Today we’d like to introduce you to Milana Lebedeva.
Hi Milana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Uzbekistan into a family of teachers. From an early age, I had a passion for beauty and creativity — I would style the hair of dolls, friends, and even my mother. I loved making women feel more confident and beautiful.
After graduating from university, I earned a Master’s degree and began my career as a teacher. However, I soon realized that my true calling was different. I decided to dedicate myself fully to the art of hairstyling and pursued professional training in this field.
My journey brought me to the United States. I first lived and worked in New York — at a salon in Brighton Beach and later in Manhattan. In 2014, I moved to Los Angeles, California, where I continued to grow and refine my craft.
After ten years of dedication and hard work, I opened my own business — Milana Boutique. Today, I am the owner of a private studio where I specialize in all aspects of hairstyling: advanced coloring, haircuts, treatments, and creating personalized styles for each client.
For me, hairstyling is not just a profession. It is a way to inspire, to help people reveal their beauty, and to empower them to feel confident in every situation.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course, my journey has not been completely smooth. When I came to America, I was already a professional, but one of the biggest challenges was adapting to a new style of work, different approaches, and clients’ expectations. On top of that, there was the language barrier and the need to rebuild my career first in New York and later in Los Angeles. The competition in these cities is intense, and I had to work very hard to prove my skills and earn my place. But my passion for the craft and the loyalty of my clients helped me overcome these challenges. Many of them have stayed with me for years, and even after moving to other states, they continue to fly back just to see me. For me, that is the greatest reward.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work is about creating beauty and inspiration. I specialize in advanced coloring, customized cuts, and styles that highlight each woman’s individuality. I am also a licensed specialist in keratin and Brazilian hair straightening treatments. What my clients value most is that I don’t just listen — I truly hear them. I understand exactly what they want and make it happen the way they envision it.
What I’m most proud of is the trust and loyalty of my clients. Many have been with me for years, and even after moving to other states, they still fly back to see me. That, to me, is the greatest compliment.
What sets me apart is the combination of professionalism and creativity with genuine care. For me, hairstyling is not only about technique — it’s about giving women confidence in themselves.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I believe the best way to find a mentor or to network is to be open, genuine, and not afraid to take the first step. It’s important to respect the experience of others and be willing to learn from them, while still staying true to yourself. In my profession, relationships and trust mean everything, so I’ve always tried to connect with people in an honest and warm way.
What has worked well for me is patience, hard work, and building long-term relationships with both clients and colleagues. I never looked for connections just for personal gain — instead, I looked for like-minded people and those I could truly learn from. That approach has helped me grow both my career and my business.
Pricing:
- Pricing depends on the type of service, the level of complexity, and each client’s individual needs. I always provide a personalized approach to ensure the results match exactly what the client envisions. For me, it’s not only about the service itself, but also about giving every woman a sense of confidence and care.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.milanaboutique.com
- Instagram: @mila_hair_la
- Other: https://milanaboutique.com
