After completing her initial cosmetology studies here in Bellingham in 1990 Toby found Aveda and fell in love! Aveda opened doors to a more holistic view on beauty and wellness including organic farming and sustainability.  “I want to provide our salon guests and staff with the knowledge that will support them in their process towards health and happiness.”  After working in other’s salons for four years she desired to create a relaxing, inspiring and healthful salon. And so her first salon was born. For 10 years the salon grew and thrived on Bellingham’s waterfront.  In order to share this creation with even more people she moved the salon to its current incarnation as Sandalwood Salon and Spa in Bellingham’s growing Downtown in 2004. “It’s been a great move for us.  I really enjoy being more in touch with our community.”  With the move came more room, more staff and a more relaxing ambiance to pamper her guests. “I love that I get to ‘force’ people to stop, relax, and be taken care of.”

In the 20+ years that Toby has been a hair stylist she has honed her technical skills as well as her communication skills. “Being a good listener is one of the most important aspects of my job. I feel one of my gifts is my good intuition – being able to understand what a guest is wanting is of upmost importance.”

In addition to loving her work she enjoys her time with her amazing husband and four legged children.  She loves camping in her “Coozer”, playing with her friends and being with her family.