Meet Natalie Pavlova of Marina Del Rey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Pavlova

Hi Natalie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey in the beauty industry began back in 2000, during my student years in Ukraine. I was fortunate to work alongside a team of incredibly talented professionals. We had a large nail studio, collaborated with celebrities, and actively participated in competitions — I even won two prize placements. It was an exciting and inspiring time.

After graduating from university, I started working in my field as a marketing specialist. For several years, I combined both careers — beauty and marketing — while building a solid foundation. Eventually, I transitioned fully into marketing, working at a global advertising agency, JWT, and later at a major telecom company.

In 2022, my husband was invited to relocate to the U.S. for work — and that’s how we ended up here. This big change inspired me to return to my original passion — nails — and start working for myself again. It also gave me the opportunity to improve my English while doing something I love.

Today, I run my own private studio where I bring together all my skills — both creative and strategic — into one business. It feels like a full-circle moment, and I’m truly grateful for it.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road — but it’s been a meaningful one. One of the first major challenges was stepping away from the beauty industry, where I was already a skilled and in-demand nail artist, and starting a completely new career in marketing. It took years of learning, growing, and proving myself to become a true professional and build a successful corporate path.

Just when I had established myself, life took another unexpected turn — moving to the U.S. with my family. That meant starting over again: a new country, a new language, a new system. I decided to return to my original craft — nails — and open my own studio, bringing together everything I had learned over the years.

There were definitely struggles: adapting to a new culture, rebuilding my client base from scratch, improving my English. But another deep and ongoing challenge for our family has been the war in Ukraine. It’s a pain that never fully goes away — carrying the emotional weight of watching your homeland suffer, worrying about loved ones still there, and feeling helpless while witnessing the devastation from afar. Even on the busiest of days, it’s always there in the background.

But every challenge has made me stronger. Today, I feel like I’ve found a beautiful balance — doing what I love, on my own terms, while drawing on the full range of skills and experiences I’ve gathered along the way.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a licensed nail artist and the owner of a private studio in Marina del Rey. I specialize in high-quality gel manicures and natural nail care. Many of my clients come to me because they’re looking for precision, lasting results, and a calm, personalized experience. I focus on healthy nails, clean technique, and elegant, modern designs.

What I’m most proud of is the level of trust I’ve built with my clients — many of them come back again and again, and recommend me to others. I also bring a unique blend of creative and business skills, thanks to my background in marketing. This allows me to approach my studio not only as an artist, but also as a brand.

What sets me apart is the attention to detail, the care I put into every appointment, and the calm, comfortable atmosphere I create. It’s not just about nails — it’s about helping people feel confident, relaxed, and beautiful.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I believe luck always plays some role — but it’s what you do with it that truly matters. I’ve had moments of both good and bad luck. For example, moving to the U.S. was a lucky opportunity for our family, but it also meant leaving behind everything I had built. It felt like both a blessing and a challenge.

But without a doubt, the greatest luck in my life has been my family. My husband is the person who stands by me through everything. His support, belief in me, and willingness to help at any moment give me the strength and confidence to keep moving forward. So much would simply not be possible without him.

I’ve also been incredibly lucky to meet amazing people along the way — mentors and teammates in my early career, and clients who trusted me when I was just starting over in a new country. Each connection has meant something. These people have inspired me, supported me, and helped shape who I am today.

At the same time, I believe success comes from being ready to meet luck when it shows up — and staying resilient when things are hard. I didn’t wait for perfect conditions. I took risks, trusted my instincts, and worked hard to build something meaningful. So yes, I’ve had lucky breaks — but I’ve also poured my whole heart into every step.

Pricing:

• Gel Manicure – 120$
• Hard Gel Fill – 140$
• Gel Pedicure – 130$
• Regular Manicure – 90$
• Regular Pedicure -110$

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pavlova.studio
• Instagram: @pavlova_nail_studio

Image Credits
Photos by Natalie Pavlova Nail Studio