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Ukrainian manicurist Khrystyna Baranska shared how she built her own studio from scratch in California, why American women choose the Ukrainian approach to beauty, and how she turned manicures into a true ritual of harmony and calm.
Khrystyna, many of your clients are well-known women. How do they find you, and what attracts them the most?
Most often — through recommendations. Some saw my work on Instagram, some heard about me from friends, and some were simply searching for a “European manicure” in California. These are women who value cleanliness, precision, natural aesthetics, and a calm atmosphere. For many, my salon is not just a place to get a manicure, but a place to rest their soul.
Having celebrities among your clients must impact your reputation. Do you feel that?
Yes, but for me, it’s primarily about trust, not glamour. Famous people — like everyone else — come for quality, peace, and professionalism. Their reviews, Instagram tags, or just heartfelt words have been the best advertisement. However, I never categorize clients by status. It’s important to me that everyone feels comfortable and gets a flawless result — that’s what truly builds a reputation.
Which reactions from clients have stayed with you the most?
The most valuable for me is when Ukrainian women say after a procedure: “I finally found a master who does it like at home.” That is the highest compliment. Often, clients are surprised that a manicure can be so clean, painless, and unhurried. And when I see them glowing after the procedure, I know everything was worth it.
Your Instagram has a special atmosphere — it’s not just your work but a whole world. How do you achieve that?
I show not just the result, but the process, emotions, and details. People can feel when something is genuine. For me, Instagram isn’t advertising — it’s a way to convey my philosophy: beauty can be calm, clean, and professional. Every post is about sincerity, care, and balance.
Everything feels harmonious — from the content to the studio’s interior. Is that a strategy or just who you are?
Completely natural. I create an environment where I feel good — pastel shades, fresh flowers, aromatic coffee, a sweet treat to go with it. My clients and I often laugh, watch shows, and just talk from the heart. I want Instagram and the studio to convey the same energy — warmth, care, and inspiration. It’s not just about nails, it’s about a sense of home.
You’ve already become part of the Ukrainian beauty community in the U.S. Do you plan to develop this direction?
Yes! I’m already working on creating a European manicure school and online courses for professionals who want to grow in America while maintaining Ukrainian quality. I’m also preparing an educational guide for Americans — I want to show what makes our approach unique. And I dream of creating a beauty community for Ukrainian women in the U.S., a place not only to learn but to support one another.
