True professionalism is always about much more than years of experience. It takes the courage to start from scratch in another country, the ability to prove your expertise in an international professional environment, and the desire to keep growing even after achieving recognition. This is the path Olena Fedorchenko has chosen — a nail expert with 18 years of experience, an educator, a member of international professional associations, a judge, and a winner of professional championships. Moving to the United States opened a new chapter in her life, becoming not only a challenge but also an opportunity to expand her experience, broaden her professional horizons, and prove that true craftsmanship knows no borders.
Olena, tell us how your journey in the nail industry began.
My professional journey began 18 years ago. I always knew that working in an office was not for me because I dreamed of expressing myself through a creative profession. At that time, the nail industry looked completely different: acrylic nails and acrylic painting were the dominant techniques, and many people viewed the profession as a simple hobby rather than a serious career. I believed in myself and spent two months studying every day, completely immersing myself in the profession. My instructor noticed me right away and, after I completed my training, offered me a position at her salon, which became a very important first step for me. And when I opened my own beauty salon in Kyiv in 2012, I finally realized that I was exactly where I belonged. Throughout all these years, I have never once regretted that decision.
You already have 18 years of experience. In your opinion, how has the profession of a nail artist changed during this time? What distinguishes a true expert from someone who simply knows the techniques?
Back in 2008, my instructor used to say that one day the profession of a nail artist would be valued just as highly as many other professions that were considered more prestigious at the time. Today, we can truly see how dramatically the industry has changed and how many opportunities it offers professionals. In my opinion, a true expert is not simply someone who can technically perform a manicure well. A true expert is someone who loves what they do, continuously educates themselves, explores new techniques and products, and understands how to use them correctly. When you are genuinely passionate about your work, it is impossible to remain at the level you have already reached. You constantly want to try something new, understand things more deeply, and improve your technique. And, of course, it is extremely important to put not only knowledge into your work, but also your heart and creativity. That is when technical skill becomes true professionalism.
You are not only a practicing nail artist but also an educator. How important is it to share your knowledge with others today?
You know, my first degree is actually in education, so perhaps everything was leading me toward teaching all along (smiles). Throughout my professional journey, I have accumulated a huge amount of knowledge and practical experience that I want to share with other artists. For me, teaching is not simply about showing someone a particular technique; it is a way to help another person believe in themselves and grow professionally. I really enjoy seeing students who initially doubt themselves become confident and independent in their work. And, paradoxically, when you teach others, you begin to develop even more yourself. Students ask questions, encourage you to look for new solutions, and make you see familiar things from a different perspective. That is why education has become a very natural extension of my profession and another way for me to continue growing.
Olena, one day you made the decision to radically change your life and move to the United States. How different is the beauty industry in Ukraine from that in the U.S.? What surprised you most after the move?
Yes, the beauty industry in the U.S. is very different from what I was used to in Ukraine. First and foremost, time is highly valued here, so services are expected to be as fast and efficient as possible. For example, American salons do not always place as much emphasis on detailed cuticle work and preparation as Ukrainian nail artists typically do. The so-called “Chinese manicure” is also quite popular here — a powder-based coating — as well as tip extensions and acrylic work, which are not as widespread in Ukraine. But I believe that Ukrainian nail artists have shown American clients that a manicure can be fast, clean, beautiful, and long-lasting at the same time. And once an American woman experiences this approach, she often does not want to go back to the way she used to have her nails done. She starts specifically looking for a Ukrainian nail artist because she can see the difference not only in the aesthetics but also in the quality of the work.
You are a member of international professional associations, a competition judge, and a winner of professional championships. How important are these professional achievements to you?
I am very proud to have been accepted into an international professional association because, to me, it represents a certain level of professional achievement. As far as I know, the people who become members are not simply those who work in the beauty industry, but those who can contribute to the development of the industry as a whole. Judging competitions is also very meaningful to me, although it is certainly not an easy job. It is extremely difficult to objectively evaluate someone else’s work when every competition entry represents hours of preparation, experience, emotions, and an enormous desire to win. I always try to leave personal preferences outside the judging process and evaluate the work of the artist exclusively on its merits. Championships are incredibly motivating as well because you are constantly surrounded by highly skilled professionals, learning from them and realizing where you can go next. I believe competitions are also a great way to prevent professional burnout because there is always a new category, a new technique, and a new level you want to reach.
Many people still perceive manicures simply as a beauty service, even though today the industry requires a high level of technical skill, knowledge, and creativity. How would you explain to people outside the profession why the nail industry has long been about much more than just “beautiful nails”?
A manicure today has long been about much more than simply having “beautiful nails.” Behind a beautiful and precise result are knowledge, experience, technical skills, and a tremendous amount of responsibility on the part of the nail artist. You need to understand the structure of the nail plate, know how to work correctly with products and tools, follow safety standards, and constantly improve your technique. At the same time, the nail industry is also a form of creativity for me because it offers enormous possibilities when it comes to color, shape, and design. We can create something unique and even complement a person’s overall look in the same way that makeup, hair, or accessories do. A modern nail artist needs to be not only a technical specialist but also, in a way, an artist. And I think it is precisely this combination of precision and creativity that makes the profession so fascinating.
Today, you combine the roles of nail artist, educator, judge, and a woman who is not afraid to begin new chapters in her life. Where do you see yourself five or ten years from now? What professional and personal dreams are still waiting to be realized?
I actually have a lot of plans, and my biggest upcoming goal is to compete at the OMC World Championship, which will take place this year in October. For me, this represents an enormous professional level, and I would compare it to the Olympic Games in the world of beauty. Of course, I am not going there simply to participate — I have a very specific goal: to take first place. I believe that having ambition and not being afraid to set big goals for yourself is extremely important in any profession. I also want to create my own signature course where I can bring together nail artists from across the United States and share my experience with them. I also have an idea to write a book because after so many years in the industry, I have accumulated countless stories, knowledge, and material that I would love to share. I truly have many ideas; now the most important thing is to find the time to gradually bring each of them to life.
