Olga Mankovskaia is a renowned expert in the field of permanent makeup and the founder of the International Academy of Beauty in London. With over 12 years of experience and a solid scientific background, she seamlessly integrates her roles as an artist, educator, and brand creator
Olga, you began your journey in the beauty industry over 12 years ago and are now the owner of the International Academy of Beauty and Permanent Makeup, along with several other brands in London. You are not only an international master but also an educator with a scientific background. How does your in-depth knowledge of chemistry, biology, and genetics contribute to your work in the beauty industry? Your motto is, “Know exactly what you want and take small steps towards your goal.” What has been the biggest, most decisive — and possibly the riskiest — step you’ve ever taken?
My scientific background is the foundation of everything I do in this industry. Understanding chemistry helps me evaluate product compositions and their safety, while biology and genetics provide insight into skin types, healing processes, and how different bodies react to pigments and treatments. This enables me to create tailored solutions for clients and educate my students with a level of understanding that goes far beyond technique.
The riskiest and most decisive step I ever took was moving to London and starting my own academy. I left behind a stable career to pursue a dream, with no guarantees. It was a leap into the unknown, but I trusted my vision. Taking that risk was a turning point. It taught me that clarity of purpose and consistent action — even small steps — can move mountains.
The PMU & Beauty Academy was recognised as the “Best Beauty School of 2025.” In your opinion, what makes a school truly outstanding? Many of your students come from all over the world. How do you structure your training to make it effective for people of different skill levels and cultural backgrounds?
An outstanding school doesn’t just teach skills — it empowers people to transform their lives. At our academy, we focus on education that is not only practical but also deeply personal. We nurture confidence, precision, and artistry, while also teaching the science behind the beauty.
Our training is flexible, multilingual, and inclusive. We offer various formats — in-person, online, and hybrid — and structure our programmes to meet learners where they are. Whether a student is a complete beginner or an experienced artist looking to refine their skills, we tailor the journey to their needs. Cultural sensitivity and support are embedded in our teaching methods, which is why students from over 40 countries have chosen to study with us.
You launched your own brand, Perfect. What was the most challenging part of developing professional products — such as pigments and equipment — and how do you maintain such high standards of quality?
Creating Perfect was one of the most complex and rewarding challenges of my career. The most difficult part was ensuring that every product met my strict standards for safety, consistency, and performance. I spent years researching and testing — working with laboratories, chemists, and engineers — to develop pigments that heal true to tone, tools that perform with precision, and formulations that respect the skin.
Quality control is everything. We manufacture in compliance with international standards, and every product undergoes rigorous testing. I personally test and approve each formula before it goes to market, because my name and reputation are behind it
You represent the unique Diamond Blading and Easy Cut techniques as an official distributor. What sets these techniques apart, and how are they transforming industry standards?
Diamond Blading and Easy Cut are revolutionary because they combine precision, gentleness, and long-lasting results. These techniques use specially designed tools and blades that minimise trauma to the skin while allowing for incredible detail and definition.
They’re changing industry standards by offering better retention, quicker healing, and more natural results — all while being safer and more comfortable for the client. As an official distributor, I’m proud to be part of this evolution and to train professionals in techniques that raise the bar for quality and care.
You’re a frequent speaker at international conferences and have received multiple awards from global championships. Which of these achievements do you consider the most significant — and why? As a business trainer, you help artists build successful careers. What are the most common mistakes beginners make, and how can they be avoided?
Each award is special, but the most meaningful to me was winning “Top Trainer of the Year” at an international conference. It affirmed not only my technical skill but also my dedication to lifting others. Standing on that stage, I felt proud not just of what I had achieved, but of what I had given back.
As a business trainer, I see beginners often make the same mistakes: trying to do too much too quickly, underestimating the importance of ongoing education, or failing to treat their craft as a real business. Success in this industry requires patience, precision, and a strong brand. I always tell my students: invest in your skills, stay consistent, and never stop learning. That’s how you build a career that lasts.
Model: @olgamankovsksia
