Meet Vira Dovbeniuk

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vira Dovbeniuk a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Vira, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from my story. I moved to a new country, built my nail career from scratch, and faced challenges that sometimes felt bigger than me. But I always had this inner voice saying, “You can’t stop now.”
I think I get my strength from my family, from my Ukrainian roots where we simply don’t quit — we cry, we wipe our tears, and we keep going.

My biggest motivation is my passion. I love what I do — helping people feel beautiful through nail artistry — and that gives me energy even on the hardest days. And I always try to keep my sense of humor because sometimes, when life gets messy, the best thing you can do is just laugh and move forward.

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?

I’m Vira Dovbeniuk, a nail artist, educator, and international nail competition winner. I specialize in gel nail extensions and unique designs that tell a story — for me, nails are not just beauty, they are wearable art.

What excites me the most about my work is seeing how small details, like a perfectly shaped apex or a hand-painted design, can completely change how a person feels about themselves. Nails can be powerful — they boost confidence, express individuality, and even tell a life story.

Right now, I’m working on launching my own online nail course where I will teach my signature techniques in gel extensions, nail prep, and design. I’m passionate about sharing my experience with other nail artists and helping them grow their skills with confidence.

And of course, I always keep the creative side alive — I love experimenting with extravagant 3D nail designs and creating art that surprises people.

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, the three most important things that helped me in my journey are patience, continuous learning, and attention to detail.
1. Patience. Great results take time, especially in the beauty industry. I always tell beginners — don’t rush. Progress happens step by step, and you need to be kind to yourself while you grow.
2. Continuous Learning. You can’t stop evolving. I’ve taken many advanced courses and traveled to national and international competitions like Nailympia USA and Persha Stolytsia, which really pushed me to new levels. Competitions taught me to work under pressure, to challenge myself, and to always raise my standards. Stay curious — every master was once a beginner.
3. Attention to Detail. In nail artistry, details make all the difference. Training your eye to see what others miss will set you apart. Take your time, observe, and aim for precision.

My advice? Don’t expect to know everything from the start. Stay open, stay focused, and celebrate small wins along the way. Growth is a journey — not a race.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I’m always open to collaborations! I love working with nail brands, magazines, beauty schools, and creative artists who are passionate about pushing the nail industry forward. I’m especially interested in partnerships where I can share my expertise as a nail educator, contribute to professional events, or create content that inspires others.

If you’re looking for someone to bring a creative, energetic, and professional approach — I’d love to connect! You can reach me on Instagram at @vira_nails_chicago or by email dovbenukvira@gmail.com.

Let’s create something beautiful together!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Vira_nails_chicago