Rising Stars: Meet Olena Kotelnytska of Miami

Today we’d like to introduce you to Olena Kotelnytska.

Hi Olena, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Your Story
I was born and raised in Ukraine, where my journey in the beauty industry began more than 10 years ago. In Kyiv, I founded my own beauty school and trained dozens of aspiring brow and makeup artists. I quickly became known not only for my precise technique, but also for my passion for education and mentoring.

Before moving to the U.S., I served as a national trainer for the Ukrainian professional team within the Union of Beauty Professionals, helping prepare top-level artists for international competitions. I also became a recognized judge at major beauty championships around the world, including BROWISTA and other global events.

After relocating to the U.S. in 2022 due to the war, I rebuilt my career from the ground up — becoming a licensed beauty professional, continuing to teach and judge, and joining the American Cosmetology Association (ACA) as a professional member. I now work in Miami with clients from across the country and collaborate with luxury spaces like Porsche Design and Armani Casa.

In addition to my educational work, I continue to actively compete and have been recognized as a winner and finalist in major international championships, including the IBI Awards, and the OMC Europe Cup. I also proudly will represent Team USA at the OMC World Cup in Paris. Also I have worked backstage at New York Fashion Week.

My journey is one of transformation, cultural pride, and deep commitment to the global beauty community.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, the road hasn’t been smooth.
When I moved to the U.S. just before the war started in Ukraine, I faced incredible uncertainty. I arrived alone, with no support system, no ability to work legally at first, and limited English. I had to start everything from zero — in a new country, a new culture, and a highly competitive industry.

I worked hard to adapt, build my name from scratch, and earn trust as a professional. I invested in my skills, paid taxes even when I had no stable income, and slowly rebuilt my career. Today I proudly work with top professionals in the beauty world, train other artists, and continue growing despite everything I’ve faced.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Ukrainian-born brow and makeup artist with over 10 years of international experience. I specialize in eyebrow architecture, lamination, tinting, and editorial-style makeup, and I currently work with clients in Miami, Florida. My approach combines high-precision techniques with a natural aesthetic, refined through years of hands-on practice and training.

Before moving to the U.S., I owned a professional training studio in Kyiv where I mentored aspiring brow artists. Today, I continue to coach professionals preparing for international competitions, and I’ve judged global championships such as BROWISTA, WBC, and others. I’m also a member of ACA USA and a trainer for Team Ukraine within the national beauty association.

I’ve had the honor of working backstage at New York Fashion Week and with luxury showrooms like Porsche Design and Armani Casa in Miami. What sets me apart is my passion for shaping beauty standards while contributing to the professional growth of artists around the world. I’m proud to be recognized as a multi-award-winning expert who represents both my heritage and my current home on the international stage.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about this city is that it somehow feels like destiny brought me here. As a child, my favorite computer game was GTA: Vice City — a game inspired by Miami’s vibrant streets, palm-lined beaches, and neon lights. Back then, I could never imagine that one day I’d be walking those same streets not in a game, but in real life.

I completely fell in love with this city from the first visit. Even before the war, I came here several times on vacation — it became my personal place of inspiration and joy. In early 2022, I traveled to Miami again to celebrate my birthday. But just one day before my birthday, the war began in Ukraine. It was then that I made the life-changing decision to stay here and build a new life.

I never even dreamed of living in Miami — yet here I am. This city gave me a second chance, and for that, I’m endlessly grateful.

What I like least? Maybe the unpredictable weather during hurricane season — but even that doesn’t change how much I adore this city.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://makeupbrow.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eyebrows_makeup_miami/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makeupbrowmiami
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olena-kotelnytska-b22551375/
• Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/yl-studio-hallandale-beach
• Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FKwKjo65vfW5dYoh9

Image Credits
Alex Dani
Kseniya De Netto