Liudmyla Nikohosian. About her own story of strength, NAILS BY MILA salon in Florida and love for Ukraine

«You are strong. You are needed. You are a part of a great, beautiful nation. Don't be afraid to start. Don't be afraid to dream. Don't be afraid to fall.»

Perhaps this interview will be a support for someone. Or maybe it will be a light in dark times. A real, frank conversation with Liudmyla Nikohosian about the important and personal, about ups and downs, about moments when life changes, and about her unconditional desire to be someone who inspires, to be a Ukrainian who does not give up, and a woman of our time who decorates the world.

Ms. Liudmyla, I am very happy that you are gracing one of the covers of the magazine today as part of the Modern Woman project. Your path inspires and becomes a true embodiment of unbreakability. The year 2022 was a turning point in every possible sense. A time when darkness and light intertwined in a close relationship, changing lives, including yours. Please tell us your story.

The year 2022 turned my life around. I was a lawyer in Ukraine, building a successful career, with plans, goals, and stability. But the war took away everything - my home, confidence in the future, and my usual life. I found myself in the United States with no knowledge of the language, no financial cushion, only the determination to start over.

I was warmly welcomed in the U.S. An ordinary American family, Seth and Anna Jensen, became my first support. Their support helped me through the most difficult first steps.

It was scary to start a new life, but I didn't stop. I learned a new profession, got my license, and opened my own NAILS BY MILA salon in Seminole, Florida. Starting a business in a new country was one of the hardest things I've ever done. I did everything on my own, often through tears and fear. But now I know for sure that I am in the right place.

With my story, I want to inspire other women: don't be afraid to take the first step. Even in the darkness there is a way. The main thing is to go.

You moved to the United States with no language skills and no significant financial support. I'm sure this experience is familiar to many Ukrainian women who were forced to leave their homes. What were the most difficult challenges for you? How did you personally manage to find your personal balance in this turbulence?

The hardest part was feeling completely helpless. Coming to a new country without a language, without a stable financial backbone, and without any idea of what will happen next is shocking to the core. I left not only my home and profession, but also a part of myself. Everything that seemed solid and clear suddenly disappeared. It was scary to even buy coffee or ask for directions, let alone look for a job or start a business. I constantly wanted to return home, to the environment where I was strong and confident.

Starting a business from scratch in a new country is one of the hardest things you can do. I didn't know where to start, how the system worked, where to look for clients, or how to make myself known. Every day brought new challenges - legal documents, marketing, financial difficulties. I was often confused and tired. There were many doubts, moments when I wanted to give up.

But in my darkest moments, there were people who believed in me more than I did. The international organization HIAS has become a reliable shoulder of support, and Lauren Gregory is a woman who sincerely believed in my idea and helped me get the funding that made my dream of opening my own salon come true.

To find balance, I learned to accept my own fears and weaknesses, allowed myself to be vulnerable, but never give up on moving forward. Belief in myself, support from loved ones, and small daily steps helped me keep my balance.

The ladies of our time are inspiring. Among dozens of roles, we try not to lose the light inside ourselves. What is the image of a modern woman in your eyes?

A modern woman is not only about strength. It's about depth. It's about the ability to remain feminine, tender, and vulnerable, and at the same time get up from your knees after every fall.

For me, a modern woman is one who is not afraid to admit her weakness, but does not let this weakness stop her. She is the one who can be a guardian, a businesswoman, a friend, and an inspiration. This is a woman who creates herself - no matter what.

You have started your own business in the nail service sector. Please tell us more about your life's work.

NAILS BY MILA in Florida is my story of strength. This is a place that I created from scratch, by myself. It was not given to me - I fought for it. There is a part of me in every client, in every working day. It is not just a service, it is a space where women can be themselves, where they are listened to, where they are seen.

The salon is more than a business. It is my contribution to the community. It is my voice. It is my way of saying, "I am. I am here. And I can." And I want every Ukrainian woman who is at a crossroads right now to know that you can do it too.

Promoting Ukraine has become, without exaggeration, one of your most important missions. What steps have you already taken and what steps do you plan to take in this direction?

I always say that I am from Ukraine.

In every working day, in every service I provide in my NAILS BY MILA salon, I try to show how professional, accurate, and aesthetic Ukrainian nail technicians can be. My clients find out that I am from Ukraine, and often it is because of my approach, service, and attitude that they become interested in Ukrainian culture and people.

My every success here is another reminder to the world: Ukraine is about strength, talent, grace and dignity.

Let's imagine that today every Ukrainian woman, no matter how far away she is from her hometown or country, receives a postcard from you. What words would you want to write?

Dear Ukrainian,

I know how it feels to be far away. How much your heart hurts when you see a picture of your hometown. How hard it is sometimes to get up in the morning. But know that you are not alone.

You are strong. You are needed. You are a part of a great, beautiful nation.

Don't be afraid to start. Don't be afraid to dream. Don't be afraid to fall - because you have the power to get up.

I believe in you.

And we are together - even if we are thousands of kilometers away.

With love and faith,

Liudmyla

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