Nataliia Zapara’s International Experience: How Studying in Switzerland and Working in the U.S. Shape Her Style

In the era of globalization, a top-level professional’s career is unimaginable without international experience — the kind that can profoundly transform one’s style and vision. That transformation is exactly what we’ll explore today. Using the example of talented nail artist Nataliia Zapara, who has reached the pinnacle of her industry, we’ll look at how European education and American practice combine to form a specialist’s unique signature. Her journey, marked by worldwide recognition and placing her among the top global experts, illustrates how an extraordinary professional and true master of her craft absorbs and synthesizes the best from different cultures — staying at the forefront of her field while adapting her style to the most demanding standards of the global market.

Nataliia, you are a nail artist with an impressive list of accomplishments, including the highest level of international KSSK accreditation and victories in prestigious championships. Today we’d like to focus on your international experience. How have studying abroad and your current work in Los Angeles influenced the formation of your unique professional style? 

International experience is undoubtedly a powerful catalyst for professional growth and stylistic transformation. Every country, every school, every new cultural context is an opportunity to look at your profession from a different angle, enriching yourself with new ideas and techniques. The drive for self-improvement has always motivated me to seek new knowledge, and international training was a natural step on that path.

Tell us more about your training outside of Ukraine. You hold ten international certificates, including a Swiss one. What made the European experience stand out? What specific knowledge or approaches did you gain there? 

The European school — and the Swiss in particular — is typically associated with precision, attention to detail, and high standards of quality. Studying there allowed me to deepen my understanding of classic techniques, perhaps with a greater emphasis on flawless form and purity of execution. It was also a valuable experience immersing myself in a different professional environment — an opportunity to see other approaches to work organization and client interaction. Each certificate is not just a document; it’s a piece of the mosaic of my professional growth — a contribution to the collective pool of knowledge and skills that make my work better.

After your European experience, you continued your career in the United States, in Los Angeles. What attracted you to the American nail industry in particular? How did the adaptation process unfold? 

Moving to the U.S. a year and a half ago was a deliberate step. Los Angeles is one of the world’s fashion and beauty capitals, with a very dynamic and competitive environment that keeps you constantly in shape. The adaptation went quite smoothly — I had secured a job before moving and practically dove into work right away. Of course, I had to learn local specifics: salon standards, professional protocols, and communication nuances with American clients. But my previous experience and eagerness to learn quickly helped me integrate successfully.

You mentioned noticeable differences in client preferences between the U.S. and Europe. You’ve described the American style as more unpredictable and expressive. How does that show up in your daily work? And how has it influenced your own design approach? 

Yes, the differences are quite pronounced. In Los Angeles, clients are far more open to bold experimentation. Requests for unconventional shapes, very bright colors, lots of decoration, and intricate, sometimes avant-garde designs are commonplace here. I remember one client who wanted a unique design — and even a different nail shape — on each finger! That’s very characteristic of the local drive for self-expression. In Europe, the preference leans toward elegant classics, restraint, and naturalness. Working here, I’ve perhaps become bolder in my creative suggestions, and my design repertoire has expanded. I still love classic styles, but the American openness to new ideas gives me greater freedom to express my passion for complex nail art, especially 3D sculpting.

So, working in the U.S. has allowed you to fully realize your potential in nail design? 

To a certain extent, yes. The local clientele is more receptive to intricate, voluminous, and artistic designs. It’s easier here to find clients willing to wear genuine nail sculptures. That encourages me to grow in this direction — refining my 3D modeling technique and exploring new materials and forms. Although, I must say, flawless execution of classic manicures or elegant French designs remains the foundation of my work.

How has the combination of European precision — gained through your training — and American boldness — encountered in your work — influenced your technique and overall style? 

I’d say it has led to the development of a more versatile and adaptive style. The European school gave me a strong foundation, attention to detail, and a pursuit of perfect form and structure. The American experience added courage, creative freedom, and a willingness to take unconventional approaches to color and shape. As a result, I strive to combine technical perfection with artistic creativity, offering my clients both refined classics and daring avant-garde looks — always executed at the highest quality.

You actively compete in international Nailympia championships held in the U.S., where artists from all over the world participate. Can this experience be considered part of your international integration? How does the atmosphere and level of these competitions differ from European ones? 

Absolutely. Nailympia is a world-class platform. Participating in such competitions is not only a test of your skills but also immersion in a global professional community. You get to see the work of top masters from dozens of countries, observe global trends, and experience an incredible competitive spirit. The level of competition is extremely high, and the judges have very strict standards. It differs from national championships in scale and the diversity of represented schools and styles. Winning at Nailympia is confirmation that your mastery is competitive on a global level.

Having international experience and working in a metropolis like Los Angeles likely helps you stay at the forefront of current trends? 

Yes, working here means being in the very epicenter of the industry. It’s easier to track new trends, materials, and technologies. Networking with colleagues from different countries, attending exhibitions, and participating in master classes — all this helps me stay in sync with the pulse of the industry. Moreover, holding international KSSK accreditation requires maintaining a high level of knowledge and meeting global standards, which also motivates me to stay current with every innovation.

Do you plan to expand the geography of your professional experience in the future,  perhaps training or working in other countries, such as in Asia, known for its nail traditions? 

I’m always open to new opportunities for growth and learning. The Asian nail art school is indeed very unique and fascinating, and I wouldn’t rule out exploring it more closely in the future. For now, my immediate plans are focused on further developing my career here in the U.S., participating in competitions, and possibly taking my first steps into judging. But the world is vast, and the industry keeps evolving — new horizons are always calling.

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