Today we’d like to introduce you to Ekaterina Dzyuba.
Hi Ekaterina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey started with a simple love for beauty, precision, and creating something meaningful with my hands. What began as a personal interest slowly turned into a profession, and then into a vision that was much bigger than I initially imagined.
In the early days, I was doing everything myself. I worked long hours, learned through mistakes, and had to figure out not only the technical side of the industry, but also the realities of running a business. There was no shortcut. I had to learn pricing, systems, hiring, leadership, and how to carry responsibility for other people’s livelihoods. Many lessons came the hard way.
As the business grew, so did the challenges. I went through periods of burnout, difficult team dynamics, and moments when I questioned whether I was strong enough to continue. But those moments forced me to evolve. I learned that building a business is less about perfection and more about resilience, clarity, and consistency.
Over time, I rebuilt my team, refined my standards, and shifted my focus from simply offering services to creating an experience. Pixie Lab became a space where professionalism, hygiene, education, and emotional comfort matter just as much as the final result. That shift changed everything.
Today, Pixie Lab is a growing brand with a clear identity and long-term vision. We are expanding services, developing product lines, and building a strong internal culture. Looking back, every challenge played a role in shaping who I am as a founder and leader.
My story is still being written, but what got me here was persistence, self-belief, and a willingness to grow through discomfort. I didn’t just build a business. I built myself along the way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most businesses, the hardest challenges didn’t come from the work itself, but from everything around it.
One of the biggest struggles was learning how to lead people. Managing a service-based business means dealing with emotions, expectations, conflicts, and responsibility on a daily basis. Early on, I made mistakes in hiring, trusted the wrong people, and avoided difficult conversations longer than I should have. That created burnout and tension, both for me and for the business.
Another major challenge was learning how to balance growth with quality. As demand increased, it became clear that scaling too fast without strong systems could damage the brand. I had to slow down, rebuild standards, invest in training, and sometimes take steps back in order to move forward properly.
There were also moments of self-doubt. Running a business requires constant decision-making, often without guarantees. You question yourself, your choices, and whether the sacrifices are worth it. Learning to sit with that uncertainty and still move forward was one of the hardest skills to develop.
None of these challenges were easy, but each one shaped the foundation of what exists today. They taught me discipline, clarity, and resilience. Looking back, I wouldn’t remove those struggles, because they are exactly what made the business stronger and me a better leader.
As you know, we’re big fans of Pixie Lab. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Pixie Lab is a premium beauty studio built around precision, hygiene, and experience. We specialize in high-end Russian-style manicures, structured gel systems, advanced pedicure techniques, and detailed nail health care. Our work is known for its durability, clean aesthetics, and attention to detail.
What truly sets Pixie Lab apart is our approach to beauty as a professional discipline, not a quick service. We operate with medical-level sterilization standards, carefully selected professional and European brands, and a strong emphasis on education and technique. Every specialist on our team goes through ongoing training to maintain consistent quality and elevate industry standards.
Pixie Lab is also about experience. We believe beauty services should feel intentional, calming, and restorative, not rushed or transactional. Our studios are designed to feel safe, refined, and welcoming, where clients can relax and trust that they are being genuinely cared for.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the culture we’ve built. Pixie Lab represents professionalism, respect for craftsmanship, and pride in the work we do. We value our clients deeply, but we also value our team, their growth, and their careers. That balance is what allows the brand to grow sustainably.
For our readers, I want them to know that Pixie Lab is not just a salon. It’s a brand built on standards, integrity, and long-term vision. We are continuously expanding our services, developing product lines, and working toward becoming a multi-location brand, all while staying true to the values that built us from the beginning.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories is spending time with my family during simple, quiet moments. Those moments weren’t about big events or material things, but about feeling safe, connected, and cared for. Whether it was long conversations, shared meals, or just being together at home, those moments created a strong sense of warmth and stability for me.
Looking back, I realize how much those memories shaped the way I value atmosphere and emotional comfort today. They taught me that the way people feel in a space matters just as much as what is happening in it. That idea has stayed with me into adulthood and deeply influences how I build my business, my team, and the environments I create for others.
Pricing:
- E-file Manicure – $90.00
- E-file Express Pedicure – $65.00
- E-file Full Pedicure – $80.00
- Brows – $30.00
- Lash Extensions – $120.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pixielab.org
- Instagram: pixie_lab_
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pixie-lab-kirkland
