Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Kane.
Hi Mary, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As a creative, I always knew I wanted to do something artistic. Taking cosmetology classes was one of my best decisions. Leading me to a fulfilling career since 2012 in the salon industry owning three salons including one previously in Michigan and two currently in Goldsboro, NC. Making people feel good about themselves while also expressing myself is my favorite thing about this part of my career.
One of the salon is named “Jupiter Blue Salon and Art Gallery.” I’ve always had a love for painting/artwork and I wanted to grow that side of my business as well. It wasn’t until I offered to help someone at a wedding in December of 2022 that it finally clicked. I’ve been painting at weddings and events since as a live painter, mainly in the Raleigh area. Some of my favorite venues to work at have been The Bradford, The Maxwell, Donovan Manor, and many more. It truly fills my cup to capture some of the most important moments of couples lives while also creating keepsakes that will last a lifetime. I do both paintings on canvases and live guest portraits. I have two other painters that help with me now and I strive to only grow the business.
@jupiterbluesalon
@marykanepaints
Marykanepaints.com
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When my career started, working in a commission salon came with its troubles when my career started including not bringing home a live-able paycheck. I only grew from there and focused on taking care of my clients. I really only started to want to open a salon a few years into my career when I could find a salon that I loved. I wanted to create a space where everyone could express themselves freely and grow their own businesses.
As far as the art side of my business goes, I definitely struggled the first couple of years when I was spending more on fancy printers to make prints of my work and admissions to markets where I’d spend more to be there than I made. It was discouraging for me, especially since my dad was a full time artist growing up and often struggled to pay bills or make it seem like a lucrative career. I was terrified to fill the shoes of “starving artist.” I started painting consistently in 2018 and it wasn’t until 2023 I finally made a profit.
I’ve always felt such a pull to keep painting and I’m so glad I didn’t give up.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a hairstylist to some of the best clients ever 2-3 days a week and salon owner as well as full time artist, primary at weddings and other live events. Although that’s where my art career shines, I also love painting custom commissioned artwork and murals. I’m known for my floral styles primarily. When it comes to weddings and live events, I’m known for my impressionistic style. I’m most proud of seeing my work in other businesses and spaces including two restaurants, a coffee shop, or in clients homes.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was always very reserved and shy growing up. If you would’ve told me I was going to paint in front of hundreds of people or be a hairstylist meeting and chatting with meme people on a regular basis, I would’ve told you you were crazy.
I always loved being outside and have always been drawn to nature.
Being creative is something I’ve always been drawn to and showed signs of interest, even at a really young age.
Pricing:
- 1600-2500+ for weddings and live events
Contact Info:
- Website: Marykanepaints.com and jupiterbluesalon.com
- Instagram: @marykanepaints and @jupiterbluesalon
- Facebook: Facebook.com/marykanepaints and https://www.facebook.com/jupiterbluesalon
