Her journey began with a small manicure studio and a desire to create beauty, and today her business generates millions in revenue in the United States. Lyudmyla Shevchuk, the founder of the brand and store NBM Supply, has gone through the path of an immigrant, a nail technician, an entrepreneur, and a mentor to hundreds of newcomers in the beauty industry. In this candid interview, she shares not only her personal story but also practical advice to help those dreaming of starting their own business in the U.S. If you are looking for inspiration, motivation, or specific steps to get started—this conversation is for you.
Founder of NBM Supply Lyudmyla Shevchuk. Photo by Viktoriia Shapovalova.
Tell us a little about yourself—where are you from, and how long have you been living in the U.S.?
I moved to the U.S. in 2015 from Mariupol, and this year marks ten years since I came here. Time has flown by very quickly, and during this period many things have changed both in my life and in my career.
How did your journey in the nail industry begin?
I was passionate about manicures since my teenage years, just like many girls, probably. I was always attracted to well-groomed nails, aesthetics, and colors. In 2017, I decided to do it professionally, completed training, and received my license. At first, I only took a few clients, gradually gained experience, and within a few months opened my first manicure studio in Sheepshead Bay, where I started working for myself.
When work becomes a calling. Photo by Lyudmyla Shevchuk.
What motivated you to choose this profession?
What I liked most was communicating with people. Every day brought new faces and new stories. I enjoyed not only the work itself but also the atmosphere—it was always friendly and positive. I felt that this was exactly what I needed. Even after opening my own studio, I didn’t want to completely give up working as a technician—I loved it too much.
Can you share your experience—how can one get a nail technician license in New York?
There are several ways to obtain it. I went through official training at a school—you need to complete 250 hours of practice. It can be either full-time (Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM) or part-time, in which case the training lasts about six months. After completing the program, you are issued a temporary license, followed by exams—both a theoretical and a practical test. Once you pass them, you receive a permanent license, which must be renewed every four years.
Some technicians also convert their diplomas from other countries into a U.S. license—this is also possible, but you need to understand the specific requirements of the state.
Lyudmyla Shevchuk with participants of a master class and future nail technicians. Photo by Lyudmyla Shevchuk.
What advice can you give to beginners?
It all depends on what exactly you want: to work for someone else or for yourself. Starting in a salon is a very good option. There you can meet future clients, get to know other technicians, and build connections. Besides, salon clients are usually more financially stable than those who come to you at home.
How do you choose a place to rent a studio?
If finances allow—it’s very straightforward. I searched for locations in Facebook groups. It’s important to find a place that is convenient for you: Manhattan, Brooklyn, or another area—the main thing is to like the location.
What challenges did you face in the beginning?
I was one of the first in Brooklyn to offer e-file manicures. People didn’t understand what it was, why we didn’t soak feet, why a manicure took two hours. Many were confused because the techniques in our countries and here are very different. The hardest part was convincing clients that quality and hygiene are a standard that takes time.
Was there a moment when you wanted to give up?
Yes, everyone has those moments. The hardest period was when I was running three businesses at the same time. It was an enormous mental and physical strain. But now I am grateful that I was able to get through it—the experience was invaluable.
You did an internship at an Asian salon. How did you react to criticism?
Yes, I interned there, but they didn’t hire me—they said I worked too slowly. It was a difficult moment, but I realized that this model of work didn’t suit me. On the contrary, it pushed me to start my own business.
In the process of training new technicians. Photo by Lyudmyla Shevchuk.
Do you remember your first client?
I was very nervous. Back then, I was still using Chinese techniques and learning from YouTube—my skill level was quite low. But clients were very understanding and supportive, and I am extremely grateful to them for that. I have no negative memories at all.
When did you decide to hire your first employee?
It was not an easy decision. I remember I was fully booked, with appointments scheduled three months in advance. I was physically unable to handle it anymore. My first employee was a girl from Uzbekistan with whom I had studied. She worked with me for six years—until I closed the studio. The hardest part was organizing the work process—I had no experience in managing staff.
Equipment samples. Photo by Viktoriya Shapovalova.
How did the idea of creating NBM Supply come about?
In 2022, we opened the store because a large number of technicians from Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia started arriving in the U.S. They were looking for places to buy high-quality materials they were familiar with. We became the first store to offer warranties on equipment—by the way, American stores usually don’t do this. That became our competitive advantage. After a successful start, we decided to expand—now the store is our main business, and training is an additional service.
Which brands are represented in your store?
We carry American brands, many international ones, and also Ukrainian brands. The most popular are Luxio (Canada), BEYOU, SAGA, Komilfo, Kodi, Hello, Dark—all Ukrainian manufacturers. We also sell Strong and Marathon e-file machines from Korea and AirMax dust collectors from Ukraine. All equipment comes with a warranty.
It all starts with the color palette. Photo by Viktoriya Shapovalova.
Do you feel support from the Ukrainian diaspora?
Definitely. The majority of our clients are from Ukraine. They are already familiar with our brands, which makes it easier for them to adapt to a new environment. I am even translating training materials into Ukrainian now.
Are most of your students Ukrainian?
Yes, around 80-90%. There are also Americans, and I teach in English as well. But the main audience is Ukrainian-speaking technicians.
A display of nail care tools: quality and functionality. Photo by Viktoriya Shapovalova.
How can someone sign up for your course?
Through my Instagram: milanailsbrooklyn.
What advice would you give to Ukrainians who are hesitant to start a business in the U.S.?
The United States of America is one of the best countries for running a legal business. Yes, taxes are high here, but everything is set up for business growth. The most important thing is not to be afraid. Real growth starts where you feel fear. If one thing doesn’t work out, something else will.
What are your future plans?
To expand sales, especially on Amazon. We are also testing eBay and Walmart. Every year we grow by 20–30%, and we want to maintain this pace. The store is our main focus.
Where is NBM Supply located?
Our address is 2937 Avenue V, Brooklyn, New York, 11229.
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