We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Viktoria Kysil. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Viktoria below.

Hi Viktoria , thanks for joining us today. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.

If I were to start over today, knowing everything I have learned over the past 19 years, my approach would be significantly different. When I began my career, social media was not a tool we could rely on, and the nail industry was far less developed than it is today. Our primary sources of knowledge were printed magazines and in-person courses, and the only way to establish ourselves as professionals was through years of dedicated work and continuous education.

Today, aspiring nail technicians have an incredible advantage—instant access to information through YouTube, online courses, and social media. Building a reputation and growing a clientele can happen much faster than before. However, despite these opportunities, one thing has remained unchanged: to achieve true recognition and authority in the industry, you need official achievements, certifications, and awards.

This is where championships play a crucial role. Competing not only challenges you to refine your skills and push beyond your limits, but it also earns you credibility in the eyes of clients, colleagues, and employers. A championship title sets you apart from others in the industry—it proves your expertise, discipline, and dedication to mastering your craft.

If I were to start over, I would leverage social media for visibility while simultaneously working on obtaining professional credentials through competitions and advanced education. Championships offer a platform for growth, networking, and international recognition—opportunities that can accelerate your career far beyond what social media alone can achieve.

My advice to nail professionals today is to take advantage of both: build your brand online, but also back it up with real achievements. Invest in education, compete, and earn titles that solidify your reputation. The combination of social media exposure and championship recognition will open doors to career opportunities you never imagined possible.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

started my journey in the nail industry 19 years ago, but my path was not a straightforward one. In 2004, after finishing high school, I pursued a degree in Computer-Integrated Technologies at the Kharkiv National Technical University of Agriculture. I successfully graduated with honors and even continued my studies in a postgraduate program. At that time, my career seemed to be heading towards engineering and academia, and I even had an opportunity to become a university lecturer.

However, while I was a student, I became fascinated by nail aesthetics. The trend of long, beautifully designed nails was growing, and I was drawn to the artistry behind it. My first experience with nail extensions in 2006 ignited a deep passion within me—I wanted to create nail designs myself and master this craft. With no professional experience, I started practicing on my friends and family after purchasing my first nail kit.

This was not an easy decision, and I faced resistance, especially from my parents. They saw nail work as just a hobby, not a serious profession, and couldn’t understand why I would choose it over a stable, well-respected career in technology. At that time, the beauty industry didn’t have the prestige or financial potential it has today. I had to prove to them—and to myself—that this could be more than just a side passion.

To develop my skills, I invested all my savings from an academic exchange program in the UK into professional nail courses when I returned to Ukraine. Balancing my university studies with my growing passion for nails was challenging, but my determination only grew stronger. I attended every training I could find, pushing myself to learn the best techniques.

My breakthrough came when I started participating in championships. Competitions not only improved my technical skills but also gave me the recognition and credibility I needed in the industry. Winning my first major championship was a turning point—it validated my choice and showed my family and peers that this was not just a hobby, but a serious and rewarding profession.

Fast forward to today, I am the President of the Global Talent Beauty Cup Competition, Vice President of the Union of Professionals in the Beauty Industry of Ukraine, Head Judge of Ukrainian Competitions, and CEO of the International Beauty Association of Trainers and Judges (IBATAJ). I have organized over 15 competitions, trained thousands of nail technicians, and have been recognized internationally for my work. My academy, Viola International Nail Academy, has become a hub for high-level education, offering both online and offline courses for nail professionals worldwide. I also prepare competitors for international championships, helping them achieve their dreams just as I once did.

What sets me apart is my commitment to excellence and education. Many nail professionals today learn from social media, but I emphasize structured education, competition experience, and professional achievements as the foundation of a truly successful career. My goal is to help others grow, not just in technical skills but also in their confidence and industry recognition.

One of my proudest achievements is the success of my students—they have won over 400 medals in international championships, including 6 Grand Prix trophies and 7 Best Team Cups. Their victories prove that the right education, guidance, and competitive experience can propel professionals to the highest level.

I am proud that, despite all obstacles, I followed my passion and turned it into an internationally recognized career. I want every aspiring nail technician to know that they can achieve success if they invest in their education, compete, and constantly strive for growth. The beauty industry today offers incredible opportunities, and I am here to help others seize them.

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

One of the most defining moments in my journey that illustrates resilience happened in 2022 when the war in Ukraine broke out. At that time, I had already built a highly successful business—Viola International Nail Academy, which had been operating for 14 years, training hundreds of students each year and running prestigious competitions. My academy was a well-established brand in Ukraine, and my career was at its peak.

Then, everything changed overnight. I had to make the heartbreaking decision to leave my country with my two young children, who were only 2 and 5 years old at the time. My husband and parents had to stay behind, as men were not allowed to leave the country due to martial law. I found myself in London, forced to start over from scratch in a foreign country, with no clear plan, no resources, and an uncertain future.

For someone who had spent years building a business and reputation, the idea of losing everything and starting again was overwhelming. But I refused to give up. Instead of dwelling on what I had lost, I focused on what I could rebuild.

I used my international experience and reputation to establish connections in the United States and Europe. Soon after, I started conducting advanced training courses in Miami, New York, and Chicago, collaborating with major industry suppliers and beauty expos. My expertise and credibility allowed me to quickly integrate into the American beauty industry.

Additionally, I launched my first online course in English, expanding my reach beyond in-person training. This decision allowed me to share my knowledge with professionals worldwide, proving that no matter where I was physically, my impact on the industry could continue to grow.

The biggest turning point came when I registered my own international beauty competition—Global Talent Beauty Cup, which will take place in Chicago in April 2025 during America’s Beauty Show. This was a huge milestone for me because it symbolized not just a comeback, but an expansion—an evolution of everything I had built before, now on an even bigger stage.

Through this experience, I learned that resilience is not just about surviving hardships—it’s about transforming them into opportunities. Despite losing my business in Ukraine, I built something even greater on a global scale. Today, I help other beauty professionals understand that no obstacle is final, and with the right mindset, they can turn any challenge into a stepping stone toward success.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that hard work alone guarantees success.

For a long time, I thought that if I just worked harder, trained more, and perfected my craft, success would naturally follow. This belief pushed me to spend years mastering nail techniques, attending every possible training, competing in championships, and investing all my energy into becoming the best at what I do. And while this dedication brought me international recognition, victories, and an exceptional skill set, I eventually realized that skill alone is not enough.

The turning point came when I started expanding my academy and coaching students. I noticed that some of my students, even those who were less technically advanced, were achieving rapid success. Meanwhile, some incredibly talented nail technicians struggled to build their careers. That’s when I understood:

✔ Success is not just about working hard—it’s about working smart.
✔ You need visibility, marketing, and a strong personal brand to stand out.
✔ Networking, self-promotion, and competition titles are just as important as technical skills.

The backstory that really drove this lesson home was my transition into the international beauty industry. When I moved to London due to the war in Ukraine, I had to start over. At first, I relied on my skills, assuming they would naturally lead me to new opportunities. But I quickly realized that in a new country, no one knew who I was. My years of experience and titles didn’t mean anything unless I made them visible.

So, I shifted my approach. I started actively building my presence on social media, connecting with beauty industry leaders in the US and Europe, and making strategic decisions—like launching my own online course in English and founding the Global Talent Beauty Cup. These steps took me beyond just being a great nail technician—they positioned me as a global industry leader.

Now, this is what I teach my students:
– Don’t just work hard—work smart.
– Invest in your education, but also in your brand and visibility.
– Compete, get certifications, and put yourself out there.

Because the reality is—the most successful beauty professionals are not just the best at their craft; they are the ones who know how to showcase their skills and build their reputation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://combimanicure.com/new
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violaprofi/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/violaprofi1

Image Credits

Personal archive