Natalia Yefremova: From Berdyansk to Hollywood – A Journey Through Nail Art Championships

The nail salon market continues its steady growth. By the end of 2024, it reached $8.8 billion globally, according to industry reports. The forecast for 2025 is $9.2 billion, and over the next decade, this figure is expected to rise by more than 50%, reaching $13.7 billion. This growth is driven by strong demand for creative designs – especially among younger generations – and by the constant introduction of new technologies. The market is also expanding thanks to a growing interest in self-care, combined with busy lifestyles and rising incomes. That rapid growth helps explain why international competitions attract so many artists. Natalia Yefremova shares how to compete at global championships and find your own style in such a dynamic industry.

Natalia Yefremova is a professional nail artist and designer with extensive experience working in both Ukraine and the United States. Over the years, she has earned recognition as a prizewinner and champion at major international competitions, including Chicago, Dubai, Germany, and Hollywood, where she collected multiple first-place awards as well as the prestigious Grand Prix. In 2025, Natalia expanded her professional path by joining the panel of judges at leading international beauty championships in Europe and beyond. Known for her creativity, attention to detail, and dedication to continuous growth, she has become a respected figure in the nail art industry worldwide.

Natalia, you started your professional journey in Berdyansk and eventually moved to the United States. What inspired you to choose nail artistry, and how did your background in nursing and speech therapy influence your approach to this creative profession?  

No matter what I was studying or working as, nails were always my passion. Even while working as a nurse and later as a speech therapist, I found myself returning to nail art after long days at school or the clinic. I have always loved medicine – and still do – but over time I realized that creative work fulfills me even more.

My nursing background shaped one of my core principles: do no harm. It instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility, the importance of safety, and the discipline to treat every detail with care. That foundation naturally carried into my work as a nail artist – from valuing proper disinfection and sterilization to believing that true beauty is always rooted in health.

What began as a hobby with my family and friends gradually grew into something much bigger. With gel polish, I discovered I could go beyond simply painting nails – I could create designs, express myself, and bring joy to others. That’s when I realized this was more than a pastime; it was my true calling.

What were the biggest challenges you faced when building your career abroad, and how did you manage to adapt to a multicultural environment?  

To be honest, I can’t say I faced major difficulties when building my career abroad. When I moved to the U.S., I felt mentally prepared for the fact that I would meet people from a completely different culture. At the same time, I knew there was a strong Russian-speaking community here that appreciates the style of nail artistry I specialize in, so I felt confident that my work would find its audience.

My English was good enough to communicate with clients, and whenever I needed support, I relied on Google Translate. The real challenge was simply overcoming the fear of speaking – realizing that most of the obstacles were only in my head. Once I took that step, everything moved quickly. My client base grew almost immediately because, at that time, nail services like mine were already popular, but there were very few specialists.

Another factor that made my transition easier was that I brought my professional equipment and materials with me. Having a wide variety of products and the right tools from the very beginning allowed me to start working right away with minimal investment. That made the start of my career abroad much smoother.

You have won multiple international championships – including the Brilliant World Cup in Dubai and Hollywood, the Global Talent Beauty Cup in Chicago, and the Grand Prix at the International East European Beauty Association in Germany. Which of these victories stands out to you the most, and why? 

Each victory is meaningful to me, and I truly value all of them because I believe every small win is a step toward greater success. But if I had to choose one that stands out the most, it would be the Grand Prix at the International East European Beauty Association in Germany.

That was the moment when I felt my approach had become more conscious and refined. My earlier competitions – in Dubai, Hollywood, and Chicago – were incredible experiences, but in many ways they were also my “learning grounds.” At that time, I was still very new, and everything felt overwhelming. I didn’t fully understand all the requirements, and while I thought my work looked beautiful, later I realized how much presentation matters – for example, the importance of photographing nails properly so every detail is visible.

Those early challenges taught me valuable lessons, and by the time I competed in Germany, I approached the process differently. I focused not only on the artistry of the work but also on how it was presented. Winning the Grand Prix was proof to myself that growth, discipline, and constant improvement truly lead to new heights.

Competing in so many different countries, from the U.S. to Germany and the UAE, must have given you a broad perspective. What differences do you notice between beauty competitions across various regions?  

What stood out to me the most when competing in different countries is the way categories are structured. In general, the range of nominations is broad everywhere, giving artists the chance to showcase their skills in many different ways. But I’ve noticed that European championships often offer a wider spectrum of categories and divisions. It feels as though they aim to create a place for every artist – whether you’re just starting out, already have some experience, or are somewhere in between. That inclusivity, along with the variety of nominations, makes European competitions feel especially diverse.

By contrast, competitions in the U.S. are appealing in a different way. They stand out for their simplicity and clarity, with just three main divisions – beginner, intermediate, and professional. It’s very straightforward: you know exactly where you belong, and there’s no confusion about which category to enter. I appreciate this minimalist approach as well, because it makes the process feel clear and accessible while still being highly competitive.

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