We had the good fortune of connecting with Anastasiia Terebova and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Anastasiia, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine, where I lived until I was 29. Growing up in Ukraine gave me a strong sense of strength, resilience, community, and a deep appreciation for humanity. The culture is incredibly rich and vibrant, especially in its art, music, literature, and dance. That cultural background shaped me creatively and gave me a unique outlook on life.
The first time I visited Los Angeles as a tourist, I was captivated by the people, the weather, and the culture—it felt like stepping into a completely new world. Everything was fresh and exciting, and I knew I wanted to learn more about this city, its people, and the cultural differences that made it so unique. Moving here gave me the perfect opportunity to explore a new place and grow both personally and professionally. L.A. has such an incredible energy, and it’s been the ideal place for me to evolve and pursue my passions. It’s truly been an amazing journey toward becoming the best version of myself.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art as a hairstylist isn’t just about creating looks for commercials, music videos, movies, weddings, and other events. Sometimes, it’s about helping people feel more authentic and happy in their own skin. A hairstyle can help someone discover their most genuine self, reflecting who they are inside. Other times, it’s simply about giving someone a fresh style that makes them smile, boosts their mood, and brightens their day. I love that my work can have that kind of impact on someone’s life.
One of my dreams in high school was to become a hairstylist, and I’m proud that I pursued that dream. I believe it’s so important to do what you love and share that passion with others. My journey hasn’t been without its challenges—moving to a new country, starting over, and overcoming self-doubt were no small feats. But I’ve kept going because I truly love this industry. I’ve met so many inspiring people, and I feel lucky to do something that brings me joy. I love doing hair, and nothing compares to the feeling of making someone happier with a new look.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is to trust my instincts and believe in myself. No matter how tough the day or how big the doubts, I’ve learned to keep moving forward. I also never stop learning—whether it’s mastering new styles, trying out the latest products, or finding ways to better myself both as a stylist and as a person. I believe that continuous growth and finding joy in what you do is key, not just in this field, but in life overall.
At the core of everything I do is passion and authenticity. Whether I’m helping someone connect with their true self through a hairstyle or collaborating on a creative project, I pour my heart into it. I hope my journey inspires others to follow their dreams and to believe that they, too, can make their dreams come true—whether that means moving to another country, starting from scratch, or pursuing a passion they’ve always had.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting California for the first time, I’d want to show them a mix of iconic spots and hidden gems that capture the essence of the state. Of course, we’d start with a couple of days at Disneyland and Universal Studios—because let’s be real, you can’t skip those for a first-timer. They’re fun, immersive, and a quintessential part of the California experience.
For a more laid-back day, we’d take a scenic drive to Santa Barbara. On the way, we’d stop at Canzelle Alpacas to feed the alpacas—it’s a fun and unique experience that everyone loves. Once in Santa Barbara, we’d explore the charming downtown, relax on the beach, and enjoy dinner at The Lark or Broad Street Oyster, depending on our mood. I’d also check to see if any of my friend’s favorite artists are performing, as concert tickets in Santa Barbara tend to be more affordable than in L.A.
Back in L.A., we’d start the mornings with breakfast at Gjusta in Venice, known for its fresh, artisanal food. One of my favorite things to do is hike to Griffith Observatory for stunning views of the city. We’d have a cup of tea at the observatory, take in the iconic L.A. skyline, and hike back—this is hands down the best way to get a feel for the city. For art and culture, we’d hit up The Getty Villa, The Getty Museum, and The Broad, all offering incredible art and architecture. I’d also recommend catching a concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall—it’s not just about the music, but the experience and breathtaking architecture.
If my friend wanted to pick up some unique gifts, we’d head to Amoeba Hollywood for music, vinyl, and memorabilia. There’s something for everyone there.
For a longer adventure, we’d drive down to San Diego. We’d explore Balboa Park, take in the beautiful coastline, and enjoy a cozy dinner in Little Italy or somewhere by the water for fresh seafood and sunset views.
To wrap up the week, we’d spend time at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens—it’s one of my favorite places to unwind, enjoy art, and stroll through the stunning gardens.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to the incredible people around me—whether they’re friends, well-known figures, or just kind souls I’ve had the chance to meet. What inspires me most are their big hearts, beautiful spirits, and their determination to dream big and follow through on those dreams. Seeing them go after what they want constantly motivates me to push forward in my own journey.
I also want to dedicate this to my younger self—the little me, who at 5 years old, had all these big dreams. While I couldn’t promise her that everything would turn out exactly as she imagined, I’ve worked hard to honor her spirit by staying true to myself and pursuing what I’m passionate about.
And finally, a special shoutout to my dog, Bart, who’s been by my side as my emotional support for the past 12 years. His unconditional love has been a source of strength, and I honestly can’t imagine my journey without him.
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