Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sofiia Mazur. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Sofiia, 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 started doing nails when I was 14 – first just for myself, then for friends and family. I was a nail biter back then, and I used to go to a local nail tech for extensions. Every time I came back with bitten nails, she would get mad at me. I already felt insecure, and those appointments made me feel even worse! Eventually, she stopped scheduling me altogether.
That moment stuck with me. I thought that there has to be a better way! I wanted to be the person who helps nail biters feel confident, not ashamed. That’s what inspired me to try doing nails on my own. I fell in love with it immediately. Right after my 15th birthday, I enrolled in nail school and officially started my journey!
From the beginning, my purpose has been clear: to make people feel good about their hands, no matter what their nails look like! To create a safe space where clients aren’t judged, but supported. Because I know exactly how it feels to be on the other side.
That mindset stayed with me as I grew – from doing nails in Ukraine to training with top educators, moving countries, and now teaching professionals in the US. My purpose is still the same: to raise standards in this industry and to help others feel proud, confident, and seen!
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Right now, I’m fully focused on nail education! I’ve made it my mission to share that experience here in the US. My goal is to invest my skills into the American nail industry and help make it one of the top countries in the world for high-quality, non-damaging manicure services!
What’s most exciting to me is seeing how education truly transforms people! Nail techs not only improve their technique, but they also learn how to perform manicures safely! One of my biggest goals is to help shift the industry here toward healthier practices, where nail care doesn’t mean damage, but protection and precision!
There’s a lot happening this year! In August, I’m launching my online training programs to make expert-level education more accessible. In September, I’ll be traveling to Chicago as a judge at a national nail competition. And in October, I’ll be teaching a manicure masterclass at the Utah Nail Expo which is one of the biggest nail events in the US. We’re also planning an in-person class in Scottsdale, and I couldn’t be more excited to continue growing my academy and connecting with techs across the country!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, one of the most important qualities in my journey was consistency! I kept showing up, practicing, learning – even when I didn’t feel confident yet. Progress takes time, and it’s all about small steps every day. For anyone starting out: don’t rush. Stay consistent, stay hungry for knowledges and results will come to you!
Another key skill was communication. As a nail tech and now as an educator, being able to listen, explain, and support others has been everything. Whether it’s with clients or students, strong communication builds trust and makes people feel safe and understood. I always recommend working on how you explain things – even to yourself. It helps you grow faster and connect better with others!
Lastly, adaptability has been a major part of my journey. I had to adjust to new countries, new cultures and different client expectations. Every country does nails differently – and instead of resisting those differences, I chose to learn from them. Adaptability helped me stay open-minded, expand my skills, and find my own style while still respecting my roots. For anyone starting out: be flexible, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone – it’s where the real growth happens!
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
I think it’s smart to go all-in on your strengths but only after you’ve explored a bit! You won’t know what you actually love until you try different things. When I was first starting out, I tried all sorts of directions – from nail art to extensions just to figure out what felt right! That’s when I realized I didn’t care about trends or glitter. I loved clean, structured, natural-looking nails. The healthier, the better!
And let’s be real – I didn’t get here overnight. I used to be a nail biter, and when I first started practicing on myself and my friends at 14, I’m pretty sure I did the world’s worst gel polish application. But I kept going, and once I found what I loved, I went all in!
That’s what I recommend to anyone starting out: explore, but once you find what excites you – go deep. Specializing gave me confidence, helped me grow fast, and opened doors I never expected. Trying to do everything at once is a shortcut to burnout. Focus is where the magic happens!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sovanails.myshopify.com
- Instagram: @s.ova.nails
Image Credits
Photo by Alina Rafalovskaia Photography
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