Oksana Nykolyak: “My mission is not just to create beauty, but to change attitudes”

There are stories in which a woman's story does not sound like an interview, but like a scene filmed in one breath. The DIGITAL cover with Oksana Nykolyak became the embodiment of greatness, which opens a completely new veil of the beauty industry, rewriting each chapter in a special handwriting. Founder & CEO of “Nika Nails Miami”, author of the book “Exclusive Ukrainian Manicure”, a woman who forms a new culture and attitude.

“I had the idea to write the book “Exclusive Ukrainian Manicure” a long time ago. I have always been inspired by the idea of creating a material that will help craftsmen not just repeat techniques, but understand them more deeply - at the level of logic, anatomy, security and consistency," says Ms. Oksana.

Mrs. Oksana, today our conversation, I will begin with your words, which impress me very much: "The real value begins at the moment when you choose yourself." Tell us, please, how was the beginning of your personal history in the beauty industry?

I believe that true value is not about the outside. Not about fashionable logos, not about the number of subscribers, not about high-profile achievements. It begins at the moment of choice — when you finally allow yourself to be yourself. Not as “need,” not as others expect, but as it responds deep inside.

My story in the beauty industry began when I was a child. I saved pocket money to go for a manicure. It was not a whim, not a trend - just a ritual that gave me a sense of inner harmony. I didn't dream of working in this field — I just wanted to learn how to make beautiful nails for myself. The ones I like.

But when you follow what is really close to you, life opens up new horizons. First it was courses, then manicure for girlfriends, then for clients. And then I realized: it's not just a hobby. This is my space of power. My creative energy.

I remember the day I went to an interview at an economic company. I looked at the woman opposite - tired, without a light in my eyes - and asked myself: "I also want to look like this in 20 years?" The answer was clear: no. And that's when I chose myself. And with this choice came my way.

A woman who created her own style in the world of beauty and registered Ukrainian manicure in the United States as intellectual property. What values have become your inner reference point?

My guideline has always been authenticity. Be yourself — even when it's easier to hide behind patterns. I deeply believe in the power of Ukrainian culture, in our aesthetics, which is born from the heart, out of love for work, out of dignity.

I registered Ukrainian Manicure in the USA not for the sake of a fashion slogan. I wanted to state: the Ukrainian approach to manicure is style, culture, standard. This is accuracy, hygiene, attention to detail. This is respect for the client, for the profession, for yourself.

I have been teaching individually for many years. But now, in the United States, a new stage has opened - group courses. My experience, accumulated over more than 15 years, became the basis of not just lessons, but philosophy. After all, quality is not a method, it is an approach to life.

I also wrote a methodical book for masters. It is a cheat sheet, a guidebook, and a source of inspiration. It has everything from the anatomy of nails to the author's advice.

I know for myself: education in our field should be lively, dynamic, practical. One book is not enough, but it provides a strong foundation - both for beginners and for those who have been working for a long time.

My goal is to improve the quality of the masters' work and help them work confidently, competently and beautifully.

The book is now available on Amazon and has become an important part of my educational system.

Book «Exclusive Ukrainian Manicure»

What is the portrait of a modern woman in your eyes?

For me, a modern woman is a living system of contradictions and harmony. She is strong but sensitive. She is soft, but decisive. She is not afraid to be herself - with all her dreams, fears, ambitions.

This is a woman who does not wait for permission. It creates its own rules, defends its borders, supports others. She remembers her roots, but builds her life according to her own scenario.

Her beauty is not in cosmetics, but in depth. In the ability to empathize, build, be light.

You worked with both the ocean outside the window of cruise ships and with the lights of the championship arenas, and today you are building a brand in the United States. At what point did you feel that this is no longer just a profession, this is my mission?

This feeling came to the United States. After the cruise ships, after the salons in Ukraine, I saw a contrast. Here, in the States, there is often a lack of depth of service, the emotional component that is the norm for us. I realized that I could share my experience, philosophy, culture.

For me, manicure is not about nails. It's about trust. About the energy you put into every touch. About transformation - not only external, but also internal.

My mission is not just to create beauty, but to change attitudes. Showing that quality is not a luxury. Service is an art. That a woman deserves the best.

In your words about life, the philosophy of the current sounds: not everything should be kept, the important remains. How did you learn to distinguish between what is a real value and what is just the passage of time?

It didn't come from books. The road itself gave me that. There were moments of loss, pain, disappointment. But it was in them that I saw: the real does not go. It doesn't disappear. It remains in you - quietly, firmly, forever.

The real thing is not a role. This is not a status. It's your calling, which is with you anywhere.

Today we often hear about success in the categories of "time for everything". But you are talking about choosing yourself. What advice would you give to women who try to conform to other people's ideals instead of creating their own rules?

Stop listening to the noise. Turn yourself on. You are not an accident. Your desires are the voice of the soul.

Only you can hear it.

You don't have to be everything to everyone. It is enough to be yourself - real. This will be your best brand.

If you imagine that you now have an audience of young craftsmen who are just starting to write their own history ... what would be your message for them?

Don't be afraid of the beginning. Fear is not the enemy, but the entrance to the new. If you have chosen this path, go. Even with doubts, even without a perfect Instagram.

Manicure is not just a service. It's energy. Touch. Your story.

And if you are honest, this story will be strong.

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