Hello! I'm Jena, Ukrainian nail artist and owner of LUUJEN store!
Right now, I'm working and creating content entirely on my own in a small apartment. But I believe that this change soon, and I'll rent a larger space and put together the first team of my dreams.
I've been doing manicures for 4 years now, and I've been running a press on nails bussiness for over a year. Officially, I had my first set of custom nails done in May 2025, and that was the beginning of LUUJEN store's story.
What does "LUUJEN" mean?
Koi carp always swim against the current. Maybe that’s why I chose them as inspiration for the color scheme of the design and packaging. My hair is also the same color as their scales right now.
The Legend of the Dragon Gate: In Eastern mythology, it is believed that if a carp can swim upstream and overcome the waterfall known as the Dragon Gate, it will transform into a mighty dragon.
Basically, it’s an abbreviation of my full name. LU - the first part of surname. JEN - short form of the name Evgenia. But the letter “U” appears twice in this word, because each of you is a part of brand's story. Every order and every purchase of my work brings me closer to something greater.
How did it all begin?
The idea of making fake nails came about as one of the few viable solutions that would allow me to keep working and painting even more, despite my dust allergy. It has prevented me from living a normal life ever since I started working as a manicurist, even with medication. Life is so unfair.
The first videos were filmed against the backdrop of a white A4 sheet of paper. There was neither a steady shot nor proper lighting, and I shot additional segments of myself right on the balcony, which had been damaged by shelling.
In May 2025, I recorded 11 videos. Some of them took 8–10 hours of almost nonstop work and included complex elements that I was doing for the first time in my life. I’d go to bed at dawn, sleep for 3–4 hours, work with clients during the day, and film again at night. Now I don’t understand where I found so much energy. But back then, for the first time in three years of working in the nail industry, I felt like I was in the right place. That I was finally being seen and heard.
Now I’m filming with better framing, a bit more equipment, and a better understanding of what I’m doing. My videos have racked up hundreds of thousands of views, I’ve tried my hand at collaborating with product brands, and my nails have traveled to so many countries. And I believe this is just the beginning… After all, my work hasn’t even gone beyond the confines of a single table yet.
The end is just the beginning
In May of this year, I stopped taking on clients and decided to focus solely on doing press on nails and filming, in order to improve my health.
Why are the nails K-pop themed?
In 2023, I became a Stay, and that gave me emotional support. It’s still my main source of inspiration. And although I officially consider Bang Chan my bias, Hyunjin has had the greatest influence on my work. Sorry, Mr Bang.
2024
In April 2022, after coming under fire near my own home, I stopped drawing altogether for a while. BUT I remember stumbling upon a post with his drawings by chance, and feeling a real spark. I don’t know exactly what message the artist intended to convey in this work, or what it was that resonated with me, but thanks to that, I started drawing again.
2025
These were my first attempts at creating tips.
The first and most well-received one. I heard so many kind words that day. I received so many inquiries specifically about this piece. Even though my English was very poor at the time, I decided to promote my work to an international audience.
2026
A week before this piece, I wanted to give up on everything. People who run blogs know that views don’t equal money.
With my last ounce of strength, I launched my website, with only three free days of hosting left. I filmed this video in a single night after the song was released. And once again, I believed that what I was doing wasn’t in vain.
Where are we?
When I say I’m a Ukrainian nail artist, I’m not just referring to my heritage.
I still live in Ukraine despite the war. I live and work in the city Kryvyi Rih, it's appoximately 50-70 km from the combat zone, where there’s a constant risk of shelling.
I film my content after sleepless nights, fulfill your orders even when the power is out, and get really frustrated when I can’t paint properly with my hands shaking after explosions.
For me, LUUJEN is about creating, even when your own world is on the brink of collapse. Even if the only thing keeping you going is anger at the world and the attempt to escape the pain.
Creativity Despite Everything
So I continue on my path and hope that one day, just like the little carp, I will eventually become a dragon.