Elena Nechaeva’s story is not one of overnight success but a journey of relentless dedication, hard work, and an insatiable passion for art that ultimately manifested in her pioneering work in the world of tattooing and permanent makeup.
A life dedicated to art
Elena’s education, which spanned eight years, laid the foundation for her artistic journey. Her pursuit of fine arts led her to graduate from Aktau Art School in 2004, and later from KubSU Faculty of Art and Graphics in 2009. Here, she meticulously honed her craft, gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to embark on her professional journey. Her path to success, however, was not laid out in front of her. Like many young graduates, she found herself grappling with her first job – temple painting, followed by a design role at Mr. Doors. Although not her desired destination, these experiences played an integral part in Elena’s journey, shaping her skills and igniting her entrepreneurial spirit.
An Unforeseen Twist
Elena’s life took an unexpected turn during her maternal leave, as she found herself lost in a sea of market segments that seemed overwhelmingly occupied. It was in these uncertain times that she discovered the world of tattooing, a suggestion made by her husband’s friend. Little did she know, this would mark the beginning of her spectacular journey in the world of permanent makeup and tattooing.
Moving to St. Petersburg for further studies in 2011, Elena’s journey was just beginning. By 2012, she had expanded her reach to Rostov-on-Don and Moscow, eventually establishing nine affiliated branches throughout Russia by 2015. Her company became the only federal network of permanent makeup studios in the country, a testament to her relentless work ethic and innovative approach to art.
Her success story didn’t stop there. In 2016, Elena opened a network of permanent makeup schools that attracted artists from across the globe, primarily from the USA, Canada, and Australia. Recognizing the vast potential market in the West, she started planning the expansion of her branches into the USA in 2017.
Challenges, however, are a part of any successful journey, and Elena’s was no exception. In 2018, a setback hit when half of her network partners appropriated her ideas and technologies. Still, her resilience shone through, and the business continued with four loyal branches remaining in the network. The same year, she opened her own branch in Moscow, and in 2019, embarked on a new venture – the launch of her own production of tattoo pigments, NE PIGMENTS, in Krasnodar.
Many would have been devastated after being left by so many partners, but this is not the case with Elena, who soon focused on the next milestone. NE PIGMENTS was not a spontaneous idea but a result of Elena’s dedicated research and rigorous experiments, even on her own skin, to find the perfect pigments. The first sales of these pigments began in 2017, and the overwhelming demand and customer satisfaction became the stepping stone for the commencement of large-scale production from December 2019.
Permanent tattoo training
Elena Nechaeva’s permanent makeup school is not just an educational institution, but a powerful catalyst for professional growth and excellence within the industry. Operating as a chain of studios, the school conducts over 3,000 procedures every month. This hands-on approach offers students access to a wealth of collective experience drawn from more than 75,000 procedures performed by master artists. The school’s training methodology, refined through hands-on application on over 200 masters within its studios, provides clear directives on the do’s and don’ts of the profession. Furthermore, the institution places a strong emphasis on learning from mistakes, equipping its students with invaluable knowledge to avoid common pitfalls.
The pedagogy of Elena’s permanent makeup school revolves around practical application. Students are encouraged to immerse themselves in hands-on experience in the studio, while reserving theory-based learning for home study. This innovative approach serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it offers the students the essential information they need without overwhelming them with superfluous details. Secondly, it optimizes the utilization of time, allowing students to gain practical experience and useful theoretical knowledge simultaneously. The school further emphasizes the relevance of its teaching by abstaining from dwelling on the historical aspects of permanent makeup, focusing instead on providing students with the most applicable and contemporary knowledge.
One of the unique features of Elena Nechaeva’s school is the immediate creation of a professional portfolio post-training. This ready-to-present collection of work eliminates the usual stress and costs associated with model sourcing as the school provides models for each student within the course fees. The learning environment is notably well-equipped and comfortable. With features such as a large training room, the ability to watch procedures in super close-up on a large TV, and a comfortable environment free from distractions. The course even includes small comforts like fruits, candies, and coffee. Further enriching the learning experience, the school also allows students to record their permanent makeup procedures for later review, offering critical comments from master artists. The school’s commitment to supporting its students online in unusual or challenging situations stands as a testimony to its dedication to excellence and reputation-building within the industry.
Elena Nechaeva: a story of commitment and entrepreneurship
Today, Elena Nechaeva stands tall as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and hard work. From her humble beginnings as a fine arts student to her remarkable journey in the realm of tattooing and permanent makeup, Elena continues to inspire and revolutionize the industry. Despite the odds, she has managed to carve her niche in a competitive market, embodying the spirit of entrepreneurship and continuous learning. She is a living embodiment of the phrase, “The road to success is always under construction.”
