In 2025, the U.S. nail companies market is estimated at round USD 1.40 billion and is predicted to develop by roughly 4.7% yearly over the subsequent 5 years. On this quickly increasing and more and more aggressive business, it’s fascinating to find out how a world-class grasp manages to face out — one thing that Daria Orlova, Nailympia and IEEBA champion, accredited decide, and coach, is aware of firsthand.
Daria Orlova is a extremely acclaimed international-level nail artist, a a number of champion and prizewinner of main competitions within the nail business. Her spectacular observe document consists of victories at Nailympia USA (San Antonio, Anaheim), Diamond Nails Canada, and European championships below IEEBA, the place she additionally serves as an accredited decide.
Daria is the recipient of quite a few prestigious awards, together with the Greatest Nail Grasp title, the Greatest Coach Cup, and twice — the Greatest Workforce Cup for teaching worldwide competitors winners.
She is an authorized coach and decide with the Worldwide Magnificence Affiliation of Trainers and Judges, a regional coach for the Ukrainian Professionals Group (SPU), and a sought-after mentor whose college students persistently win high placements. Her skilled experience is confirmed by her Professional-level place at certainly one of New York’s main salons and frequent invites to evaluate championships within the USA, Canada, Germany, and France.
How did your skilled method change after transferring to the USA?
After transferring to the U.S., my skilled method modified dramatically.
I rapidly realized that right here, what actually issues is just not the method itself however the outcome. Previously, I may get “caught” within the particulars, however now I’ve discovered to obviously outline objectives and measure success by outcomes, not by the quantity of effort invested.
One other main discovery for me was the significance of self-presentation. In America, it’s completely regular to speak about your tasks, share achievements, and construct a private model. I was cautious about that, however now I perceive it’s not about boasting — it’s about confidence and openness.
The transfer additionally made me extra versatile. In a brand new atmosphere, you continuously should be taught, adapt, and take a look at new instruments. I ended being afraid of change — as a substitute, I see it as a useful resource for development.
And naturally, I turned extra conscious about balancing work and private life. Right here, that stability is actually valued — the power to relaxation is instantly tied to productiveness. Now I attempt to handle my vitality in order that I’ve sufficient for each my profession and private tasks.
Maybe probably the most precious factor I’ve discovered is the tradition of communication. It’s regular right here to ask for recommendation, share experiences, and search connections. There’s no feeling that you simply’re “bothering” anybody — quite the opposite, it helps you uncover new alternatives and transfer ahead.
How totally different is the nail business in Ukraine in comparison with overseas — and in what methods?
When evaluating the nail business in Ukraine and overseas, the variations are fairly noticeable.
In Ukraine, the business could be very dynamic and inventive. Artists continuously experiment, implement new strategies, and create daring, vibrant designs. There’s an actual sense of drive and a need to shock purchasers with one thing extraordinary.
Within the U.S., the main focus is a bit totally different. Right here, service is every thing — consolation, security, and excessive requirements. The whole lot is strictly regulated — from sanitation to workflow group. But, shopper preferences are various: some favor traditional and nude seems to be, whereas others go for shiny and daring designs.
As for the European manicure — it’s already gaining recognition in giant cities, however in smaller cities, it’s nonetheless a novelty. Purchasers are sometimes genuinely stunned at how a lot cleaner and extra refined the outcomes look. That’s the place I see nice worth: we will deliver one thing distinctive to the market and stand out in opposition to the strategies which are extra widespread in America.
How did you handle to succeed in the Professional degree in certainly one of New York’s high salons? What did it take?
My path to attaining the Professional degree in certainly one of New York’s high salons was neither fast nor simple. It took years of apply, fixed studying, and a deep ardour for development. Again in Ukraine, I invested closely in training — taking superior programs, attending masterclasses with main specialists, and perfecting my method.
After I arrived within the U.S., I needed to begin nearly from scratch. The whole lot works in another way right here — strict licensing, requirements, and fierce competitors. However that turned a problem I used to be able to face. I knew I may provide one thing distinctive — the European method to manicures, consideration to element, and impeccable high quality.
Steadily, my work started to face out. Purchasers returned, advisable me to others, and that helped me get into certainly one of New York’s high salons. There, I had the possibility to show myself, exhibit my degree, and present that I may carry out on the highest commonplace.
Over time, I’ve achieved issues I’m pleased with: participation in skilled championships, awards for high quality and design, and the popularity of each colleagues and purchasers. However for me, probably the most precious factor isn’t the titles — it’s the belief I’ve earned in such a aggressive business.
You’re an accredited IEEBA decide and an authorized professional at worldwide championships. What do you search for in competitors work? Do you’ve gotten your personal standards for the “good” manicure?
After I consider competitors work, I look not just for technical precision however for creative integrity. A manicure isn’t nearly flawless construction and contours — it’s concerning the concord of form, shade, and idea. I take note of cleanliness, proportion, creativity, and most significantly, whether or not the work displays the artist’s individuality.
For me, the “good” manicure is one the place method and aesthetics merge naturally. It shouldn’t be overloaded with element, however it should be impeccable in each stroke. Even minimalism calls for precision and character.
Instructing, for me, isn’t nearly passing on data — it’s about creating an atmosphere the place a pupil can absolutely unfold their potential. I try to show not solely method but additionally skilled pondering: the power to investigate, acknowledge errors, and discover options.
Mentorship is a dialogue. I imagine each artist is exclusive, and my position is to assist them discover their very own signature type slightly than imitate another person’s. True development occurs when a pupil turns into unbiased, assured, and impressed.
