MUSINGS FROM A Nailympia medallist

Russian born, NYC-based nail pro, MARGARITA YUTSAYTIS, shares insights into her inspiring career journey & artistic prowess

“Whatever our fate is or may be, we have made it and do not complain of it.”

Part 1

My nail journey

Back in 2016, I was set on a career in finance: banking, investments and everything related to numbers. Nails never crossed my mind, but things changed when my mother suggested that I enrol on a manicure course, so that I could do her nails. Her regular nail tech had raised their treatment prices and, with the family already covering my university tuition, she couldn’t afford to book appointments as often.

The idea of becoming a nail tech seemed strange to me. I had always imagined myself in an office, staring at spreadsheets and dressed in a formal business suit. To be honest, that future didn’t excite me, but I hadn’t considered anything else, so I agreed to enrol.

I signed up for evening courses while studying at university. It wasn’t easy juggling two completely different paths and I had plenty of doubts, but I didn’t give up. At first, I was most drawn to nail art and French manicures. Early on, basic manicures took me around four hours, and sculpting took up to seven. I focused on doing everything with precision and care, and found myself fascinated by the process of creating something beautiful. As my skillset increased, I became more inspired, and would spend hours watching YouTube videos featuring international artists. I would pause, practice and learn – and I always loved the results.

My first attempt at gradient nails.

Early challenges & motivation

I take a while to get going with tasks, and to do something well, I usually start by doing it poorly. I’ll never forget when an educator called me the worst student she’d ever taught. I laughed it off on the outside, but inside, I wanted to disappear. In that moment, I had two choices: give up, or push myself harder and prove that perseverance is the foundation of success. The educator’s comment became a powerful motivator.

One day, my mum’s friend asked me to do gradient nails: white to pink. I’d never tried that style and to say it went badly would be putting it kindly. It was truly tear-worthy. However, to my surprise, she was thrilled and full of encouragement. After that, I tried every method I could to improve my skills, and eventually developed my own course on gradient techniques.

“Nothing is impossible if you love what you do, are willing to learn and stay open to new experiences.”

My first nail studio.

Salon style & building a client base

At the start of my career, I worked from home doing manicures for friends and relatives at a kitchen table. My husband wasn’t thrilled about having people in the house, but he always supported me. Within a year, I had built up a small client base and decided it was time to move into a separate studio space. My friends joked that it looked like a stable, as the owner had decorated it with construction palettes. However, for me, it was a major step forward.

I always aimed to be a versatile nail tech, and never turned down a client’s request – even when they asked for complex designs. People came to me with ideas that other nail pros didn’t want to tackle, and that showed me I could handle the hard stuff. I’ve always enjoyed both classic and artistic styles and have never wanted to limit myself, so was encouraged to grow and develop in all directions.

Education & teaching development

I began receiving requests for training, but never stopped being a student myself. I took countless courses in design and sculpting, and completed educator training with renowned nail techs. I travelled across Europe and to major cities in Russia to learn from the best, and I even wrote two manuals: one for basic manicures and another for advanced techniques.

One of the most rewarding experiences has been conducting one-on-one sessions and teaching small groups. It’s hard to describe the feeling you get when watching your knowledge help someone grow and improve. In fact, I’d say teaching is even more powerful than taking a course, because as you see your student’s progress, you naturally reinforce and refine your own skills. One student I trained went on to become such a talented tech and educator that I entrusted her with my studio.

I started running online masterclasses and marathons, which showcased how to paint flowers and create abstract designs. Initially, I was terrified of speaking on camera, but I’ve learned that fear is where growth begins. I recorded mini courses, filmed tutorials and gave feedback to students. I believe this is essential because I had to learn through trial and error, as few techs shared their knowledge openly. That’s why I’m committed to teaching now, as I can offer others what I didn’t have.

Adaptation, English & opening my studio

I built connections with clients and developed strong, friendly relationships, which improved my English. I worked 10-hour days with one day off each week, and within a year, I had saved enough to open my own studio in Manhattan. While backed by experience, it was still a risk. I cut corners to make it happen, and didn’t buy my first Starbucks coffee until a year later!

I spent time studying the market, researching the legal system, learning service standards and understanding client expectations. I received bookings from people who loved bold nail designs, florals and artistic nail art, and my business progressed.

Fear of competitions & the move to the USA

From the early stages of my nail career, I was encouraged to enter competitions, but I lacked confidence and believed that competitions were only for seasoned professionals. Even during training courses, I was urged to compete, but I still refused. Things changed when I moved to the USA.

My husband and I rented a room in a large apartment shared with others. Just two weeks after moving in, there was a fire: an electrical short in the ceiling sparked, and within seconds everything went up in flames. We ran out immediately, unable to save anything. I can still remember standing across the street in the rain watching the apartment burn. We lost so much that day: equipment, belongings and documents. However, a few days later, colleagues generously helped us with clothing and supplies: something I’ve remained deeply grateful for.

Soon after, I was invited to teach a sculpting course. It felt risky, as I didn’t know the market, what to charge or how things worked in the USA. But the course went well and fuelled me with motivation.

The first few months in the USA were tough, but I’m proud that I didn’t give up. I stayed open to new experiences and found inspiration in unexpected places.

A cheers to new beginnings, following the apartment fire that destroyed our belongings.

A world of opportunities

Every challenge has given me confidence as well as experience. The journey hasn’t been easy; it’s been filled with doubt, relocations, instability, mistakes and countless sleepless nights. But these experiences shaped me into the artist, educator and person I am today: someone who can start from scratch, anywhere in the world.

I’m part of a vibrant and creative community, and have met artists and creators who continually inspire me with their mindsets, styles and professional approaches. It’s incredible to witness so many exhibitions, industry events and networking spaces where people freely share knowledge, ideas and support. Where I come from, we didn’t have that. I had to build everything from the ground up in isolation.

Looking back, I remember my experiences with gratitude: the uncertainty, the fire, that tiny windowless studio, the four-hour manicures and my very first client in New York who found me through word of mouth. Every one of those moments was a link in the chain that led me here.

I believe in craftsmanship, and that talent is something you grow – not something you’re given. Nothing is impossible if you love what you do, are willing to learn and stay open to new experiences. If my story inspires even one person who’s currently doubting themselves, telling it has served its purpose.

www.marsnails.com