Viktoria Kysil is an international beauty industry leader who parlayed her passion for nail artistry into a global mission of education, excellence, and innovation.
An instructor who founded her own nail academy, Kysil organized several national nail championships in her native Ukraine before expanding her expertise internationally, earning official certification from the International Nail Judges Association.
She later became an official judge for Organisation Mondiale Coiffure World Cup while coaching national teams for international competitions.
As Founder and CEO of the Global Talent Beauty Cup (GTB Cup) and President/ Founder of the International Beauty Association of Trainers and Judges, Kysil has created competitive opportunities that unite beauty professionals across cultures and borders, empowering them to be recognized as true global creatives.
In advance of the upcoming GTB Cup in March at the Be+Well | Beauty and Wellness Show in New York, Kysil spoke to American Salon recently about her journey and what’s on the horizon for beauty competitions.
American Salon: What made you decide to launch a career in beauty?
Viktoria Kysil: My professional background is quite different from the beauty industry. I earned a Master’s degree in Computer-Integrated Technologies and went on to complete postgraduate studies. My father, a Ph.D. university professor, had always envisioned a more academic path for me.
Everything changed in 2005 when I first tried acrylic nail extensions. Watching the process was mesmerizing — the precision, the structure, the design — it felt like pure artistry. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I bought a basic starter kit and began practicing on myself and my mom. That’s when I realized how much I loved it.
Without much support from my family, choosing a beauty career wasn’t easy. But I was determined and thankfully, had one person who fully believed in me: my husband. After our wedding in 2010, instead of going on a honeymoon or spending the gift money on something traditional, we used it to open my first training academy for nail professionals.
Tell us about the first time you entered a beauty competition.
I’d never been the kind of person who loves competing for the sake of it. But I always knew that preparing for competitions forces you to maintain the highest standards in your work.
In 2012, I was representing a Swedish nail brand that sponsored a trip for me to compete at Nailympia in the U.K.
I threw myself into preparation every single day. I practiced on models. I was completely focused and committed. And that dedication paid off: I won three medals and the Grand Prix trophy, the first participant from Ukraine to win the big prize on that stage.
The moment was life changing. It pushed me to a new level — not just technically, because preparing for competitions teaches you to work with both speed and precision — but also professionally. As a newly opened training academy, the win gave me a huge boost.
Suddenly, many nail technicians wanted to learn from me. It marked a new chapter as an educator and as a recognized name in the industry.
What were some of your favorite parts of competing in beauty competitions?
The biggest thing I love about live competitions is the energy. You’re surrounded by other top-level artists. You get to see new techniques, exchange ideas, and feel like you’re part of something bigger. It’s not just about competing; it’s about connection and community.
Another thing I love is the travel. Many of the places I’ve visited, like London or other European cities, I might never have had the chance to see if it weren’t for these championships.
And of course, there’s the personal growth. When you prepare for a competition, you’re pushing yourself beyond your limits: faster, cleaner, better. That pressure shapes you into a stronger, more confident technician.
And the emotions you feel when you're there — doing your absolute best under time constraints, surrounded by other passionate artists — that feeling is simply unforgettable. It raises your standard, sets you apart, and becomes a defining moment in your professional journey.
What made you decide to launch Global Talent Beauty Cup? What did you hope the competition would provide for the beauty industry?
Since 2014, I’ve organized more than 25 live championships in Ukraine. I’d always dreamed of creating something bigger: a truly international championship. Unfortunately, as we were moving forward with it, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and everything came to a halt.
When I moved to London in 2022, I felt that spark return. Online championships had become common during the pandemic, but for me they lack the energy, adrenaline, and real excitement that live events offer. Sending photos or videos and receiving medals in the mail doesn’t compare to standing next to fellow artists, feeling the pressure, and experiencing that unforgettable atmosphere.
My goal was always to work at a high level with respected international beauty expos and platforms so we could give artists real exposure and recognition. So we took a leap and organized our very first Global Talent Beauty Cup live event in Chicago.
The feedback we received from participants and sponsors was overwhelmingly positive. I think it’s because I’d had years of hands-on experience in organizing championships. I understand all the little details that make a competition feel professional, fair, and inspiring.
The atmosphere at the GTB Cup is electric, not just for the competitors but for the audience as well. We offer a display where viewers can admire the finished works. These designs often amaze even those unfamiliar with the industry, showing just how creative and intricate nail, lash, brow, and makeup artistry can be.
For me, this championship is about more than medals; it’s about redefining how the world views our industry and giving beauty professionals the stage they deserve.
You’ve faced a great deal of adversity in your personal and professional life. How has your career in beauty helped you through difficult times?
The war in Ukraine changed my life overnight. I had been running a large, thriving training academy for nail professionals. I was no longer working with clients; instead, I’d focused on training top-level technicians, coaching championship competitors, and mentoring experienced masters, while my team of educators handled beginner and foundational courses.
Suddenly, in 2022, all that was gone. I had to leave everything behind: my home, my parents, my husband, and the successful business I had built over more than a decade. I left for London with my two small children, just 2 and 5 years old, and had to start completely from scratch in a new country without any support system.
For the first time in over 15 years, I found myself taking on clients again — something I never imagined returning to.
Emotionally, it was incredibly difficult. It felt like being pulled all the way back to the beginning of my journey.
What truly saved me during this time was the GTB Cup. Organizing championships was my passion, and returning to it gave me purpose again. It pulled me out of survival mode and brought me back to the level of professional fulfillment I had before.
What is it about the GTB Cup that unifies people across nationalities, languages, and cultures?
The shared passion for excellence, creativity, and personal growth. Beauty is a universal language. It doesn't matter where you come from, what language you speak, or what technique you use — when professionals gather around a common goal of showcasing their skills and artistry, something magical happens.
My vision is to see every country represented in our association and our championships. And while we’re just at the beginning, we’ve already built a beautiful, diverse, and supportive global community.
Whether it's in person or online, the GTB Cup creates a space where artists feel seen, valued, and inspired. That, to me, is the most powerful kind of unity.
What is one of your favorite memories from the various GTB Cup competitions you have judged?
One of my favorite moments from the GTB Cup was the launch of a brand-new category I created called “Total Madness: Freaky Nails.” This nomination was designed to break every boundary and encourage wild, unrestrained creativity. At the time, no other competition offered anything like it.
At our Los Angeles event, one competitor truly brought this vision to life. Yulia Grunkovskaya captivated the audience with her stunning, avant-garde nail design. She arrived with a beautifully styled model and presented her work with such artistry, confidence, and stage presence that the entire room was in awe.
It was one of those unforgettable moments that embodied everything the GTB Cup represents: bold innovation, creative freedom, and fearless self-expression.
I can’t wait to see how this category evolves. I know we’ll witness many more daring, brilliant creations that continue to push the boundaries of nail artistry.
What is your biggest piece of advice for young people who are considering a career in beauty, or who are just launching their careers?
Never stop learning. Keep developing your skills. In today’s competitive market, it’s not enough to just be average. To stand out, to charge premium prices, to attract loyal clients, you need to consistently aim to be better than you were yesterday.
Invest your time, energy, and resources into education. It’s the one investment that always pays off. Knowledge is the most valuable asset you can own.
Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself, to take advanced courses. Growth doesn’t happen by staying comfortable; it comes from pushing your limits and always seeking excellence.
If you keep moving forward, learning and evolving, your career will take you farther than you ever imagined.
What do you think is on the horizon in the world of beauty competitions?
I believe the future of beauty competitions lies in accessibility, innovation, and community. It’s amazing that today, thanks to online formats, professionals from all over the world can join and showcase their talent without borders. It’s more than just a competition; it’s a global movement.
At the GBT Cup, we’re proud to be part of this evolution. We’re leaving behind outdated rules still followed by some competitions, and focused on shaping what’s next. Our modern, practical categories reflect not only championship-level artistry but also real-world salon relevance. Any skilled technician, no matter their background, can participate, grow, and shine.
We’re not just watching the future happen, we’re helping to build it.
The Global Talent Beauty Cup will be held March 8 at Be+Well NYC. Get more info and register to compete here. Use code EDSALON20 for 20% off education classes.