With more than two decades of
experience in the beauty industry, Alivtina Israel has dedicated her career to
helping women look and feel their very best. As the founder of Beauty Junkie
Salon in New York, she specializes in advanced hair restoration and customized
treatments designed to promote healthy, beautiful hair while restoring
confidence.
In 2015, Alivtina created the
Beauty Junkie Facebook community, which has grown to more than 50,000 women.
What began as a passion for beauty has evolved into a supportive community
where women connect, share experiences, discover new opportunities, and inspire
one another.
Giving back is an important part of
Alivtina’s life. Together with her husband, she supports charitable
organizations, including Chai Lifeline, and regularly donates her professional
services to women battling cancer and to single mothers who cannot afford hair
treatments. She believes that success is most meaningful when it is used to
make a difference in the lives of others.
A devoted wife, mother of four, entrepreneur, and community advocate, Alivtina has built a life rooted in family, professional achievement, and service to others. In May 2026, our magazine, Ladies’ World, honored her with the Outstanding Mother Award, recognizing women who successfully combine the responsibilities of raising four or more children, pursuing a professional or entrepreneurial career, and making a meaningful contribution to their community. Alivtina exemplifies all these qualities.
It was a great honor for me to nominate Alivtina
for this special recognition. Raising four children while building a successful
business would be an accomplishment, yet she has always found the time and
energy to share her talents, warmth, and generosity with others. My nomination
was a tribute not only to her professional achievements, but also to the strength,
compassion, and dedication that define her as a woman, mother, and community
leader.
Alivtina’s story is a beautiful reminder that
true success is measured not only by what we accomplish, but also by the lives
we touch along the way. Through her devotion to her family, her professional
endeavors, and her commitment to the community, she continues to inspire and
empower other women while making a lasting and meaningful difference.
– What inspired you to build a career in the beauty industry?
– I
truly believe the beauty industry chose me. I began my career in 1998 as a
makeup artist and colorist and realized that helping women feel beautiful and
empowered was my passion.
Opening
my first salon at 23 was a milestone. Since then, I have dedicated myself to
continuously learning, evolving, and staying ahead of industry innovations. I
believe beautiful hair should never come at the expense of healthy hair, which
led me to advanced smoothing and restorative treatments.
–
After more than 25 years, what continues to inspire you?
– What
inspires me today is building lasting relationships with my clients. Many have
trusted me for decades, and being part of their weddings, milestones, and
family celebrations is an incredible privilege.
Today,
I feel just as passionate as I did when I first started. My greatest reward is
seeing a woman leave my chair feeling more confident than when she walked in.
That feeling never gets old.
–
How has Beauty Junkie grown from a salon into a community?
– Beauty
Junkie has evolved far beyond the walls of a salon – it has become a community
built on trust, connection, and women supporting women. It grew organically
through relationships with clients, many of whom have become like family.
Social
media allowed that connection to grow. Today, more than 50,000 women are part
of our Beauty Junkie community. They exchange recommendations, share
experiences, support local businesses, and uplift one another. Beauty may have
been what initially brought us together, but relationships are what made us a
community. That is the heart of Beauty Junkie – and one of my proudest
accomplishments.
–
Why is giving back such an important part of your life?
– I
believe success means more when you can use it to help others. I know what it
is like to work hard, build something from the ground up, and face challenges
along the way. Those experiences taught me never to take my blessings for
granted.
Whether
it is supporting someone in need, helping another woman grow, sharing my
knowledge, or using my platform to bring attention to an important cause, I try
to give back whenever I can. Sometimes even a small gesture can make a
meaningful difference. For me, giving back is about gratitude. I believe that
when Hashem gives you the ability and opportunity to help someone else, you
should. Success is not only about what you accomplish for yourself – it is also
about the impact you leave on the people and community around you.
–
What has been your biggest challenge, and what has it taught you?
– My
biggest challenge has been balancing being a mother, wife, and business owner
while making space for myself. Building a business and raising a family require
so much, and there have been times when I have felt stretched in every
direction.
Those
challenges have taught me resilience, discipline, and faith. I have learned
that success is not about having everything perfectly balanced – it is about
continuing to show up, adjusting when life changes, and not giving up when
things get difficult. I have learned to trust the process and appreciate how
the hardest seasons shape you.
Today,
I look at challenges differently. I do not only ask, «Why?» I ask, «What is
this here to teach me?» Every challenge has made me stronger, wiser, and more
grateful for what I have built.
–
What do beauty and confidence mean to you?
– To
me, beauty and confidence go far beyond physical appearance. Beauty is how you
carry yourself, how you treat others, and the energy you bring into a room.
Confidence is feeling comfortable with who you are while still allowing
yourself to grow.
My work
has taught me that a small change on the outside can awaken something much
bigger inside. When a woman looks in the mirror and feels beautiful, you can
see her posture, smile, and confidence change. That is what beauty truly means
to me – helping someone recognize and celebrate the beauty that was already
there.
–
What advice would you give to women who are chasing their dreams?
– My
advice is to believe in yourself, even when no one else fully understands your
vision. Do not wait for the perfect time, because there will always be
obstacles, responsibilities, and reasons to put yourself last.
Be
consistent, be patient, and do not be afraid to reinvent yourself along the
way. Success is built through small steps, failures, lessons, and the courage
to keep going.
Do not
compare your journey to anyone else’s. Your timing is your own timing. You can
be a mother, a wife, a businesswoman, a friend – and still have dreams that
belong to you. Never feel guilty for wanting more. When a woman pursues what
fulfills her, she also shows the next generation what is possible.
–
What is your favorite life quote?
– «Success isn’t about having it all figured
out – it’s about having the courage to keep going, even when you don’t.»
It
reminds me that strength is not perfection. It is resilience, faith, and moving
forward through every chapter.
Our Address:
3858 Nostrand Ave., suite 203
Brooklyn, NY 11235
917-621-5411
Beautyjunkieny.com
Interview by Zoya Aminov
Cover photo credits to: Evgenia Ribinik
