Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Irina Bilka. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Irina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

Being in the hair industry for 20 years, Ive heard a lot of my clients use the word “hate” when describing their hair issues. Its either ” I hate that my hair is not shiny, or not healthy. ” I hate how may hair has been looking or feeling lately, or simply ” I just hate my hair”. I wanted to reverse their feelings towards their hair and make them fall in love with their hair again and that is how I came up with my brands name ” Be in Love” . My first two products that I launched last year is Growth Root Spray and Growth Hair oil. Both products promote faster and healthier hair growth as well give incredible smoothness and shine. All-Natural, Cruelty free, color safe, for all hair types and made in the USA, Tampa Florida to be exact. www.beinlove.com

Irina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Originally from Siberia Russia, I deloped a passion for doing hair in my teenage years. After graduating high school, I didnt waste any time and went straight to Loraine’s Beauty Academy in St.Petersburg Fl.,where I was recognized and awarded for being most artistic. I have worked at several salons in the Tampa Bay area while doing freelance work on the side. My true passion though is working on editorial shoots, runways shows and tv where my imagination and skills are to no limit.

My work has appeared in publications such as Tampa Bay Times, Tampa Bay Magazine, South Tampa Magazine, Disconnect (Japan), Coiffure Beauty (Bulgaria), FACEON (UK), Elements( LA) and many more! Trade Magazines such as Modern Salon, Behind The Chair, and runway shows such as Alice and Olivia NYC Fashion week, St.pete and Tampa Bay fashion week.

In October of 2018, I was nominated and awarded for being one of the top 8 powerful and successful woman of the year for the Celebration Of Woman event presented by Events and Adventures Inc.

In September of 2016, I won “Best Of The Bay” 2016 award by Creative Loafing Tampa Bay in best hairstylist category.

In December of 2016, I was named and awarded “2016 Tampa Small Business” excellence award in the category of hair salons.

In March of 2013, I was the top 3 winner of Behind The Chair Braided hair competition. I had the opportunity to travel to Chicago and be mentored by a top celebrity hair stylist and had my work featured in a worldwide updo book.

I am also the owner of my bridal company “Irina Bilka Weddings”. Bridal hair and makeup services on location all around Florida. My company was voted “The Knot Best Of Weddings 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016” pick. For more information please visit irinabilkaweddings.com or my Facebook and Instagram page @irinabilkaweddings

Other than salon life doing hair color and haircuts on a daily basis, my latest venture and business is finally launching my own hair product line called “Be in Love”. Hair growth products that promote and increase faster hair growth by upto 50% ! It has been amazing to see my clients love my products and give such great feedback! www.beinlove.com

I am proud of my self of how far Ive come in my career and not give up. Not every day is great day. Some days are very challenging. Either at salon life or in my 2 business I am running. I am one person team at the moment but excited to expand and build my dream empire of my brand. One day, you will see Be in Love in your local Ulta and Sephora stores, but for now im hustling everyday to introduce my products to the world, all while being a full time mom of a smart, 13 year old, Sebastian!

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

The key to social media is that you have to be different! you have to unique in your own way! don’t copy what everyone else is doing. so many copycats are out their and they are not really getting anywhere. Find what you are passionate about, stick to our, show your different side. Be honest and genuine. People will love you for that and follow you for your uniqueness.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I give my 100% and don’t cut corners when Im with each client. My clients are my bread and butter. They are how I can provide food and home for my family so I take care of them. Clients see that and appreciate that! Im also a good listener and I can keep secrets lol! having those qualities as a hairstylist is a must in this industry and of course being very good at what you do is what makes clients come back for more. Word of mouth is key, true, honest reviews about you and that is what helped build my reputation.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.beinlove.com
• Instagram: @irinabilka
• Facebook: @irinabilka
• Youtube: @irinabilka
• Other: Business Instagram pages: @irinabilka_hairandmakep @irinabilkaweddings @beinlovehair