Share This Article
Olena Kurchyna, a trailblazing entrepreneur with over 15 years in the salon business, has redefined the beauty landscape through her innovation, dedication, and strategic vision. As co-founder of three successful brands—ELAN, disAL, and LAvHAIR—Olena has become an influential force in cosmetics manufacturing, marketing, and international brand development. Her pioneering efforts have earned her prestigious honors, including the title of Executive of the Year in 2019 and a place on Forbes Ukraine’s NEXT250 list in 2023, underscoring her vital role in shaping Ukraine’s future in entrepreneurship.
Born on March 31, 1987, Olena’s journey into the beauty industry was preceded by her academic achievements. Graduating with honors, she earned a Master’s in Translation (English and German) and a Bachelor’s in Philology. Despite her language background, her passion for beauty guided her to establish a new career path, leading her to co-found the ELAN brand with her sister, Anna Kravchenko, in 2015. With over three million ELAN brow and lash services performed annually, ELAN has become a global powerhouse, transforming the brow industry and setting trends that professional makeup artists worldwide embrace.
ELAN’s success is not limited to Ukraine; the brand exports to over 45 countries and operates in partnerships across the GCC and India. In 2022, ELAN’s dedication to quality and innovation was recognized internationally when it won the COSMOPROF INDIA AWARD for the most innovative product in the Makeup & Nail Category. The opening of ELAN’s Lash & Brow Beauty Lounge in Dubai’s DIFC district and the brand’s unique services reflect Olena’s commitment to expanding her brand’s influence across global markets.
Continuing her journey as a versatile entrepreneur, Olena also founded disAL, a salon disinfection brand, and LAvHAIR, a professional haircare brand. These ventures not only reflect her ability to understand diverse industry needs but also her dedication to supporting the beauty industry’s standards for quality and safety. Her contributions were further solidified with the founding of Ruki-Nozhnitsi LLC, a successful beauty salon chain and business academy, for which she received numerous accolades as Leader of the Year and Company of the Year between 2017 and 2020.
In 2023, Olena expanded ELAN’s influence by launching ELAN Kimya, a state-of-the-art cosmetic factory in Turkey. Equipped with an R&D department, the factory develops proprietary formulas and offers OEM/ODM services to clients aspiring to launch their own brands. This facility exemplifies Olena’s commitment to innovation, with ELAN Kimya uniquely supporting private label clients from product development to registration.
Through her achievements, Olena Kurchyna has become an icon of innovation and excellence in the beauty industry. Her influence, dedication to quality, and unwavering commitment to supporting both her country and industry are a testament to her remarkable legacy.
