Meet Nataliia Chumak

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nataliia Chumak. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nataliia below.

Hi Nataliia, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.

How I Developed My Ability to Take Risks

Since childhood, I was the kind of child who always followed the rules. I was obedient, diligent, and listened to my mother without questioning her advice. Coming from a family of medical professionals, my path seemed predetermined — I went to medical college, became a nurse, and worked in the field for three years. But deep down, I knew it wasn’t truly my calling.

It was during that time that I first learned what real responsibility feels like — not the one you owe to others, but the one you owe to yourself. One day, I gathered the courage to tell my mother that I wanted to change my life and pursue a completely different path — to become a nail artist. I remember feeling incredibly sad to disappoint her, but I also knew that if I didn’t take this risk, I’d never find my true self.

That moment became my first major leap of faith. A new profession, new knowledge, no support system, and complete uncertainty — but I felt it in my soul that this was my direction. I spent countless nights watching tutorials, reading blogs, learning new techniques, and eventually took another bold step — I rented my own space, invested in advertising, and slowly built my client base through hard work and dedication.

There’s a beautiful Spanish saying — “Que será, será”, meaning “Whatever will be, will be.” This phrase has become a kind of life motto for me. I truly believe that without risk, there is no growth — neither spiritual nor professional. Risk is life itself. It’s the courage to go where it’s uncomfortable, where fear and doubt live — because that’s exactly where strength and transformation begin.

I never viewed risk as danger; for me, it was always a step forward with faith. When the war started in my country, I faced another huge challenge — to move abroad and start over at 26. A new country, a new language, new people — everything was unfamiliar. But every uncertain step I took made me stronger and shaped the person I am today.

Looking back, I realize that everything I’ve achieved was born from the courage to take risks — and I’m deeply grateful for every one of them.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am Natalia Chumak, a nail artist and aesthetic pedicure specialist based in Ohio, USA. My journey began in Ukraine, in the picturesque town of Obukhiv. From a young age, I was curious, energetic, and creative, always eager to help others and make a positive impact. I initially trained as a medical professional and worked for several years as a nurse in Kyiv. This experience gave me a strong foundation in attention to detail, hygiene, and client care—skills that have become invaluable in my transition to the beauty industry.

In 2019, I discovered my true passion: creating perfect nails. What started as a personal curiosity quickly became a full-fledged career. I combined my medical knowledge with creative techniques to develop a unique approach to nail aesthetics. Today, I specialize in combination manicures and aesthetic pedicures, always striving to create work that is both beautiful and healthy.

My professional journey has also taken me beyond Ukraine. In 2022, due to the war, I had to leave my country and move to Barcelona, Spain. There, I worked in beauty salons, collaborated with artists from around the world, gained invaluable experience, and refined my skills. Every day in a new environment inspired me to explore new approaches and innovate my techniques.

In 2024, I moved to the United States, to Ohio, where I was able to fully implement the knowledge and experience I had accumulated. I opened my own cozy studio, welcoming clients and preparing for new competitions and exhibitions. My journey has been a combination of resilience, perseverance, and passion for my craft.

What excites me most about my work is the ability to transform not just nails, but confidence. Each design is an opportunity to make a client feel empowered and radiant. Every piece I create is a blend of artistry, technical skill, and individuality—a small masterpiece infused with heart and soul.

Over the years, I have participated in numerous international competitions and received top honors. Highlights include Grand Prix in Chicago, multiple first-place awards at the IV International European Beauty & Object Decoration Championship in Germany, accolades at the XXVIII Ukrainian Beauty Championship “Golden Lion”, and having my work showcased at professional exhibitions in Canada.

As a judge in international competitions and a member of the Ukrainian Professional Beauty Association at the regional trainer level, I am constantly inspired by emerging trends and the creativity of fellow artists. In the U.S., I continue to grow my practice, combining personalized care with world-class technique.

Looking ahead, I am excited to continue sharing my artistry, competing internationally, and introducing new services that blend technical excellence with innovative design. For me, nail art is not just a profession—it’s a way to create beauty, bring joy, and inspire confidence in every client I work with.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

If I were to highlight the three most important qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have had the greatest impact on my journey, they would be:
1. Attention to detail and responsibility
My medical background provided me with an invaluable foundation—careful attention to detail, discipline, and accountability for results. In the beauty industry, this is essential, as the quality of work directly affects both the client’s satisfaction and well-being.
2. Creativity and a drive for innovation
The ability to see creative opportunities and experiment has helped me develop my own style and stand out in international competitions. Continuously exploring new techniques, materials, and approaches is what keeps your work fresh and allows you to grow professionally.
3. Resilience and adaptability
My journey involved moving to different countries, adapting to new environments, and constantly learning. Resilience, perseverance, and a willingness to step outside of your comfort zone have been key to my success.

Advice for those starting out:
• Cultivate attention to detail and discipline in everything you do—this lays the foundation of professionalism.
• Nurture your creativity: experiment, study others’ work, and develop your own unique style.
• Embrace change and challenges—every obstacle can be an opportunity for growth.

Combining these three qualities has not only helped me achieve professional success but also allowed me to enjoy the journey, feel confident in my abilities, and continually find inspiration in my work.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

Although I grew up without consistent parental support, the most impactful thing my parents gave me was the ability to be independent and strong-willed. This early lesson taught me to take responsibility for my own life, make decisions, and overcome challenges on my own.

This independence has been crucial in building my career, establishing myself in the nail industry, adapting to life in different countries, and gaining international experience. Being self-reliant has allowed me to stay confident and pursue my goals, even in difficult circumstances, and has become one of the key qualities that drives my success today.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Savae_nails @natalia_sgv

Image Credits

Nataliia Chumak