The Impact of War on My Career as a Prominent Makeup Artist in Ukraine

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As I reflect on my past before circumstances compelled me to depart my homeland, I recall a remarkable occurrence that transpired during the summer of 2019. It was a morning filled with anticipation and excitement, as I rose from slumber and readied myself for what would become one of the most significant milestones in my professional journey. Equipped with my essential tools, I meticulously prepared to deliver a captivating presentation at the esteemed Avon Cosmetics Conference. The grandeur of the occasion matched the magnitude of the setting, as I stood on the illustrious National Palace of Arts “Ukraina” stage in Kyiv, Ukraine, poised to address a captivated audience of 700 individuals.

Throughout my extensive ten-year journey as a seasoned professional, I had the privilege of hosting numerous masterclasses. Nevertheless, this particular session stood out amongst the rest as the grandest of them all. The instant I heard my name being announced by the enthusiastic host, a wave of nervous excitement coursed through me as I confidently stepped onto the illuminated stage. However, as soon as I grasped my trusted makeup brushes, an overwhelming sense of tranquility washed over me. It was in that very moment when I realized I had truly arrived at the pinnacle of my career.

At that time, I had already accumulated over 10 years of experience as a makeup artist and had the privilege of working with renowned global brands such as MAC Cosmetics. Eventually, I took on the role of the official makeup artist for Smashbox, GlamGlow, and later on, Avon Cosmetics in Ukraine. As the years went by and we entered 2021, I found myself collaborating with some of the most prominent figures in Ukraine’s entertainment industry, including popular singers like Nastia Kamenskykh, Iryna Bilyk, Ivan Dorn, Markus Riva, and Khrystyna Soloviy. Additionally, I also had the pleasure of working with esteemed individuals such as Olympic coach Ireesha Blohina and Ukrainian fashion designer Andre Tan. It was during this period that I reached the pinnacle of my career, fully immersed in the fascinating world of beauty.

Every morning, I would start my day by getting ready and gathering my photography equipment before heading off to a glamorous photoshoot with either famous personalities or exclusive clients. During my spare moments, I would write informative articles about makeup for Beauty Hub, a renowned beauty magazine in Ukraine. Additionally, I would create engaging video tutorials and impart my knowledge through masterclasses held in the major cities of Ukraine. All in all, my career was flourishing, enabling me to earn a decent income while keeping me occupied. The contentment I felt was immeasurable.

In February 2022, everything changed for me when Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine. It felt like time had frozen, leaving us perplexed about how to navigate this new reality. The disruption was so severe that even the simplest task of commuting became impossible as all public transportation came to a halt. In the midst of this war, we made valiant attempts to cling to a sense of normalcy during the initial month. However, it was clear that the concept of normalcy was an illusion in such chaotic times.

Let’s imagine a scenario where we plan a fun photoshoot. But, out of the blue, intense bomb alarms start ringing across the city. We immediately rush to find a safe hiding spot, like a closet or a windowless bathroom. This experience is akin to the tornado drill we all go through during our school years, but with a much higher frequency. The alarms go off not once, but five times a day, every single day. The worst part? We never know if this alarm will be the real deal or just another drill. It’s a constant state of uncertainty and unease, like always being on the edge of a cliff.

As our cities crumbled around us, we, as Ukrainians, faced the challenge of not only surviving but also maintaining our businesses and earning a living. Personally, when I lost my makeup gigs, I decided to redirect my efforts towards a different cause – setting up shelters that would offer the LGBTQ+ community with essential items like food and clothing. Engaging in voluntary work served as a distraction from the chaos and turmoil that surrounded us. By focusing on helping others, I was able to momentarily escape my own troubles and worries.

During the early stages of the war, I was presented with the chance to showcase my makeup skills by creating an authentic Ukrainian look for Avon. After months of not touching my brushes, I finally got the opportunity, but it wasn’t the same. As I engaged in the activity I once loved, a sharp pain in my chest echoed my frustration. It was disheartening to experience a shift in my passion, especially when my surroundings were vastly altered. As time went on and the war persisted, my contracts ceased and job prospects dwindled. Concurrently, I depleted my savings while actively volunteering, only to find myself in a predicament when shelters closed down. Financially drained and devoid of purpose, I felt completely lost.

In search of a means to support my family and contribute to my homeland, I sought an avenue where my skills and abilities could thrive. Filled with hope and determination, I set my sights on America. The idea of relocating to the United States had crossed my mind even before the war, as I yearned for a place that celebrated talent, presented abundant job prospects, and embraced a wide range of makeup brands. Ukraine had allowed me to reach the pinnacle of my professional journey, but I believed that America, with its reputation as a haven for talented individuals, would provide the perfect platform for me to showcase my expertise and make a difference.

Well, let me tell you, my passion for makeup artistry was ignited by my love for American fashion and beauty magazines during my upbringing. They were my ultimate inspiration. I mean, they played such a huge role in shaping my career path as a makeup artist. That’s why, when I stumbled upon Uniting for Ukraine, a remarkable initiative aimed at assisting Ukrainians in finding solace and security in the United States, I knew I had to be a part of it. So, in September 2022, just seven months after the outbreak of the devastating war, I took the plunge and submitted my application. And here I am, ready to make a difference and lend a helping hand to those in need.

When I embarked on my journey to America, I made sure to only bring what was absolutely necessary: my essential documents and a small selection of clothes, while my beloved makeup kit occupied its own suitcase. Leaving all my other possessions behind, I arrived at Washington, D.C. airport where a group of kind-hearted strangers welcomed me. They were part of an organization that provided shelter and support to Ukrainian refugees like myself. That first night in the United States remains etched in my memory, as it was a whirlwind of emotions and confusion. Transitioning from a war-torn environment to a peaceful one was incredibly bewildering. I struggled to adjust and comprehend the drastic change that had taken place in my life.

When we decided to dine out, I soon realized that I couldn’t grasp a single word of the conversation happening around me. It was quite perplexing, especially considering I had studied English in school. However, I quickly came to comprehend that the English I learned from textbooks was not the same as the language people use in their day-to-day lives. This language barrier turned out to be more significant than I initially anticipated.

When I first moved to my new home, I experienced a sense of confusion and disorientation. This was particularly challenging for me because my ability to communicate effectively in English was greatly affecting my role as a masterclass instructor, which I thoroughly enjoyed. My ultimate objective has always been to educate individuals on the art of makeup application, going beyond merely concealing blemishes or enhancing one’s eyes. Instead, I aimed to instill a sense of self-confidence and uplift people’s spirits through the power of makeup. However, with my limited language skills, I found it difficult to engage in meaningful conversations with my students. How could I effectively convey my passion if I couldn’t even hold a simple dialogue with them?

During the initial months, my emotions resembled a fluctuating wave. I found myself confined to my home, engrossed in monotonous paperwork involved in obtaining my work visa. This tedious process felt incredibly dull compared to the exhilarating experiences of curating appearances and collaborating with individuals. Whenever I perused the news or conversed with my loved ones in my homeland, the distressing circumstances unfolding in Ukraine left me utterly devastated. Nevertheless, as time went on, I started noticing a silver lining amid this compulsory pause: an opportunity to finally embrace solitude and reconnect with myself.

In the lead-up to the war, my calendar was jam-packed with commitments for a solid two years ahead. However, once I found myself in America, the tides shifted dramatically, leaving my life in a state of unpredictability and unfamiliarity. Rather than wallowing in frustration within the confines of my home, I made a conscious decision to wholeheartedly embrace this new chapter. I made it a point to venture outside as much as possible, exploring museums, parks, restaurants, and theaters, all in an effort to find inspiration and uplift my spirits. Additionally, I sought solace in the company of Americans I met through my hosts, a deliberate choice intended to relieve any feelings of isolation and foster a sense of connection with my surroundings.

Every morning, I kick off my day by dedicating a solid three to four hours to enhancing my English language skills. It’s crucial for me to reach a level where I am not just confident, but also entirely fluent. This is because I have a burning desire to be able to effortlessly lead masterclasses with the utmost ease. To make sure I immerse myself in the language completely, I turn to English movies and even beauty tutorials on YouTube. Somehow, speaking about makeup has become a universal way for me to connect with others. And if that’s not exciting enough, a few times each week, I have the wonderful opportunity to work as a makeup artist in a salon that caters to exclusive clients. It’s in these moments that I feel a profound sense of connection to my previous life and all the joy it once held.

Honestly, I have to admit that my popularity in America falls far behind what it was back in Ukraine. Consequently, the task of finding employment has posed a greater challenge than I ever anticipated. To overcome this obstacle, I find myself constantly scouring Indeed for fresh job postings while actively seeking networking opportunities. Despite submitting numerous resumes to various companies, it feels like only one recognizes my skills and grants me an interview. It’s unbelievable how, even after dedicating countless years to building my career, I now find myself unexpectedly starting from scratch, striving to persuade potential employers of my undeniable talent. The frustration and disappointment that come with this setback are beyond words.

I recently embarked on a journey to attend a makeup convention in the bustling city of New York. It was an opportunity for me to reconnect with the world of beauty that I hold so dear. In a bold move, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and immerse myself in the event. Little did I know, this decision would lead to a multitude of encounters with fellow makeup artists, brands, and industry representatives. To my astonishment, these encounters were brimming with genuine support and willingness to assist me in rebuilding my career. This overwhelming response from strangers gave me a renewed sense of hope and assurance. It was as if, for the first time since venturing out on my own, I distinctly believed that everything was falling into place. It wasn’t a mere survival, but a flourishing triumph that lay ahead.

At this very moment, my mind is overflowing with visions of what could be. I envision myself being the face of a renowned brand, collaborating with iconic figures such as the talented J.Lo and the incomparable Meryl Streep. Moreover, I aspire to establish my own makeup line, an empowering venture designed to assist individuals with disabilities. Deep within, I yearn to make a positive impact in Ukraine, my home country, and offer support to my loved ones who remain there. Previously, the war had left me feeling disheartened, as if my life had been turned upside down. However, today I find myself brimming with excitement when contemplating the possibilities that lay ahead in my future.

Although I faced the challenge of reinventing my career, I consider myself fortunate to be in good health. For half a year, I endured the turmoil of war, uncertain if I would ever have the opportunity to pursue my passion for makeup again. However, I am now back doing what I adore as my profession. While I may not currently have the platform of addressing large audiences, I find contentment in my artistic growth and in supporting my loved ones. As long as I can continue thriving as an artist and providing assistance to those close to me, I know that this is where I belong.

If you want to see more of Alexander’s amazing work, you should definitely head over to his Instagram or take a look at his impressive portfolio. Now, if you’re curious about how you can make a difference and support Ukraine, one great option is to donate to the Ukrainian Red Cross. Your generous contribution will go a long way in providing much-needed medical assistance and supplies to the dedicated volunteers and people in need on the ground.

Let me introduce you to Oleksandr Kodak, an incredibly talented makeup artist residing in the vibrant city of Washington, D.C. This extraordinary individual boasts an impressive resume, having collaborated with renowned brands such as Avon, GlamGlow, and Smashbox during his time in Ukraine. Fueled by an undeniable passion for makeup and a desire to share his expertise, Oleksandr made the bold decision to immigrate to America in 2022, seeking greater opportunities to pursue his dreams. If you’re curious to witness his incredible artistry firsthand, I encourage you to explore his stunning portfolio or catch a glimpse of his latest creations on his Instagram. Prepare to be captivated by his unique and awe-inspiring work!