We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Larysa Volkova a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Larysa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you’re open to it, can you talk to us about the best (or worst) investment you’ve made. What’s the backstory and the relevant context behind why you made the investment

I entered the beauty business with zero experience. I started from absolute scratch, first learning eyelash extensions, and then moving on to lash lifts. However, I didn’t want to just follow a manual. To become a true expert, I deeply studied hair structure, restoration techniques, and the chemical formulas of the products. As my career progressed, I shifted my focus toward education and business growth. I learned how to teach, how to develop effective training programs, and eventually, how to build and scale a business. The most important lesson I’ve learned is that this journey never ends. The beauty industry evolves constantly. Investing in your own knowledge is the only investment that never depreciates and always keeps you ahead of the competition.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I began my journey as a standard lash artist at the La Fleur beauty salon, and today I am the co-founder of Lash Art University, the largest eyelash extension academy in Ukraine. My deep expertise in hair anatomy, lash restoration, and product chemistry paved the way for me to become the chief product developer for Vivienne (vivienne.com.ua) and Lash Secret, two of the world’s leading beauty brands. Today, our products are distributed globally, and over 10,000 beauty professionals worldwide successfully utilize our precise application maps and training methodologies. I implement modern international eyelash extension technologies as well as innovative eye-enhancement techniques through the use of specialized eyelash curls. These methods help visually open the eyes, create a more youthful and expressive look, and achieve noticeable aesthetic improvements without surgical intervention.

I help clients enhance their natural beauty, maintain a harmonious appearance, and boost their self-confidence through modern non-invasive techniques.
Another innovative development of mine is U-Lash Support — a specialized eyelash support system that functions as a prosthetic for the lash line. This technology is designed for individuals who have lost their eyelashes due to chemotherapy, alopecia, hormonal imbalances, and other medical conditions.

U-Lash Support helps create a foundation for the natural restoration of the lash line, enhancing the expressiveness of the eyes and helping to restore self-confidence and emotional comfort.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My path to mastering eyelash extension was not an overnight achievement; it was forged through years of relentless trial and error. To truly understand the science behind a flawless set of lashes, I personally tested hundreds of product samples and adhesives from manufacturers worldwide. It was a grueling, years-long process of painstaking experimentation, but giving up was never an option. Today, that resilience has paid off. This exhaustive journey granted me an unparalleled, deep understanding of how every single formula functions. Having pushed through that testing phase, I now know the nuances of every product and can confidently identify the ultimate formulations. This expertise allows artists to work with incredible speed and flawless quality, transforming my years of testing into a streamlined path to success for other stylists.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Early in my career as a lash master and tech expert, I fell into the trap of visual prestige. I genuinely believed that premium price tags automatically guaranteed flawless retention, perfect speed, and absolute safety for the client. I thought that buying the most expensive adhesives and lamination kits on the market was my ultimate shortcut to perfection. The turning point came when a highly praised, luxury adhesive failed me during a crucial period, causing poor retention for several loyal clients. It was a heartbreaking moment that forced me to completely shift my perspective. I realized I couldn’t rely on a brand name to do the work for me. I had to completely unlearn blind trust in marketing and replace it with chemical literacy. Today, I don’t teach my students to buy expensive brands; I teach them to understand the chemistry of the ingredients. True professionalism isn’t about working with the most expensive product—it’s about knowing exactly how to make a formula work flawlessly for you.

Contact Info:

• Website: lashart.university
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larisa_volkova_vorobey?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lashartuniversity.ua?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/AOCy0p3v3zk?si=RWnoHUO1myaIil5j