In 2025, Dana Lekus earned international acclaim for her exceptional artistry, leadership, and innovation in the beauty industry. Her talent and dedication were recognized by the world’s most prestigious awards: – She became a laureate of the International Beauty Awards XXIII, winning in the categories “Top Makeup Trainer” and “Beauty Community Leader.”
Dana Lekus finalist at the IBI Awards 2025 (International Beauty Industry Awards), receiving Silver in the “Best Glam” category. Model Valeria Belyaevskay. Photographer: Arina Kondreva
She was honored with the IBFA 2025 award as “Best International Makeup & Brow Artist.” – She was also named a finalist at the IBI Awards 2025 (International Beauty Industry Awards), receiving Silver in the “Best Glam” category for her signature project “Celestial Muse.” These accolades mark not only Dana’s professional growth but also her influence as a global beauty expert, inspiring thousands of artists around the world.
She also served as a judge at the World Beauty Online Championship WBC XV and regularly publishes and reviews expert articles. Her mission is not just to apply makeup, but to inspire, unite, and reveal beauty — both outwardly and within the person.
For Dana, makeup is not just about cosmetics. It’s a language — one that expresses character, ideas, and energy. And she’s been speaking this language with joy for over 10 years.
Dana Lekus is a volunteer beauty director for Fort Lauderdale Swim Week 2025, with her team of beauty professionals – makeup artists and hairstylists.
The financial and organizational challenges at the beginning of her journey were significant but surmountable: education, competitions, and investing in high-quality products — everything required dedication and resources. Sometimes, she worked for free, simply for the experience and the chance to be part of something greater.
But it was through those challenges that she gained her strength and resilience. Over the past 10 years, Dana has gone from a beginner to an international award-winning artist, a judge at prestigious competitions, and a beauty director for major fashion events including Florida Men’s Fashion Week, Orlando International Fashion Week, Beverly Hills Fashion Week, and Fort Lauderdale Swim Week. She is also a technologist and certified trainer for renowned cosmetic brands, and a mentor to other professionals. Today, Dana Lekus is a respected voice in the beauty industry, inspiring others with her journey. Everything she has achieved is the result of unwavering dedication, love for her craft, and belief in herself.
The creation of her own beauty studio, school, and team was a natural evolution — the next step in her professional growth. At a certain point, Dana realized that her accumulated experience, knowledge, and vision had outgrown the scope of one-on-one work. She wanted to share, to teach, to inspire — and to build a space where quality, creativity, and professional ethics are truly valued.
She often noticed that many aspiring artists lacked a structured approach, consistent support, and confidence. That’s when the idea of launching a beauty studio was born — a place where clients receive not just a service, but an experience, knowledge, personal growth, and inspiration. A space where professionals could not only refine their technique, but also gain self-belief, unlock their unique style, and learn to think like true experts.
Dana Lekus in the process of creating an image for the l international competition Global Artist of the Year 2025 OMC HairWorld. Model Ivonna Ozolina. Photographer Stanislav Kozub
At that moment, opening her own beauty studio was the right decision. Dana dreamed of a place where every detail — from the atmosphere to the service — reflected her values. A space where clients feel care, aesthetics, and professionalism from the very first glance.
Her team came together gradually, built around a shared vision. She brought together professionals for whom beauty is not just a job, but a true calling. Today, her team includes passionate experts who work on large-scale projects across several countries simultaneously — fashion shows, photo shoots, and social initiatives.
For Dana, her studio, school, and team are not just a business — they are a platform for growth, creativity, and real beauty — both external and internal.
When Dana works with a client, she immerses herself completely. For her, it’s never just about makeup or a hairstyle — it’s a dialogue, an exchange of energy, a moment of trust. She feels responsibility, inspiration, and deep respect for the person in her chair.
Every face is a unique canvas, carrying its own story, mood, and emotional state. What matters to her is not just enhancing outer beauty — but revealing the inner light, helping the person see themselves with more love and confidence.
In those moments, Dana feels that she is doing something far greater than just providing a service — she is creating emotion, energy, and support.
“Don’t just beautify — reveal.
Don’t just work — inspire.
Don’t just create — feel.”
This motto reflects Dana Lekus’s philosophy: every action should have heart, every look should have meaning, and every project should have soul.
