Inese Stepanova
Hi, I’m Inese Stepanova and I’m 32 years old and I’m Latvian.
I was a musician where I played the violin for 12 years, piano for 13 years, and sang opera in college. I had a classical music education. I was active in a folk – rock band for 7 years, singing and playing violin. Being on the stage was like a home to me.
I changed jobs most years so I could learn the language and culture and I moved to the U.K. in 2008. I was injured in a car accident in 2009 and used the compensation to invest in myself as I became pregnant and knew that I wouldn’t be working for someone else anymore.
My journey into beauty started with my NVQ 2 in nails. I spotted eyelash training courses and didn’t think twice. It appealed to me straight away and I competed my course in December 2012 as my daughter Aiyana was born in January 2013.
In July 2013, I officially opened my first salon called Boutique with my best friend Daria.
Clientele grow very fast and in November 2014, we expanded our businesses into bigger premises and staff. That’s how I.NOVA was born. Since then I’ve qualified as an educator.
During the 2016 Lash battle, I was spotted by the organiser Hanna Putjato. I was only 1 point away from a trophy in the Dramatic Volume category at Expert level, despite not having years of experience.
In February 2017, I become an educator for London Lash Pro and still attend regular training sessions with different lash masters worldwide.
Since I.NOVA was born, I have written for Lash Inc, local papers and Professional beauty where I was awarded as best writer in the Eyelash Extensions category in 2018. I have also won 2 business awards as Young Entrepreneur and Best New Business and have been a speaker in Scotland’s first eyelash conference in 2016. I was a Judge in the Professional Beauty eyelash championships in Manchester in 2018 and again in London in February 2019. I was awarded as Outstanding Luxury Services in Eyelashes by SME awards in January 2019.
I.NOVA STUDIO Training academy and luxury designer lashes is based in Exmouth, Devon and it’s recently expanded to Bristol.
As a single mother, it’s been busy but absolutely amazing few years. I still adore everything about lashes. I am an absolute geek and always love creating new techniques and learning tips for students. I am also an educator for Elleebana One shot lash lift that I have been doing for 3 years.