Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zhenya Masko. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Zhenya , 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?
It’s definitely not just one thing! First of all, it’s a lifetime meditation. I keep my mindset at the present moment and keep practicing this for many years. It’s just one of my good habits.
I focus on my breath and the surrounding objects at the same time. It is quite difficult for the first time, but if you keep practicing, you’ll settle in. The present moment is a vast ocean of the creative and inspiring ideas.
Also, my Family is definitely one of the most inspirational parts of my life. My lovely wife Lana and beautiful daughters Lucy and Gia refill my heart with pure and unconditional love that is my fuel for the creativity.
Secondly, the active sport 5 times a week helps me a lot to keep my energy up. I do high intensive trainings every morning, that gives me a sharp focus and calms my mind down.
Next, of course, education: I love observing new technologies and techniques. It keeps my mind active and busy, and helps me with the new ideas.
Finally, the nature and the music. California is an outstanding place with the scenic routes, beautiful landscapes and places that keep me on the top of creativity level. I enjoy hiking and driving listening to my favorite SoundCloud sets from the best DJ artists around the world.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hello dear folks! Let me introduce myself. My name is Zhenya Masko I’m a hairstylist and an abstract artist.
Today I’d like to share with you my life experience how to keep creativity alive no matter what.
A little story how I’ve started a new life.
It’s been almost 7 years when me and my wife moved to Los Angeles from Kiev, Ukraine.
It was a tough time to take a new start in the country of dreams the United States.
Back then in Kiev I was a successful hairstylist and artist.
Unfortunately, in 2014 due to the hostilities in Ukraine it was impossible to live a normal life and plan anything for the future.
It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but we’ve decided to take a level up from the beginning which started over here in Los Angeles.
Everything was new for us but it was like a fuel burned in the reactor, considering the fact that we were expecting our first baby.
First, I’ve got a green card as a talented artist and hairstylist.
Then, I’ve got my professional cosmetology license, which was a real challenge.
Meanwhile I followed my heart and I’ve started creating a new collection of the artworks called “Sensation».
There were two parallel lines connected to each other: a hairstyling/coloring and an abstract art.
I worked at the famous salon in the Golden Triangle of Beverly Hills “Giuseppe Franco” and at my home art studio.
Everything went great, I had been doing hairstyles for photo shoots, collaborated with the luxury hair brand Philip B, created the art works at my spare time, and then suddenly the Pandemic came into our lives. That changed everything, especially for creative people that time was a really hard task.
During next few years I wasn’t working neither on the art projects nor at the salon. The depression little by little started appearing in my life.
By the end of the 2021 everything was back to normal. But the day of February 24, 2022 changed everything to the worse. Russian-Ukrainian war has started that day and that was (and still is) so hard for me and my family.
To keep myself busy, I’ve decided to open up my private hair studio in Beverly Hills. That was also a challenge for me, but I’ve gathered all my will in a fist and began to develop the direction of hairstyling.
I approached the opening of my hair studio as meticulously as possible.
My passion is to use the best products and tools for my clients in my studio.
So, I’ve ordered one the best salon equipment I always wanted – it is Takara Belmont from Japan.
Especially for the studio, I’ve picked up a unique perfume to create a comfortable and cozy atmosphere.
The next step is the sound. To create a certain mood during my work and make it comfortable for my clients, I use the background music.
I explore the expanses of SoundCloud to find the most suitable music content.
Also, I love treating my guests with the ceremonial Japanese matcha latte and Ferrero Rocher.
For the haircuts I use custom made scissors by Mizutani. They are like a real masterpiece made by the same craftsmen who created Katana swords in the ancient times.
As an artist, I prefer to create hair colors from scratch. The dyes I use give me the opportunity to create about 3000 of different shades individually for each guest.
My main goal is to create an impeccable result.
I use all of my knowledge and experience and the most advanced technologies and techniques help me with this.
I never cut the corners to achieve what I want in my work and my life as well.
At the same time, to keep my energy level high, I’ve started a high intensity training 5 days a week in a sport club “Training Mate”.
Like a Phoenix bird, I began to revive.
In summer time I flew to Miami for an exclusive hair coloring seminar, after that I became a certified airtouch blonde specialist.
At this moment I have a successful hair studio Masko Zhenya Hairstylist on Canon drive in Beverly Hills.
On October 1st one more miracle has happened in my life, my wife Lana gave a birth for our second daughter Gia, that was really inspiring and challenging for me never to stop on my achievements.
This year I have new goals in the art and hairstyling. I’ve already started working on my educational program for hairstylists and few more projects that I would like to keep as a secret.
I would definitely love to see you in my hair studio and create for you the unique hair colors or hairstyles.
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?
Self confidence, goal-orientation and self-improvement. I would say, these 3 are the most important. Due to these qualities I was able to improve for the purposes I chose. Self confidence and self-improvement give me the feeling of freedom. I am the only responsible person and the master of all the circumstances that happen in my life.
My advice for you dear folks.
Look for your life path, follow your heart. Improve your knowledge and become a master of your life. Make sure that looking back, you are fulfilled with a sense of joy and gratitude to the past. And looking forward you feel the inspiration and energy to achieve your goals.
You’re the only creator of your own life, just remember that.
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?
I am very grateful to my parents for giving me a complete freedom in choosing my life paths while I was growing up. They taught me to be a valor, honest and kind person. My parents gave me the priceless qualities.
To be ready to help those in need. Be fearless and you will succeed. Never give up and follow your dream.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://masko-zhenya-hair-stylist.business.site/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/masko_hairstylist
- Other: Photo credits https://instagram.com/rossy.portraits
Image Credits
https://instagram.com/rossy.portraits
