Interview by Alina Fartushna
Professionalism begins when a person stops working solely for their own results and starts contributing to the development of the profession as a whole. This is the path that Svitlana Riaba has been following for many years. She is an international nail expert, professional championship judge, educator, creator of the Riaba Nail Precision System training methodology, and founder of V'IRELIA BEAUTY. Combining her background in chemistry with years of hands-on experience, she has developed her own approach to educating nail professionals, based on precision, a scientific understanding of materials, and modern technologies. Her professional work extends far beyond practical services: she educates nail technicians, judges international professional competitions, contributes to the development of industry standards, and actively promotes the high level of Ukrainian nail education around the world.
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Svitlana, today your name is well known not only among Ukrainian nail professionals but also within the international professional community. Looking back, how did your journey in the nail industry begin?
My journey in the nail industry began more than 13 years ago. At that time, I already had a degree in chemistry and was working as a teacher of chemistry, biology, and environmental science, so from the very beginning I viewed manicure as something much deeper than simply an aesthetic procedure. It was important for me to understand the properties of materials, the structure of the nail, and the reasons behind different problems. Over the years, I continued my education, participated in professional championships, gained practical experience, and realized that I wanted not only to work as a nail technician but also to share my knowledge with others. After moving to the United States, I obtained state Nail Technician licenses in Washington and Idaho, began working according to American standards, and became an international judge at professional championships. Today, I combine hands-on practice, education, international judging, and the development of my own brand. But the greatest value for me is the opportunity to keep growing and help other professionals become stronger, more confident, and more skilled.
You are the creator of the Riaba Nail Precision System. How did the idea of developing your own educational system come about? What principles form its foundation?
The idea for creating the Riaba Nail Precision System was the result of more than 13 years of hands-on practice, teaching, participation in championships, and constant analysis of my own work. I was always asking myself why a material would perform flawlessly for one technician while causing lifting or nail damage for another. Searching for the answers became the foundation of my methodology. It is based on the correct diagnosis of the nail plate, a deep understanding of theory, proper material selection, and my proprietary Forward technique, which involves working with the e-file in only one direction. I believe this approach makes a technician's work safer, more controlled, and more predictable. My main goal is not simply to teach a technique but to develop professional thinking, so that every specialist understands why they are making a particular decision rather than simply following an algorithm. In my opinion, that is one of the defining qualities of a true professional.
You are an international judge at professional championships. How responsible is this role?
For me, being an international judge is a great honor and, at the same time, a tremendous responsibility. Behind every competition entry are months of preparation, so the judging process must be as fair, objective, and professional as possible. When judging, I pay attention not only to the beauty of the work but also to its architecture, precision of execution, technique, safety, and attention to the smallest details. These criteria distinguish a good entry from work that truly meets international standards. Judging also gives me the opportunity to observe how the global nail industry is evolving, discover new technologies, and exchange experience with experts from different countries. All of this helps me continuously improve as a nail technician, educator, and creator of my own methodology.
What trends are shaping the global nail industry today, and what place do Ukrainian professionals occupy within it, in your opinion?
It is very encouraging to see that the global nail industry is developing not only in terms of aesthetics but also in the areas of safety, material quality, and professional education. Nail technicians are increasingly recognizing that a beautiful manicure begins with knowledge. The Ukrainian nail school has long earned a reputation as one of the strongest in the world thanks to its high technical standards, precision, and attention to detail. This is also demonstrated at international championships, where Ukrainian professionals consistently achieve impressive results. At the same time, I am convinced that the future of the profession lies in strong theoretical knowledge, proper diagnosis, and a safe approach to work. These are the qualities that make a nail professional truly competitive on the international level.
You train nail professionals through your own educational program. What should modern professional education look like in your opinion?
In my opinion, modern education should develop not only practical skills but also professional thinking. Today, it is no longer enough simply to know how to create a beautiful manicure. A true professional must understand nail anatomy, the properties of materials, and how to conduct a proper assessment. That is why I place a great deal of emphasis on theory in my educational program, because it helps professionals identify the cause of a problem rather than simply address its consequences. I want my students to avoid working according to a rigid template and instead learn to analyze every individual case and make sound professional decisions. When a person understands the processes behind their work, they become much more confident and achieve consistent results. In my view, this is what truly makes a professional.
Svitlana, you created your own brand, V'IRELIA BEAUTY. What mission does it carry today, and what goals do you have for its future?
For me, V'IRELIA BEAUTY is much more than simply a brand. It is an opportunity to bring together my professional experience, knowledge, proprietary educational methodology, and my own developments within one project. The brand's main mission is to help nail professionals work at a higher level, more safely, and with greater awareness. Today, I am developing not only education through the Riaba Nail Precision System but also working on the creation of the professional Forward Recovery System product line, which is based on a scientific approach and the real needs of both professionals and clients. I want my products and educational programs to help specialists consistently achieve high-quality results in their work. In the future, I envision V'IRELIA BEAUTY as an international brand associated with high quality, innovation, and modern professional standards.
Svitlana, you actively work to raise professional standards in the industry. Why is it particularly important today to talk not only about beauty but also about quality, safety, and professional responsibility?
I always say that a beautiful manicure is not simply about attractive polish or a flawless finish. Above all, it should be a safe procedure that leaves the client with healthy nails rather than hidden problems. A nail technician must understand their responsibility and continuously expand their knowledge. It is essential to understand nail anatomy, know how to properly assess the condition of the nails, select appropriate materials, and work according to modern safety standards. Only this approach builds client trust and helps establish a strong, long-term professional reputation. I am convinced that quality, safety, and professional responsibility are what will ultimately shape the future of the entire nail industry.
What does professional success mean to you today? Is it international recognition, successful students, the growth of your own brand, or the feeling that you are leaving behind a new level of standards for the industry as a whole?
For me, professional success is a combination of all these things. Of course, international recognition, judging, the development of my own brand, and my proprietary methodology are all very meaningful to me because they represent the result of many years of hard work. But what inspires me most is knowing that my work benefits other people. I want to leave behind not only diplomas or awards but also knowledge that will help nail professionals work more skillfully, safely, and confidently. If my methodology encourages specialists to pay greater attention to theory, diagnosis, and the health of natural nails, that will be the greatest confirmation for me that I am moving in the right direction. I consider this contribution to the development of the profession my greatest achievement.
