My Creative Journey

Way back when I was a young girl (I was 16), painting on my bedroom walls became my way of creating a space that felt safe, cozy, and entirely my own. Even earlier than that—when I was 8—I used to sit in bed and paint my nails when I was supposed to be sleeping, totally absorbed in the charm of colour and tiny detail.

Since then, my art has grown and transformed—just like I have. These days, my work ranges from bright, bold paintings of eyeballs and flowers made of pop cans to deeply personal pieces that reflect my Ukrainian culture and identity. I love mixing the playful with the meaningful and the weird with the beautiful.

Studying in the arts program at MacEwan was a huge turning point. I found a community that welcomed me with open arms—a space that felt just as comfortable (almost) as my bed. The encouragement from my professors and peers helped me realize I didn’t have to choose between my love for painting and my skills as a nail tech—I could merge them.

Now, I get to create art that lives on walls and fingertips. What started as painting my nails under the covers has become painting other people’s nails at a desk in my home studio. “Polished by Kat” is my small business, where I offer custom nail art as unique as the person wearing it. Whether it’s a canvas or a cuticle, I’m about turning creativity into something personal, expressive, and unapologetically fun.