Yuliya Velkevych: We Teach Children Awareness and Unlock the Inner Power of Beauty

Yuliya Velkevych is the founder and creative force behind Up’N’Fame Junior, a studio focused on aesthetics for children and teens. In her interview with VITAGURU, she discusses the inspiration behind her studio, her parenting philosophy, and the importance of inner beauty and mindfulness.

Yuliya, how did the idea for your studio come about?
First and foremost, I’m a mother. When my daughter was born, I, like many mothers, wanted to give her the best. I believe development and education are the foundation of everything. I wanted her to have the knowledge and skills to live confidently, look elegant, and express herself freely.

To me, beauty includes not just appearance but also self-care, nutrition, posture, communication, and self-presentation. Over the years, I gathered this knowledge and now share it with our students. Schools didn’t teach this when I was growing up—everything I know came from my own searching.

There’s a lot of beauty content online. Is that a good thing?
Both yes and no. While access to information is easier, the overload can be confusing and often driven by marketing. Girls are bombarded with products promising miraculous results. We teach them how to filter information and make safe, conscious choices, avoiding allergic reactions and other risks. Our goal is to instill awareness and curiosity about beauty, health, and trends.

Is this kind of education necessary at a young age?
Absolutely. The earlier a girl learns to dress well and understand style, the more confident and harmonious she’ll feel growing up. Even if the final say isn’t always theirs, children still participate in decisions. We encourage an appreciation for beauty, literature, and thoughtful content.

This is a non-traditional approach to education.
Exactly—we don’t follow conventional standards. Our studio is unique. We host masterclasses with carefully selected experts and offer curated materials. Our goal is for girls to absorb this information with ease and joy. No one gets bored—we ignite the inner spark of beauty.

Do you address nutrition, too?
Nutrition is a core part of our curriculum. We teach girls to avoid junk food and make smart choices, even with busy schedules. For example, it’s better to skip a meal than eat something harmful. We emphasize hydration, choosing water over sugary drinks, and understanding pH levels. Our students learn that healthy eating is the foundation of a high-quality life.

Up’N’Fame Junior isn’t just about becoming a model, right?
Exactly. Our studio teaches principles that apply far beyond modeling. We follow scientific trends, collaborate with dietitians and fitness professionals, and help girls find their personal paths—whether or not that includes modeling. We emphasize confidence, health, and mental stability, which are essential in any career.

What’s currently the most relevant skill you teach?
Self-presentation. With the rise of social media, everyone needs to know how to create quality content. We teach posing, photography, and camera confidence—not just for models, but for all forms of professional communication. Many job applications now require a self-intro video, so these skills are vital.

We also teach smart fashion: combining outfits, reducing waste, and shopping consciously. Girls learn to refresh old looks with accessories and embrace recycled fashion.

Do parents get involved too?
Yes! Kids bring home what they learn, and parents pick up new habits. In a busy world, it’s a way to reach whole families and inspire generational change.

What does a holistic lifestyle mean to you? Do you have wellness rules?
A whole life is one where you’re happy and healthy. My personal principle: Love your soul and body and train both for life.
My wellness habits include:

• Reading at least one fiction and one educational book monthly

• Working out five times a week (tennis, fitness, strength, cardio)

• Regular visits to cosmetologists and massage therapists

• Seeing a psychologist to keep my mind clear

• Spending time outdoors and traveling often

• Eating healthy and avoiding harmful substances

• Communicating with inspiring people and helping others

• And most importantly, sticking to my rules without excuses

What’s your key to success in any area of life?
Don’t be afraid to dream big and work hard. Love what you do, give it your all, and keep setting new goals. Balance your energy and health. A beautiful path to success is what makes life full, high-quality, and joyful.