Daily Inspiration: Meet Anna Kucherenko

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Kucherenko.

Hi Anna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Anna Kucherenko, and I am a hairstylist with 17 years of professional experience. My professional journey in Ukraine became the foundation of who I am today as a stylist, competitor, and educator.
I trained at the Dessange Academy, completed professional programs with L’Oréal Professionnel and Tony & Guy, and later expanded my expertise by studying trichology with Orising. Combining fashion hairstyling with a deep understanding of scalp and hair health allowed me to develop a well-rounded and thoughtful approach to beauty.

I worked in leading salons in Luhansk (eastern part of Ukraine), where I built a loyal client base and specialized in precision haircuts, complex coloring, and technically advanced work. In the salons, I held positions as a top stylist and Art Director of the hair department. In addition to creative leadership, I also performed managerial functions – actively contributing ideas for salon development, improving service structure, and increasing overall profitability.

In 2014, military actions began in Eastern Ukraine, and I was forced to leave everything behind to save my life from missile attacks and relocate to Kyiv. In the capital, I had to start over and establish myself in a big city. After some time, I worked in a top salon in Kyiv, where I performed not only as a leading stylist but also as a manager of the hair department.
Over time, I became not only a practicing stylist but also an educator. I conducted masterclasses, mentored other stylists, and shared advanced techniques within the professional community.
I actively participated in professional competitions and won prize placements. Competing developed me both creatively and technically, strengthening my ability to perform at a high level and under pressure. These achievements helped build my professional reputation.
Later, I became a member and trainer of the Association of Beauty Industry Professionals of Ukraine. In this role, I contributed to raising professional standards within the industry.
My work was featured in professional publications in my home country, which increased my visibility and recognition within the industry.
In 2022, the full-scale invasion of Ukraine disrupted my life and career for the second time while I was living and working in Kyiv. Experiencing a second war deeply influenced me – strengthening my resilience, adaptability, leadership, and determination to continue building my professional career on an international level.
Now I am in Los Angeles, where I am building my professional path for the second time and reintroducing myself as a specialist.
My goal is to be valuable to America by sharing my knowledge, experience, and high level of expertise that I have developed over many years.In the future, I plan to develop my personal brand and open a beauty salon – a space with impeccable service quality, a professional team, and a warm, inspiring atmosphere for clients.
I know I will succeed, because starting over for the second time is no longer as scary. In the United States, I see tremendous potential for growth: there are high standards, strong competition, and at the same time, great opportunities for those who truly love what they do.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
After finishing school, when I decided to become a hairstylist, my parents were against this choice, considering it an unserious profession. I had to defend my decision for a long time and prove that this was my path. In the end, I achieved my goal and have never regretted it – hairstyling became my true calling. In addition, my journey included serious challenges – two forced relocations and living through military conflict, which required strength, resilience, and the ability to start over again.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I chose my profession back in school. I am a professional hair stylist. I am a graduate of the Dessange Beauty Academy,
the L’Oréal Academy of Hair Art,
and the British school Tony and Guy.
I also completed a course in trichology and scalp & hair rehabilitation with Orising.
I am a member of the Association of Professionals of Ukraine in the beauty industry,
a trainer for the same association,
and a member of the French association Haut Coiffure.

During my professional career in Kyiv, I have been actively involved in teaching in the field of hairdressing. I shared my knowledge and experience with future professionals, passing on my own techniques and professional secrets. In the future, I also plan to continue teaching in the United States and possibly open a small academy for aspiring stylists.

I am a professional colorist: every formula I create is unique. I never repeat colors, which is why my clients are always individual and one-of-a-kind.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, the beauty industry will enter the era of artificial intelligence. Although almost everyone is already using AI in some form, many still see it as something complicated. In reality, it’s a powerful tool that can solve very common – even basic – problems like a lack of clients in salons and excess inventory. For example, AI can be used as a “super administrator” that analyzes color refresh cycles or how quickly treatment results fade, and then reminds clients to return at exactly the right moment.
Visual proof will also play a key role in turning a simple consultation into a high-value service. Portable AI scanners allow hairdressers to instantly diagnose the condition of the hair, building trust and helping clients clearly see the need for treatment.
Another major “pain point” for salons – and one of the main causes of financial loss- is rework after unsuccessful procedures. Augmented reality mirrors allow clients to “try on” different hair colors in advance, reducing consultation time and minimizing mistakes.
There are already startups where AI creates personalized formulas for hair color or shampoos in real time, based on diagnostics and individual data. Very soon, these “smart formulas” will likely transform salon protocols and become an everyday tool for professionals.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Follow me on Instagram: hairstylist_anna.k

Image Credits
Anna Kucherenko