Ilona Kachurovska is a certified medical trichologist and the founder of Renaissance, the only trichology center in Illinois. Her professional path is marked by determination, perseverance, and continuous self-improvement.

Ilona, you founded the first trichology center, Renaissance, in Illinois. What inspired you to choose this profession and successfully scale your business in the U.S.?
The unknown inspired me. Until 2019, I had no idea such a profession as trichology existed. One day, during a casual conversation, my best friend asked, “Why don’t you become a trichologist?” Initially, I thought it was a joke, as I didn’t even know what the profession entailed. But her words made me curious.
I started researching online and realized this profession was barely known in the U.S. compared to Ukraine. I’ve always loved discovering new things and being the first to explore them. The idea of popularizing trichology in Illinois became my driving motivation.
I focused on accurate diagnosis, effective treatments, and delivering results. Seeing thousands of happy clients regain their hope and confidence is my greatest reward.

Your story involves moving to the U.S. and starting your career from scratch. What key challenges did you overcome, and what lessons did you take from those experiences?
Moving to the U.S. in 2016 was one of the most significant challenges of my life. It wasn’t just a geographical move but an emotional and professional one as well.
I worked in various healthcare-related positions: as a medical assistant, dental assistant, performing blood draws for military personnel, and volunteering in emergency services.
The language barrier was my biggest challenge since I arrived with only a basic knowledge of English. However, persistent learning helped me overcome these difficulties.
The main lesson I learned is that belief in yourself and hard work always pays off. I’ve adapted quickly, learned patience, and come to value even the smallest achievements.

Trichology remains an unfamiliar field to many. What do you believe is most important in a trichologist’s work, and how does your practice transform clients’ lives?
Trichology isn’t just about hair health; it’s about overall well-being. The most significant aspect is taking an individualized approach to each client and identifying the root cause of their problems.
My work helps people not only restore their hair health but also regain confidence. When clients see results, their smiles are my greatest reward.

Your center is equipped with the latest technology for diagnosing hair and scalp conditions. How do you select these innovations, and what role do they play in your work?
Before implementing new technologies, I thoroughly research them, analyze studies, and gather feedback from colleagues and associations I’m a member of.
Modern equipment allows for quick and accurate diagnostics, while effective products help resolve issues efficiently.

You are a member of over 10 international trichology associations. How does this experience help you stay on the cutting edge of innovation?
Being part of these associations provides access to the latest treatments and technologies. It allows me to be among the first to learn about innovations and apply them in my practice.

Your professional journey includes training in various countries. What motivates you to keep improving?
Trichology constantly evolves as hair health depends on numerous factors like lifestyle, environment, and stress. New knowledge enables me to work with the most advanced technologies and effectively solve clients’ problems.

How do you balance your professional activities, family, and personal life? What gives you energy and inspiration?
I strictly separate work from my personal life. In the evenings, I leave work matters behind and fully dedicate time to my family.
My source of energy is my family. Their support and love fill me with strength and motivation.

What is your vision for the future of trichology in the U.S., and what goals have you set for yourself?
The future of trichology in the U.S. looks promising, with a growing demand for personalized hair health solutions.
My goals are:

• To expand the range of services at the center and launch my product line.
• To develop training programs for other specialists.
• To promote trichology as an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.

I am confident that this field has enormous growth potential.