Today, lifestyle is not only about how we live, but also about how we work, think, and create stability. This conversation explores the professional lifestyle shaped by clarity, structure, and responsibility within a new environment.

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, navigating regulatory systems with precision is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. 

For Kateryna Blazhko, Founder & CEO of License Solution Consulting, licensing and compliance are far more than procedural steps. They form the architecture that allows businesses to grow sustainably, expand responsibly, and enter new markets without the fear of operational blind spots.

Born in Ukraine and now leading a company that provides end-to-end licensing solutions for entrepreneurs, startups, and large enterprises across the United States, Kateryna has built a professional life grounded in clarity, structure, and measurable results. Her approach is analytical by nature, yet deeply informed by empathy — an uncommon balance in a field often perceived as purely technical.

Her work exists at the intersection of compliance, emotional intelligence, and strategic vision. By guiding clients through the complexities of documentation, state regulations, and business requirements, she has transformed her consulting practice into a space where entrepreneurs not only obtain legal approvals, but also gain the confidence needed to scale and grow.

In our conversation with Fillin Magazine, Kateryna reflects on the foundations of her success, the challenges that shaped her leadership, and the personal philosophies that guide her daily decisions. Her perspective reveals a professional who understands the mechanics of business — while never losing sight of its human dimension.

Driven by precision and a strong commitment to results, Kateryna has built a consulting ecosystem specializing in business licensing across multiple industries — from retail and hospitality to health, wellness, and professional services. Her work is rooted in the belief that every entrepreneur, regardless of background or starting point, deserves a transparent and fully supported path toward launching and scaling a business.

Reflecting on her personal journey, Kateryna attributes much of her professional resilience to her upbringing and cultural values — discipline, empathy, and the ability to remain grounded under pressure. Her company provides not only licensing services, but also a sense of stability for clients navigating unfamiliar regulatory terrain.

This multidimensional approach — part strategist, part guide, part confidant — is what distinguishes her within the licensing sphere and defines her leadership style.

As the conversation moves from personal story to professional mission, Kateryna’s philosophy becomes clear: licensing is not bureaucracy — it is empowerment. Born from real-life challenges, her company now serves as a structured roadmap for professionals seeking clarity within systems that often feel overwhelming.

The following interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.

 

Fillin Magazine: 
What led you to found License Solution Consulting?

Kateryna Blazhko:
When I moved to the U.S., many talented professionals around me struggled with licensing and understanding the system. They didn’t know where to start or how to navigate the process. I began helping friends informally and soon realized how many people needed structured guidance. That’s how License Solution Consulting was created — to help immigrants work legally, confidently, and without unnecessary stress.
My own background has always related to administrative processes, documentation, and consulting, so turning this experience into a structured service was a natural step.


Fillin Magazine:
What is your company’s core mission?

Kateryna Blazhko:
Our mission is to make licensing simple, accessible, and transparent. We guide clients from document evaluation and verification to business registration and financial compliance. The goal is not just to receive a license, but to build a stable professional foundation in the U.S.
We focus on specialists in the beauty, fashion, and creative industries, helping them shift attention from paperwork to their craft and long-term growth.

Fillin Magazine:
What are the most common requests from clients in the beauty, fashion, and creative industries?

Kateryna Blazhko:
Most clients ask where to begin: which license they need, how to verify education, and how to register a business legally. Many also need help organizing their finances and understanding tax responsibilities. Our role is to simplify every step and provide a clear roadmap.
Because I studied at an American college, I can also explain how to structure finances and business processes in a way that aligns with U.S. standards and feels clear for someone coming from another system.

Fillin Magazine:
Why is a license essential for beauty professionals?
Kateryna Blazhko:
A license is mandatory in the U.S. beauty industry. It protects both the client and the professional, confirms qualification, and ensures legal work without risks or penalties.
It also builds trust: clients see that a specialist meets safety and quality standards set by the state.


Fillin Magazine:
How do U.S. licensing requirements differ from other countries?

Kateryna Blazhko:
In the U.S., licensing is regulated at the state level and usually requires accredited education, practical hours, and exams before you can legally work. Training in an American beauty college can cost thousands of dollars, which makes the process a serious investment for professionals.
In many other countries, beauty professions are not regulated as strictly, and private training or professional courses may be enough to start working without formal government licensing.

Fillin Magazine:
What licenses are required in the beauty field?

Kateryna Blazhko:
Cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, and hairdressers/barbers each have their own licenses, with specific training hours and exams. Makeup artists usually do not need a license unless they offer additional services involving skin or hair.
It’s crucial to understand exactly which license matches your scope of work, because each state Board evaluates applications based on that specialization.

Fillin Magazine:
Do fashion stylists or image consultants need licenses?

Kateryna Blazhko:
No license is needed, but legal business registration and proper financial setup are essential. Professionalism in the U.S. includes financial structure and compliance.
I always advise stylists and image consultants to open a separate business account, track income and expenses, and treat their activity as a real business from day one.

Fillin Magazine:
Are requirements the same in every state?

Kateryna Blazhko:
Fashion professionals generally face no licensing requirements, but business laws differ by state. Some services that overlap with beauty or direct work with skin and hair may require additional permits or a cosmetology-related license.
Even when no professional license is required, each state still expects correct company registration, tax compliance, and financial reporting.


Fillin Magazine:
Do fashion designers need a license to produce collections?

Kateryna Blazhko:
No professional license is required. Designers need proper business registration and the right permits, especially if they manufacture or sell directly.
In many cases this includes obtaining a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), a seller’s permit and, if they run a physical space, appropriate permits and business insurance.

Fillin Magazine:
Do artists, illustrators, or art photographers need a professional license in the U.S.?

Kateryna Blazhko:
No license is required for these creative professions. But to work officially — whether selling art, collaborating with galleries, or freelancing — it’s important to register a business and manage income properly for tax purposes.
Operating in an organized way from the beginning allows creatives to grow confidently and avoid legal issues later.

Fillin Magazine:
Are any states considering licensing for creative professions?
 
Kateryna Blazhko:
Generally, creative fields are not regulated. The exception is art therapy and related areas. States such as New York and several others license Creative Arts Therapists or have specific forms of regulation in this field.
For traditional artists, illustrators, and art photographers, no such licensing currently applies, but discussions about protecting professional titles continue in some regions.

Fillin Magazine:
What about interior or graphic designers? Do they need licensing?

Kateryna Blazhko:
Graphic designers don’t need a license. Interior designers face different rules: some states require a license for commercial work in spaces like offices, hotels, or hospitals, while others regulate only the use of specific titles such as “registered” or “certified” interior designer.
For residential projects, regulations are usually softer, but even then, designers must comply with general business and tax rules.

Fillin Magazine:
Which states have the strictest licensing rules in the beauty industry?

Kateryna Blazhko:
Virginia, Oregon, Utah, Texas, and Florida are among the most demanding. Strict requirements usually mean higher training hours, multiple exams, and more complex verification steps for foreign diplomas and experience.
In some cases, like in Virginia, foreign education is not recognized at all, and professionals must study at an American beauty college from the beginning.


Fillin Magazine:
And which states offer a simpler licensing process?
 
Kateryna Blazhko:
States like New York, California, and Pennsylvania are generally easier to navigate when documentation is prepared correctly. Requirements for training hours and recognition of foreign education may be more flexible than in stricter states.
In my experience, the difference often comes down not to the Board’s attitude, but to how thoroughly the application is prepared and whether all instructions are followed step by step.

Fillin Magazine:
Can these differences affect where specialists choose to live?
 
Kateryna Blazhko:
Absolutely. In stricter states, professionals may face delays and higher costs before beginning work. In more relaxed states, they can launch their careers much sooner. Licensing often becomes a practical factor in relocation decisions, not only a legal one.
For many of my clients, the choice of state is a strategic decision: they look for a balance between lifestyle, market opportunities, and how quickly they can legally start practicing.

Fillin Magazine:
What are the most common mistakes professionals make when trying to obtain a license on their own?
 
Kateryna Blazhko:
The most frequent problems are incomplete document packages, low-quality scans, mismatched personal data across documents, missing diploma evaluations, and lack of proof of experience. Each of these issues can delay the process by months. That’s why I always recommend double-checking every requirement or working with a specialist who understands the logic of the Board.


Fillin Magazine:
How does the standard licensing route differ from the way you work with clients?
 
Kateryna Blazhko:
The standard route usually means studying at an American beauty college, paying from $5,000 to $20,000, and then passing multiple exams. When we work with clients, we start with their existing diplomas and real experience from other countries: we translate, notarize, and evaluate documents where required, collect proof of practice, complete applications, pay fees, and communicate with the Boards. In some states this allows professionals to obtain a license without attending college again and sometimes even without an additional exam — saving them time, money, and stress.

Fillin Magazine:
What documents are most often needed for a successful licensing case?
 
Kateryna Blazhko:
At minimum, we help clients assemble a complete identity and education package (ID or passport, diplomas, certificates), proof of experience (references, work records, photos), business documents, and — where required — marriage certificates, background reports, tax returns, and employment contracts. A full, coherent case dramatically increases the chances of a smooth approval.
 
Fillin Magazine:
Can you share how License Solution Consulting supports clients beyond individual licensing?
 
Kateryna Blazhko:
We don’t stop at personal licenses — we also assist with business and salon licenses and help organize finances so that the beauty business operates legally, transparently, and profitably. One of my manicurist clients, for example, received a license in just two days in Washington State because all documents were prepared correctly from the start. These results are only possible when the process is handled systematically.

Fillin Magazine:
What is your key advice for professionals planning to move to the U.S. and continue working in their field?
 
Kateryna Blazhko:
Prepare early: gather diplomas, certificates, references, and proof of experience before you move. Study the rules of the specific state you’re going to — each has its own requirements for hours, exams, and recognition of foreign education. Don’t underestimate financial planning and business setup, and don’t hesitate to ask for professional help. The better your case is prepared in advance, the less stress and fewer delays you’ll face after arrival.

Fillin Magazine:
Are there any upcoming changes in licensing that professionals should be aware of?
 
Kateryna Blazhko:
There are discussions about introducing a multi-state license for beauty professionals, which would allow them to work legally in several states with a single license. At the same time, some Boards are tightening rules for those relying on foreign experience, adding mandatory exams. I closely monitor these trends and regularly share updates with my audience so they can adapt their plans in time.

Speaking with Kateryna, you quickly realize that her work is not about bureaucracy — it is about restoring agency. She brings structure to moments of uncertainty and gives professionals the tools to rebuild their careers with confidence.

Whether guiding a beauty specialist through state exams, clarifying business setup for a designer, or helping an artist formalize their practice, her mission remains the same: to turn complexity into clarity — and clarity into opportunity.

In a world where many arrive searching for direction, Kateryna’s expertise becomes more than a service. It becomes a foundation. A starting point. A roadmap for those building a new chapter of their lives in a new country.