Meet Vlada Lebedeva | Makeup artist & Hair stylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vlada Lebedeva and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vlada, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my business in 2015, guided by intuition and a strong desire to do what I love on my own terms. I didn’t come from a business background — I just knew I had something real to offer, and I wanted to create a space that reflected not only beauty, but care, trust, and authenticity. With every year, the business grew alongside me. It became more than just work — it became a reflection of my journey, my evolution, and my belief that doing things with heart always pays off.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey in the beauty industry began with makeup and hairstyling — that’s where I found my voice, my vision, and a sense of inner grounding. Gradually, through practice and every new client, I started to realize that this was more than just a profession. It’s something much deeper — a way to connect with a person’s inner state, to create a mood and build trust. I’ve always stayed true to my own style and my inner sense of beauty, and that’s what has allowed me to grow — calmly, honestly, and authentically.

When I create looks, I always put my heart into it. Over time, working with brides became a natural continuation of my path. I love the atmosphere of a wedding morning — the gentle excitement, the anticipation, the quiet moments where something meaningful is about to begin. Being present during those hours is an honor. I do everything I can to help the bride and her loved ones feel calm, confident, and truly beautiful — so they can simply enjoy the day without any distractions.

As my work and my name started to grow, I felt the desire to go further — to expand my horizons and move beyond the familiar. Relocating to a new country was a significant step that required flexibility, patience, and time to rebuild trust in a completely different environment. It wasn’t easy, but it was an invaluable experience that made me stronger, both as a professional and as a person.

With every passing year, I’m more and more convinced: the foundation of a beautiful look isn’t trends — it’s understanding and genuine attention to the individual. I always aim for makeup and hair not to hide, but to highlight one’s uniqueness. I want every woman to feel like herself — effortlessly, freely, and in her own power.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit and we had a whole week together, I wouldn’t stay in the city. I’d take us on a road trip through nature — driving across Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming, exploring national parks along the way. And of course, we’d make sure to visit my favorite one — Yellowstone. I deeply love nature; it’s where I find my strength, my inspiration, and a sense of peace. I’d want to share that feeling.

We’d rent a car or even better — a camper van — and just hit the road without rushing. Mornings would start with coffee in a thermos, simple snacks, and scenic stops at gas stations where we’d open the trunk and have spontaneous little picnics. Around midday or in the evening, we’d find quiet corners in national parks, lay out a blanket, eat something we made ourselves, and just sit still, soaking in the view.

It would be a week of stillness, beauty, and simplicity. No noise, no rush — just long talks, fresh air, starry skies, and that feeling you get when you realize how vast the world is and how small (and fleeting) our worries really are. That’s the kind of trip I’d want to share.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my family — especially my husband and my close friends, who have supported me emotionally through every challenge and celebrated every little win with me. Their belief in me kept me going when I doubted myself. And, of course, I want to thank my incredible clients. Their trust, loyalty, and kind words have been the true fuel behind everything I’ve built. Without them, none of this would have been possible.

Website: http://vladahairmakeup.com

Instagram: @vladahairmakeup