– Tell us your story in America, please. Where did you live and work before Texas?
Hey Austin! Four years ago, the American chapter of my life began. In Belarus, I was a cardiologist, and everyone called me Irina Mikhailovna (from the age of 25). Now I am glad to be called just Irina. Now I work with skin health. I am a cosmetologist.
My husband and I moved to the US in 2018, and our son Stefan was born here. So it’s a happy circumstance, especially when I think about what is happening in the world.
– What do you like most about Austin?
Here is no winter, a cool community, and low taxes. Also, when I tell my acquaintances that we moved to Texas, the association with westerns gives you a daring vibe.
– Please tell us about your profession and your work.
I am a doctor by education, but I got my license as a cosmetologist right here in the USA. Often doctors are forced to change their profession after moving to another country, but I came to my dream. The post-Soviet medical system has side effects and professional deformations, which many faced when they went to the doctor in their homeland, for example, emotional detachment or even cynicism from doctors. It’s not about me at all. I wanted something completely different.
– How did you get into cosmetology?
Cosmetology is more about the attitude to oneself and to the world. So often, our perception of ourselves in the outside world and how we look is connected. I love how people change their attitude toward themselves and others when their skin becomes healthier. And if we talk about beauty as health and harmony, I am happy to help restore and save these things.
– What difficulties did you have to face in America?
It’s more of a feature rather than a problem. For example, you need to move by car constantly.
– How are your relations with your homeland? Do you miss any aspects of life in your home country?
I miss my homeland. Sometimes I offer my Russian-speaking clients a nostalgic playlist. Cultural codes are with us very deeply.
– Please tell us about your family.
A family is a place where you can be yourself a little more than usual, an environment that is fun and safe at the same time. It’s like that in my family.
– What do you do outside of work? What are your interests and hobbies?
I love sports. I have been playing volleyball since childhood. From the latest competitions – Austin open league and the championship in Dallas. And I also love music. That’s what was missing in Belarus – the opportunity to attend monthly concerts of world stars. So I try to attend the events of my favorites and often plan to travel to other states for shows.
– What do you think is missing in Austin?
Only the change of seasons. But autumn this year is very beautiful. I am waiting for snow, but also have light and water in the house.
– What are your favorite books and films?
I love books. Now it’s mostly popular psychology, and, of course, we use children’s literature. We read it with our son. But I like to watch series more than reading books.
– What would you like to wish the Russian-speaking residents of Austin and Texas?
I wish peace, happiness, and harmony to all the residents of Austin and Texas, as well as their loved ones and relatives. I also invite everyone to await beauty care and procedures in my beauty space!
Contact information:
Instagram: ikskin.care
Facebook: Iryna Komar