Meet Olha Kotsiubailo

We were lucky to catch up with Olha Kotsiubailo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Olha, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I believe that even in childhood, I had an unconscious sense of who I wanted to become. I was always fascinated by beauty—not just as an appearance, but as a way to express individuality. In school, I would often experiment with hairstyles, help my friends feel more confident, and already back then, a desire was born in me to change more than just how someone looks—I wanted to uplift their mood, their confidence, their sense of self.

My journey wasn’t a straight path, but every step led me closer to my purpose. After finishing school, I chose to study hairdressing, and that became a turning point. From the very first days of training, I realized that this was more than just a profession—it was a language through which I could speak to the world. I began to grow, constantly improving my skills, learning new techniques, participating in competitions and masterclasses, and eventually, teaching others.

My professional path is a story of persistence, risks, and belief in what I do. I’ve opened two salons on different continents, built a team, and work with clients who trust me with one of the most personal things—their appearance and inner confidence. Each transformation, each client story, is more than work for me—it’s a confirmation that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

I can confidently say: my profession is my calling. It unites my childhood dreams, my education, my experience, and my desire to serve others through beauty. And I feel incredibly grateful to have found the work I was meant to do.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a professional hair colorist and founder of two salons — Space26 in Kyiv and Space LA in Los Angeles. My work is centered around transforming not only hair, but the way people feel about themselves. For me, beauty is not just about appearance — it’s about identity, confidence, and freedom of self-expression.

What excites me most in my craft is the emotional shift I see in clients — from uncertainty to empowerment, from routine to radiance. Each color transformation is deeply personal. I specialize in advanced coloring techniques like AirTouch, balayage, gray blending, and color correction — but what truly defines my work is the intuitive and artistic approach I bring to each individual.

My journey started in Ukraine, where I built my first salon from the ground up. After the war began, I moved to Los Angeles and opened a second location, continuing to pursue my passion and build a space where people feel cared for, seen, and inspired.

Space is more than just a salon. It’s a place of freedom and creativity — a sanctuary where both stylists and clients can grow. We don’t just follow trends — we create tailored beauty that reflects the soul of each person sitting in our chair.

As for what’s new: I’m currently working on educational programs for hairstylists, developing collaborations with international brands, and preparing for professional publications and events. I believe in sharing knowledge and empowering others in the industry — this is the next step of my mission.

If there’s one thing I want people to know, it’s that behind every beautiful result is a story, a connection, and a deep respect for individuality.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Resilience. This trait helped me navigate challenges, uncertainty, and even war. When everything around you is shifting, it’s vital not to break—but to stay grounded and keep your inner fire alive.
2. Lifelong learning. I never stop learning—both in hairdressing and in personal growth. Staying curious and open to new knowledge keeps me sharp and relevant in an ever-evolving industry.
3. Empathy. In my work, empathy is essential. Being able to truly listen, understand what a client needs, and create a space where they feel seen and heard—that’s what builds trust and leads to meaningful results.

My advice to those just starting out:
Don’t be afraid to start small or wait for the “perfect” moment. Focus on growth every single day, seek out mentors, stay true to yourself and to others. And most importantly—never lose touch with what inspires you. Passion is what carries you through the hardest days and fuels the most beautiful breakthroughs.

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 new collaborations.
I truly believe that the most meaningful projects are born when passionate people come together—combining talent, experience, and energy toward a shared vision.

I’m looking to collaborate with those who share my values: quality, aesthetics, depth, and authenticity. This could include:
– ethical beauty and self-care brands,
– professionals in the beauty industry who are driven to grow and create unique services or products,
– creatives who want to build inspiring visual or educational projects together.

I’m also open to working with media outlets, educational platforms, photographers, stylists, and even those just starting their journey—if there’s genuine passion behind what they do.

If my philosophy resonates with you, I’d love to connect.
You can reach me through Instagram: @olgacolorist or via email:
[email protected]

Contact Info:

• Instagram: olgacolorist