
Mariana Vais
Founder of the Level Up Championship | Germany
Beauty Business Mentor, speaker, salon business owner, guide for masters, and certified international trainer | colorist. An expert who collaborates with schools of hardware cosmetology, permanent makeup, and nail aesthetics. 5000+ contacts in Europe across various directions.
• Over 15 years in the beauty industry
• 16 years in sales
• Founder of the premium salon PUR PUR in Germany
• Author's online training program for students aiming to reach an online income of €15,000 per month
• Helps students obtain international certificates and build a successful career
Mariana started her journey as a master who worked to exhaustion but earned little.
Her mission is to teach students not only to create beautiful results but also to build a strong personal brand and earn big money.
A Ukrainian millionaire in Europe who has confirmed her qualifications, she is an entrepreneur and officially registered her author's course on basic coloring "Fundamentals of Color theory".
Included in the top 10 entrepreneurs UA in Deutschland and awarded this distinction in 2025. She started her journey as a speaker from Switzerland with a motivating program.
Today she runs businesses: salon, beauty school, and online sales and mentoring businesses, and launched a Franchise for Online training in basic coloring.
Level Up Championship 2026
Level Up Championship 2026 is an international signature championship in the beauty industry, created by Mariana Vais, which in 2026 reaches a fundamentally new level of scale.
It's not just a competition — it's a professional European stage where level is evaluated, not fashion. Not effect, but technique. Not a picture, but real mastery.
In 2026, the championship has grown significantly
21
professional nominations
+14
more than in 2025
Each nomination is like a separate stage. Each participant is like an artist of their craft.
Scale felt in details
Expanded international judging panel
Clear evaluation system based on professional criteria
Live evaluation of works — no photos, no filters, no illusions
Separation of halls by directions for maximum quality of judging
Prize Pool 2026
In 2026, the championship reached a new level in the prize pool as well. This year includes:
Prizes emphasize the status and level of the event
Mercedes‑Benz C‑Class
All participants who take part in 5 or more nominations automatically enter the car giveaway
This is a chance not only to win in nominations but also to become a car owner — a symbol of freedom, movement, and a new level of life.
Travel
Travel prizes will also be raffled among participants for the best look — an opportunity to relax, get inspired, and celebrate your victory in style. For those who chose 3 or more nominations.
Gold Bracelet
Created in collaboration with a gold house — jewelry with the Championship credo, a symbol of victory and a new level.
Silver Badge
Created in collaboration with a gold house — jewelry with the Championship credo, a symbol of victory and a new level.
Copper Badge
Created in collaboration with a gold house — jewelry with the Championship credo, a symbol of victory and a new level.
All Winners Receive
Star format of the event

Алевтина Дригант
Star host
Invited star speakers
Atmosphere of a large-scale, prestigious and professional event of a European level
Internationality and accessibility
Level Up Championship 2026 is an international event not only by composition but also by format:
Championship Philosophy
Level Up Championship is created for those who are ready:
Go beyond salon routine
Show the real level of your mastery
Declare yourself on the international stage
Level Up Championship 2026 is not a start.
This is the next level for those who have already grown. And a new bar for those who are starting.
You can participate as:
Zones awaiting you:

Winners' Reviews
Emotions and impressions of participants who have already conquered the Level Up Championship peak

After winning LUC 2025 | Berlin "I don't know how to explain it, but I felt that victory long before it happened. Before the results were announced, I silently turned to God and the Universe saying, ‘If this is truly meant for me, then let it be mine!’ And when I heard my name, I knew it was truly mine! I only remember my knees trembling, while all ten years of the journey, the setbacks, mistakes, and doubts flashed before my eyes. It felt as if all of that had been needed for this very moment."
Olena
"My first thought was: ‘Did I really do this? First place??? I am so proud of myself.’ I was terrified — I was so scared to even go, let alone take part. I had few thoughts, but many emotions. That feeling of happiness when you prove to yourself that you can do it and the world can see it, and that none of it was for nothing 👌🏻 I was in shock from happiness and from realizing that I am a CHAMPION 😍 You can't buy that feeling for any amount of money in the world. I had wanted to withdraw from a certain nomination many times, right up until the very last day, but for some reason I didn't dare."
Maryna
"For me, my work is not just a profession. It is a calling that allows me to help women feel confident, beautiful, and inspired every day. When I heard that I had taken first place, it felt as if the ground disappeared from beneath my feet. Everything around me blurred, I could not remember anything, and all I felt was my heart bursting with happiness. In that moment I simply could not hold back tears — they came on their own, intense and genuine tears of joy that could not be stopped. I was not in control of myself — I was just crying from incredible happiness, from the realization that this had happened to me. It was a moment when pride, relief, gratitude, and boundless love for my work all came together. Then I understood that all the effort, sleepless nights, and belief in myself had not been in vain."
Mariana
"Honestly, I did not go to the championship for medals — I went for criticism, for experience, and for new knowledge. But when I heard that I had taken third place in the Total Blond category, I simply lost my breath. It was an incredible feeling — pride, excitement, and belief in myself. I was already packing to go home, still not fully realizing what had happened, and then suddenly — in the Airtouch category — my surname is announced for second place. My heart started racing wildly, my breath caught again, and tears came to my eyes. I was overwhelmed with emotions — happiness, surprise, gratitude. It was something incredible. A moment I will remember forever."
Alina
"I was certain I would place in my category, but when they started announcing third and second place and my name still had not been called, the emotions were overwhelming. When they announced that I had taken first place, I felt proud of myself and at the same time could hardly believe it."
Olia
"When they announced my name among the winners of the colorist competition, I felt excitement, joy, and gratitude. It was a moment when years of work, experience, and love for my craft merged into a true sense of professional success. For me, this recognition is not just a victory, but an acknowledgment of my style, taste, and dedication to the profession. It confirmed that constant growth and sincere inspiration always bring results. This experience inspires me not only to refine my technique and discover new shades of beauty, but also to share knowledge with my students — to pass on my experience, support their growth, and together explore the boundless world of color."
Svitlana
"2025 became a special year for me. I took part in the Level Up Champions 2025 championship in Berlin for the first time and won second place in the "Volume Queen" category. These emotions are impossible to describe in words — I went there simply to participate, gain experience, get inspired, and see how other masters work. But when I was called to the stage, I felt genuine delight. Those were unforgettable moments — joy, pride, and the realization that I am on the right path. This championship became for me not just an award, but a point of growth and confidence that I am capable of more. And although my journey as a master is only beginning, I already know for sure: the main thing is to believe in yourself, pour your soul into your work, and never stop."
Valeriia
"I am always searching, always in motion. But even now I know that what I create has its own energy, and that is what makes my work special. When I was called to the podium, it became a moment I will remember forever. For me, stepping onto the podium was a complete surprise — among dozens of participants, true masters and experts in their field, I did not expect to hear my name. I looked at everyone around me — so strong, confident, and experienced — and could not believe I could stand beside them. But in that moment I realized that the judges saw in me what I myself had not yet fully believed in. This recognition became a symbol for me that the path I chose is the right one. Not just a job, but a calling. Every capsule, every strand of hair, every movement of the hands — now not just technique, but a piece of the master’s soul, able to turn feminine beauty into art."
Kateryna
"For me, beauty is not only appearance, but also the confidence I help my clients find every day. When my name was announced on stage as the winner in the "Light Curls" category, I froze for a moment. It felt like my heart stopped and then burst with joy. All the sleepless nights, training sessions, courses, doubts, and belief in my own abilities flashed through my mind. It was the moment when I felt that everything had been worthwhile. I was overwhelmed with pride, gratitude, and incredible happiness. I stood there smiling, feeling that another dream had come true."
Anna
"When they announced my name among the championship winners, everything inside me froze. It was the moment when years of daily work, technical improvement, training in different countries, and love for my craft all came together into one feeling — true professional triumph. I came to this championship with a deep awareness of my strength. I knew how far I had come — from my own studio in Montenegro to teaching in the USA, from my first clients to international students and a constant drive for excellence. I knew I was among the strongest. And when my name was called, it became more than just good news — it was confirmation of the entire path I had walked. For me, this recognition is not just an award, but an acknowledgment of style, hard work, dedication to the profession, and belief in myself. But I also understand very clearly that true mastery has no limits. There is still room to grow, goals that await ahead. And I am ready to keep going — to teach, inspire, create beauty, and give confidence to every person who comes to me. This moment became an important step on my great journey. And it is only the beginning 🏆✨"
Yelyzaveta

I don't know what brought everyone else to this championship…. As for me, I came for vivid emotions and, of course, for victory! To feel alive — something we unfortunately lack in the present time. Alive and full of strength, being here and now, genuine, thirsty, capable! Because after daily, painstaking, routine work, it is not always possible to objectively assess your own professional level. The fact that I was in Berlin this autumn was already a level in itself. I am grateful for the moment when I saw Nastia's story about this event. Without a second of hesitation, even before finding out the price, I decided that I had to be there, among the strong, among the best. Many people have professional experience, but until now they could not measure it. As they say, to show yourself and to see others. And there was plenty to see — a parade of stars. And among those stars, my name was announced. Was it pleasant? Of course — pride, and at the same time a reminder that every name is not a random lottery ticket, but the result of fruitful, conscious work every single day. And now, you and I have 365 days to prepare for the next level up, this time in Barcelona. Time is ticking, see you in a year — but by then I will already be on the judges' panel. The girls who were our judges said it was not easy!
Svitlana
"When my name was announced, time seemed to stop. For a moment my heart beat so loudly that it drowned out everything around me — the applause, the announcement, even my own thoughts. Then realization came: it had happened. All those games, tense moves, and final roads — they had not been in vain. A wave of joy washed over me. The feeling of triumph mixed with a slight shock: I was really among the best. The looks of others, the smiles, the sincere congratulations — everything felt somewhat unreal, like a dream. It was not just a moment — it was an inner victory, proof to myself that I can, that I am worthy, that in the game as in life, the right strategy, a little risk, and belief in yourself work miracles."
Nadiia
Participation in the championship was an entirely spontaneous decision for me. But the brightest memory was not the competition itself, but the true whirlwind of emotions I experienced in just one day. First came excitement and curiosity, anticipation of meeting colleagues, and the desire to be inspired by the atmosphere of this grand celebration of beauty. Then came disappointment and even despair when I saw my model for the first time and realized that her hair was completely unsuitable for the "Air touch" category in which I was registered. Less than 12 hours remained before the start. I understood that this hair type required very delicate, unhurried work, and I had almost decided to withdraw from the category. But thanks to Mariana, who found the right words and convinced me not to give up, I changed my mind. According to the championship rules, one half of the head had to be prepared in advance, while during the competition the work on the other half had to be completed. So I took on the preliminary stage, setting myself one main goal — to preserve the model's hair quality, even if it reduced my chances of success. On the day of the championship, I simply did my work honestly, understanding that the chance of winning was almost zero. But at some point it felt as if the whole world was supporting me — both people I knew and strangers. Staff at the venue asked if I had everything I needed, judges were interested in every stage of the process, and I felt the support of friends and family who had remained in Ukraine. And, of course, my son, who was by my side that day, became my greatest support. I assessed the situation realistically and did not even expect a prize place. So when my name was announced during the awards ceremony, I froze for a moment in complete surprise. Then, walking the red carpet to the podium, I felt the doubts melt away, replaced by excitement, joy, gratitude, and the realization that the impossible is possible! I am endlessly grateful to everyone who believed in me, who supported me with words, actions, or simply thoughts. And a special thank-you to my wonderful, patient model, without whom this story would have been completely different."
Larisa
"When I walked onto the stage, my heart was beating as if the whole world had frozen for a moment. The instant my name was announced and the medal was placed in my hands cannot be described in words. It was happiness, pride, and gratitude all at once. Second place among such strong and talented masters is a great honor for me. The competition was fair, alive, and inspiring. In that moment I felt that everything I had worked toward had not been in vain."
Kateryna

"When I heard my name, my emotions knew no bounds. First I felt shock, surprise, and amazement. But then it turned into a small sense of pride in myself. And in general, pride for having come to the championship at all, for not being afraid, and for even taking third place. In my life with hair, this was my very first medal and also my first Level Up championship. Honestly, this championship gave me more confidence in my actions and opened my eyes to the fact that if you really want something, you can achieve anything in this life. And now I know for sure that this was my first, but not my last, championship, just like my awards."
Andzhela
Date and Venue
Event Details
Venue to be announced

