatively inspired.

As a hair stylist, so many look up to you to gain confidence with their image. What is your approach to this and how to encourage authenticity?

As a Hair Artist, I believe confidence begins with helping people feel connected to who they truly are rather than trying to fit into trends or expectations. My approach is always about listening first — understanding someone’s personality, lifestyle and what makes them feel beautiful from within. I want every client to leave my chair feeling elevated, empowered and authentically themselves. To me, true beauty comes from embracing individuality, because confidence grows when people stop comparing themselves to others and fully own what makes them unique.

Describe confidence in your own words? What does it mean to you personally?

To me, confidence is about trusting yourself and being comfortable with who you are through every stage of life. It comes from within — from embracing your individuality, knowing your worth and not relying on outside validation to feel complete. Confidence is also about resilience: continuing to grow, evolve and believe in yourself through challenges and change. As a mother, hair artist and educator, I’ve learned that true confidence is deeply connected to self-love, authenticity and the freedom to fully be yourself.

Do you have any practices or small rituals that help you stay grounded in the midst of travelling, working and life?

Staying grounded is incredibly important to me, especially while balancing motherhood, work, travel and everyday life. I’ve learned that the smallest rituals often make the biggest difference — whether it’s enjoying my morning coffee, listening to music, Pilates, taking walks, or simply slowing down and being present. Traveling also helps me reconnect with myself by bringing inspiration, clarity and perspective. But no matter where I go, coming home to my children always reminds me of what matters most. To me, being grounded means staying connected to yourself, your values and the things that genuinely bring you peace and happiness.

And finally—what is your version of “extraordinary”?

To me, “extraordinary” isn’t about perfection or status — it’s about living authentically and staying true to yourself through every stage of life. I admire people who remain kind, resilient, passionate and grounded while continuing to grow and pursue what inspires them. My version of extraordinary is creating a meaningful life filled with love, creativity, purpose and unforgettable experiences while being present for my children and building a career I’m truly passionate about.

“True beauty comes from embracing individuality, because confidence grows when people stop comparing themselves to others and fully own what makes them unique.”