From Ukraine to U.S. Success: The Journey of Olena Kotelnytska

NATIONWIDE - OCTOBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) When Olena Kotelnytska arrived in the United States from Ukraine in 2022, she had to start from scratch. Her first step was to earn a professional license in her field, a milestone that allowed her to begin working and establish herself in Miami’s beauty industry. 

Today, just three years later, Kotelnytska is working backstage at New York Fashion Week for the second year in a row, creating clean and editorial looks for shows officially listed in the CFDA calendar. Her artistry has been featured in outlets such as ELLE, Vogue Runway, and her presence at NYFW marks a milestone that many makeup artists aspire to achieve over an entire career. 

Beyond the runway, she has represented the United States on global beauty stages: becoming a finalist and winner at the OMC European Cup, OMC World Cup, the IBI Awards, OMC Global Artist of the Year etc. These achievements highlight both her artistry and her persistence in pushing creative boundaries. 

Her reputation as a competitor soon led to invitations to serve as a judge. In 2025 she joined the jury at Browista USA, as well as at the WBC World Beauty Championship, and continued judging at other global events. 

At the same time, Kotelnytska has dedicated herself to education. Through her Miami-based studio, she conducts professional courses in makeup and brow artistry, helping working masters refine their skills, grow their careers, and prepare for competitions. She is also accredited to work in Miami’s luxury residences such as Porsche Design Tower and Armani Casa, serving a high-profile clientele. 

Her story is one of resilience and reinvention: from starting over in a new country to establishing herself in Miami, to becoming a NYFW artist, competitor, and judge on the world stage. Today, Kotelnytska represents the U.S., proving that passion and dedication can turn a new beginning into international success.

Olena's journey has not only been about professional achievement but also about embracing a new culture and navigating the challenges that come with being an immigrant. Her story serves as a testament to the resilience required to adapt to a new environment while maintaining a strong sense of identity. She often shares how her Ukrainian roots have shaped her unique perspective on beauty, which she incorporates into her work, blending Eastern European influences with Western trends. This fusion of styles has become one of the defining aspects of her artistry, earning her recognition in both international and local beauty circles.

Looking ahead, Kotelnytska is passionate about expanding her impact on the beauty industry through both her artistry and educational efforts. She plans to continue growing her brand by collaborating with top fashion designers, exploring more global beauty competitions, and launching a line of professional beauty products. Her mission to inspire and elevate others remains at the heart of everything she does. As her career continues to evolve, Olena Kotelnytska remains dedicated to showing the world that with hard work, creativity, and determination, it’s possible to turn adversity into a platform for success.

In addition to her professional pursuits, Olena is deeply committed to giving back to her community. She actively participates in charity events and uses her platform to advocate for the empowerment of women in the beauty industry. By sharing her journey, she hopes to inspire other aspiring artists, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Olena believes in the power of mentorship and has made it a priority to offer guidance to young, emerging talent. Her dedication to uplifting others is a key part of her legacy, proving that success is not just about personal achievement but also about lifting others as you rise.

Olena continues to share her journey and connect with followers through her Instagram. Stay inspired by following her at the links below:

• Website

• Instagram Post 1

• Instagram Reel 1

• Instagram Post 2