The nail artist who earned an international title one year into her career
By Jess Watts | 31 May 2026 | Techs & Salons
For Yuliia Lutsenko, doing nails was never just a career choice – it was a calling.
The Florida-based Ukrainian nail artist has spent over a decade honing her skills, earning international competition titles and building a successful private studio.
“My passion for nail art began 11 years ago,” Yuliia says. “I was inspired by the opportunity to combine creativity, aesthetics and working with people.”
Graduating from art school, and completing a college degree in collective visual arts, provided Yuliia with the foundation that would prove instrumental in shaping her approach to nail work. “My artistic background played a major role in my professional development,” she tells Scratch. “This education helped me develop a strong sense of style, attention to detail and an understanding of composition and colour harmony.”
Those skills found their first major stage just a year into Yuliia’s professional journey. By 2016, she had already competed in, and won, her first international championship in Vilnius, Lithuania – a victory which, the nail artist says, ‘became a huge motivation and confirmed that I had chosen the right career path’.
The artist behind the nails
Yuliia describes her nail art in three words: “Elegant, artistic and detail-oriented.” Her style is born from technical skill and external inspiration. “I find creative inspiration both within the nail industry and beyond it,” Yuliia says. “I truly believe that art and creativity exist everywhere – from fashion, nature, architecture and paintings to textures and everyday life.”
Yuliia’s multifaceted artistic vision is evident in her approach to design. One competition design (shown below) – which combines hand-painted elements, artistic composition and decorative techniques – stands out as a particular highlight. “This style became especially meaningful to me because it reflected not only my professional skills, but my artistic vision shaped by my education in visual arts and years of experience,” she says.
When it comes to trends, Yuliia gravitates towards clear and considered looks. “I especially enjoy trends focused on elegance, clean aesthetics and artistic details – minimalist designs, natural shades, delicate nail art, as well as textured and hand-painted work,” she explains. “I believe that nails should enhance a person’s individuality and remain stylish beyond temporary fashion trends.”
And the trends she’d rather leave behind? “Overly overloaded designs that lack harmony and aesthetic balance. For me, it is important to maintain a combination of creativity, elegance and artistic taste,” Yuliia reveals.
Competitive career
For Yuliia, competitions are not only about recognising success, as they are where her professional identity was formed. “Competitions played a huge role in both my professional and personal growth,” she says. “They taught me discipline, attention to detail, the ability to work under pressure and the importance of constantly striving for a higher level of mastery.”
Yuliia adds: “Championships showed me that real growth begins when you step outside your comfort zone and continue moving forward, despite fear or challenges. I realised how important confidence, persistence and passion for your work truly are.”
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This philosophy also permeates Yuliia’s salon work – which she performs from her studio in Orlando, Florida. “I wanted to create not just a place for beauty services, but an atmosphere of comfort and creativity,” she says. “It’s important to me that clients feel not only beautiful, but relaxed, confident and inspired.”
Manicure must-dos
Behind Yuliia’s artistry lies a commitment to quality, safety and longevity. She is meticulous about the tools and products she uses, citing professional E-files, high-quality brushes, proper lighting and sterile tools as non-negotiables.
“The durability and final appearance of a manicure directly depend on high-quality base coats, gels and top coats,” she explains. “I pay great attention not only to aesthetics, but client safety.”
Her advice for clients echoes her pledge for perfect nails. “Regularly moisturise hands and cuticles with oils and creams,” Yuliia says. “Protect your hands while doing household chores by wearing gloves, and never use your nails as tools. Treating nails carefully helps prevent chips, cracks and other damage.”
At the heart of Yuliia’s career is a genuine love of the nail industry. “What I love most about being a nail artist is the opportunity to be creative, while helping people feel more confident and beautiful,” she says. “I truly enjoy seeing the happiness of clients when they see their finished nails.”
Future focus
With international titles, a thriving studio and over a decade of experience on which she is still building, Yuliia Lutsenko shows no signs of slowing down.
“I want to continue growing professionally, developing my studio and strengthening my name in the international beauty industry,” she says. “One of my goals is to inspire other nail artists through my experience, creativity and professional approach.”
Yuliia has some advice for those at the beginning of their nail journeys: “Success is a combination of talent, continuous growth, discipline and genuine passion for what you do. Never stop learning and never stop believing in yourself, because that is what helps you grow both professionally and personally. Passion, dedication and creativity can open many doors and help turn dreams into reality.”
Follow Yuliia on Instagram.
