By: Alva Ree
Q: Can you share your journey of becoming a hairstylist? What inspired you to pursue this career?
Maryna Shevelova: At the young age of 16, I began contemplating how to make anyone look attractive. I concluded that it requires extensive education and experience. With one look at a person, I can envision a style in my mind, and with the skills I have acquired over more than 25 years of work, I can create a unique and attractive look tailored to each of my clients.
Q: You are from Ukraine. Do you have a signature style or technique influenced by your cultural background that you are known for? How did you develop it?
A: Ukrainian culture is very interesting and distinctive. A vast number of looks have been created featuring wreaths, fresh flowers, and braids. These elements are always incredibly feminine and captivating. Growing up in Ukraine, I was deeply inspired by our rich cultural heritage, which is often expressed through vibrant and intricate traditional attire and hairstyles. The use of natural elements like flowers and wreaths is a hallmark of Ukrainian beauty rituals, symbolizing natural beauty and a connection to nature.
Q: You’ve worked with several celebrities. Can you share a memorable experience or a favorite look you’ve created for one of them?
Maryna Shevelova: Most of my work with celebrities was in Ukraine. Unfortunately, Ukrainian stars are not very open to the world and prefer not to share the process of creating their fashionable looks, focusing instead on the results. Recently, I have worked with well-known bloggers like Lana Kaufman, Lika Spivakovska, and Maryna Kischuk, supermodel Meredith Mickelson and many others.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a hairstylist in the fashion industry, and how do you overcome them?
Maryna Shevelova: The biggest challenge is building a connection with a new client. Initially, clients are often tense and don’t fully understand the steps necessary to achieve the desired result. They may worry and rush, but by the end of the process, they usually fall in love with their new look. It’s hard to believe, but many times, women have told me that their husbands saw them as the woman they proposed to years ago after coming home with a new hairstyle.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring hair stylists who want to break into the fashion and beauty industry?
Maryna Shevelova: My advice is simple: keep learning, developing, and staying updated on trends. Don’t hesitate to invest in your self-development. The fashion and beauty industry is ever-evolving, and staying relevant requires a commitment to continuous education and growth. Start by building a strong foundation in hairstyling techniques and principles. Attend workshops, enroll in advanced training courses, and seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support. Learning from experienced professionals can offer invaluable insights and help you avoid common pitfalls.
Networking is another crucial aspect of breaking into the industry. Connect with other stylists, makeup artists, photographers, and fashion designers. Attend industry events, fashion shows, and trade fairs to meet people and showcase your work. It’s also essential to create a strong portfolio that showcases your skills and versatility. A well-curated portfolio can make a significant difference when approaching potential clients. Make sure it reflects your unique style and ability to adapt to different trends and requests.
Q: How do you incorporate sustainability into your work? Are there any eco-friendly products or practices you recommend?
Maryna Shevelova: With my deep knowledge of LOREAL & Kerastase cosmetics, I can recommend Nectar Thermique. It perfectly moisturizes hair, protects it from heat styling tools and the sun, smooths hair makes it easier to comb, and has a delightful fragrance.
Q: Can you walk us through your creative process when designing a new hairstyle for a photoshoot or fashion show?
Maryna Shevelova: I always start from the given theme and, during the process, create a unique look that fully reveals the model’s potential and highlights the vision of the show’s organizers.
Q: What is your personal favorite hairstyle or hair color, and why? How do you like to style your own hair on a daily basis?
Maryna Shevelova: I enjoy working with various hair colors because each person’s look is unique, and no two are alike. I prefer creating hairstyles that are easy to maintain at home and bring out the best in each client.
https://www.instagram.com/marina.mka/
Published by: Nelly Chavez
