What does a day in the life of Yulia look like?
With two small children, my day starts with mum duties of breakfast, packing bags, and the school run – it’s hectic but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Then I fit in some exercise with pilates or a run, followed by coming home and starting work. I’ll check emails and salon schedules first, but the day usually consists of calls and meetings with the team. I’m a big fan of to-do lists, so I’ll try to stick to it and tick off every task. After work, I’m either enjoying London life, networking at events, or relaxing at home with my family.
What’s in a name? Why Duck & Dry?
It’s a play on words meaning ‘ducking’ in and ‘drying’ out. The brand colour is duck egg blue and the duck ampersand really tied it all together and that’s how Duck & Dry was born.
What advice do you have for other female business owners?
One of the best pieces of advice I received was from my father who is a serial entrepreneur; he told me that ‘you should always invest as much as you can lose.’ So I take risks, but not if it is financially detrimental if it were to go wrong. Setting up a business is stressful enough, so to add a significant financial pressure on the side can make or break you – take meaningful risks!
Who or what inspires you?
My parents inspire me the most. They are serial entrepreneurs so business talk was always around the dinner table. They’ve worked in different industries and have had many businesses even during turbulent times after the collapse of the USSR. Their resilience and work ethic has always inspired and motivated me.
Which is your favourite Duck & Dry product?
Our first product, Blow Dry In A Bottle, really bottled the Duck & Dry experience and will always be my favourite. It’s a mega volume spray that has been through 32 formulations – we use it on nearly every client. My hair is quite fine so it is my go-to for any style as it adds amazing body and volume to your hair!
And fav up do/style to pick at Duck & Dry?
We have just introduced our new look book and I’m very excited about it! My favourite style is ‘Hot Off The Tong’ which is a defined waves look that will turn into a more tousled look by day two, so it’s quite a versatile look that you can wear for a couple of days. For updos, my favourite is our new ‘Top Knot’ which is a high bun with loose face-framing strands. I’ve been wearing it recently and it is super effortless, but still elevates your look.
Your collab with Mirabeau is a great brand fit & is co founded by another awesome female, why did you think it so important to partner with this brand?
One of the fun things about being a female entrepreneur is meeting other fellow businesswomen – I always enjoy hearing their stories and their advice. Mirabeau is a brand I love, coming from a family who moved to France and successfully set up a brand in one of the most competitive wine industries is inspiring. Jeany is a great businesswoman with a beautiful brand and has always been extremely supportive of me and Duck & Dry, so it was a natural partnership to introduce Mirabeau drinks at Duck & Dry bars.
As a Ukrainian, this year must have been enormously challenging for you, you have been very pro active in raising both awareness & funds for this conflict. What is the one thing we can we do?
I was born in Ukraine with my family and friends still living there, so it has been a very challenging year – it has affected me deeply. However, I can speak for every Ukrainian when I say how thankful we are for all the support that the world has shown us and the support in the UK has been incredible. But it’s important to remember that the war is not over so it’s imperative to keep the conversation going, for everyone to support the efforts of their respective governments, and to donate to any charities that assist Ukrainians on the ground – it really does help. We’ve also set up an authentic Ukrainian fashion pop-up store at our Chelsea salon which will be open until the 4th December. 50% of all sales will go to the designers who have kept working during these turbulent times and the other 50% to a charity foundation in Ukraine. Visit us and buy gifts that make a difference this Christmas!
If you could do anything you wanted for a day, what would it be?
Right now, I would love to be able go back to my homeland in full safety and freedom – taking my children to a Ukraine that is restored to its previous beauty and peace!