Meet Katya Ioujakova of Klaws By Katya

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katya Ioujakova.

Hi Katya, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
During school nails was always a hobby while I studied art. I knew I loved art but I didn’t know what to do with it until I saw how creative nail art on Instagram was. I began to follow many talented nail techs around the world & aspired to create art on people’s mini canvas nail beds. I completed my nail course and worked at some local salons while building up my clientele at my home salon on the side. I would travel to events and people’s homes, too. Basically, I said yes to any opportunity or request that came my way. From backstage at fashion week, TV shows, magazines, editorial shoots, celebs like Katy Perry, Rico Nasty & Meghan Trainor to random jobs like doing nails at the maternity ward of a hospital. I feel like I’ve been everywhere anyone needs nails done.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Studying nails and doing nails for real clients is not the same. Only with time and practice can you develop the confidence to not people please all the time with clients & toxic salon owners. When working in a “Boujee” salon, clients wouldn’t want to book with me because I had tattoos/bright colored hair & looked young. Half the job was doing the nails, and the other half was speaking confidently to assure them I knew what I was talking about & show them I was skilled. By the end of the service, they trusted me and would request me every time going forward.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Klaws By Katya?
My nail studio is my happy place where I get to meet amazing people & create beautiful art for them. Clients come to me with their ideas, and then we collaborate on making it how they envision it. I mainly specialize in hand painting characters and 3D gel nails. Every client is different from a basic French tip to 3D charms on every nail. I love the surprise of what design will I do next. Unlike in some salons where nail techs are made to rush, I can take my time, and clients can relax while getting their service done.

What’s next?
After almost a decade of working part-time at a salon & part-time from my home studio, I’ve quit the salon and, this year, will finally only focus on my business and clients. I have many exciting editorial shoots coming up with fellow creatives I love and admire.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klawsbykatya?igsh=MWk1YWc4c3JhcWRkZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr