Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Hietpas.
Mary, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been obsessed with nails since seventh grade, all because of one random Instagram video I stumbled across. It was someone hand-painting detailed nail art, and I remember feeling completely mesmerized. I begged my mom for supplies so I could try it myself, and when she said yes, everything changed.
From that moment on, every free minute I had was spent painting my nails in my bedroom. That little room became my calm place, the one space where everything felt quiet and right.
In high school, I discovered a career program through Century College that offered a Nail Technician course. While enrolled in this course, I knew this is what I wanted to do. So I worked hard for two years, and earned my license just three months before graduation.
I landed my first salon job right away… and then COVID shut down every salon in Minnesota two days into training. When restrictions lifted, the salon continued training me, and I became their only acrylic tech for over a year and a half. That first job taught me so much and gave me a foundation I’m still grateful for.
But even while things were going well, I always knew I wanted to work for myself. One day I looked at my paychecks and compared what I was earning to the revenue I was bringing in. The numbers didn’t sit right. The very next day, I started touring salon suites.
I toured two different salon suite companies and when I met the owners of Salons by JC in Cottage Grove, MN, I knew that was where I was supposed to be! Just a few weeks after I toured I signed the lease and moved in, opening my first salon suite, Reds Nail Bar.
Those years in my suite were full of growth. I learned, I experimented, I pushed myself. Eventually I rebranded to Red’s Beauty Bar and added more services, while still keeping nails at the heart of everything I do.
After three years, some friends opened their own salon suite business, and I decided to support them by moving into their new space in the twin cities.
It’s been a crazy experience, from painting my nails in my bedroom as a kid to running a full beauty business today. But every step led me here. Nails have always been more than a job to me. They’ve been my calm place, my creative outlet, and the path that shaped my life. And I’m nowhere near finished.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been smooth sailing, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Every challenge has shaped me into the business owner I am today. I started Red’s Beauty Bar when I was just 19, with only a year and a half of experience behind the nail table. I was learning how to perfect my craft while simultaneously learning how to run a business — and that came with a lot of trial and error.
I made mistakes, spent money in the wrong places, bent my policies to please everyone, and allowed too many people to tell me how to do my job. All of those decisions backfired, but they also taught me some of my most valuable lessons.
Because of what I went through, I’m now passionate about helping other beauty professionals open their own salon suites without repeating the same mistakes. I want them to have the confidence, clarity, and support I wish I had when I first started.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an acrylic nail artist specializing in form application and detailed, hand-painted nail art. One of the things I’m most proud of is the relationships I’ve built with my clients. They truly feel like a second family to me. I’m also incredibly proud of the art I’ve created on such a tiny canvas, even now, I still surprise myself with what I’m able to paint on a single nail. Character art and highly detailed designs are my favorite.
What really sets me apart is the care I put into making sure my clients genuinely love their nails. I always remind them that they’re the ones investing in the service, so what matters most is that they leave loving what I’ve created. Throughout the appointment, I check in multiple times to make sure they’re happy with the shape, color, and design, and I reassure them that I never get offended if they want something changed.
Over time, I’ve gotten pretty good at reading when a client says they like something but doesn’t fully mean it. I’m not afraid to call it out (nicely of course) and offer an adjusted version or new idea until we land on something they truly love. I believe that’s what really sets me apart in this industry.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happiest is truly the work I get to do every day. I love my job. I love talking with my clients, hearing their stories, and getting to be part of their lives in such a personal way. I get excited every time someone brings in new inspo or wants to try a design we’ve never done before.
Outside of nails, I’m happiest when I’m reading. If I have a break between clients, you’ll usually catch me curled up in my pedi chair with a book. I’m also a big sports fan, especially basketball and football, and I love spending time with my family whenever I can. Those moments keep me grounded and bring me a lot of joy.
Pricing:
- Acrylic full set: $70+
- Acrylic full set: $67+
- Nail growth cuticle oil: $7-$15
- Hand lotion: $20
- Body lotion: $32
Contact Info:
- Website: https://redsbeautybar.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redsbeauty.bar/?hl=en
