We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anastasiia Russu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Anastasiia, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
For me, creativity is a living energy — it grows when I stay curious, inspired, and open to the world around me. I keep it alive by constantly learning: traveling, observing trends, teaching others, and surrounding myself with beauty in all its forms — from fashion and architecture to human stories.
As a lash artist and trainer, my creativity is not just about design — it’s about feeling. Every client is a new canvas, and every student I teach is a chance to rediscover my craft through fresh eyes. I also journal, create mood boards, and take time offline to recharge. Creativity loves freedom, and I give it space to breathe.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a lash artist, educator, and founder of AirLashes KC — a brand built on the belief that beauty should never come at the cost of health or quality.
My journey began when I was 21 — a young mom learning lash extensions while raising my daughter. What started as a necessity quickly became my passion and, over time, grew into a business, a brand, and a mission.
In 2018 and 2019, I became a World Lash Champion, and those victories became a powerful milestone in my career. Today, I not only provide premium lash services but also train aspiring lash artists, mentor their growth, and proudly serve as a judge at international championships — helping others rise with the same love and persistence that shaped my own path.
What excites me most is seeing women transform — not just through beauty, but through confidence, purpose, and self-belief. I truly believe lashes can be art, self-care, and empowerment all at once.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding my educational direction: hosting advanced offline workshops, developing professional training materials, and building a community of mindful, skilled lash artists.
AirLashes KC isn’t just about lashes. It’s about doing what you love — with heart, with values, and with the power to inspire others to do the same.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities that shaped my journey the most were resilience, precision, and emotional intelligence.
Resilience helped me keep going through every challenge — from learning a new craft while raising a baby, to starting over in a new country. I learned to see obstacles not as stop signs, but as redirections.
Precision is everything in the lash industry — and in business. The ability to focus on details, deliver consistent quality, and never settle for “good enough” is what built trust with my clients and students.
Emotional intelligence allowed me to connect deeply — to understand what people really need, whether it’s a client in my chair or a student in my class. Success is not just about skill, but how you make people feel.
My advice? Be patient with your growth. Invest in quality education, surround yourself with people who inspire you, and never compare your chapter one to someone else’s chapter ten. Stay humble, stay hungry, and always, always lead with love.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I’m always open to partnerships and exciting collaborations. I’m especially interested in working with bloggers, influencers, beauty industry professionals, photographers, and event organizers. I value honesty, creativity, and mutually beneficial relationships. I also love collaborating with people who share my values: quality, passion for their craft, and respect for clients.
If you feel like we could create something great together, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram @russunastya. I’d love to connect and hear your ideas!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.airlashes-kc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russu.anastasiia?igsh=MWIxMW9tZDVjbG1nMQ==
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