We had the good fortune of connecting with Mary Peterman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mary, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I decided to start my own business, it was mainly because I wanted to create a very specific client experience. I knew that I couldn’t cultivate that the way I wanted in someone else’s business. I also chose to start my own business because it gave me the freedom to try new things and see what I like best. I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being a creative is a hard journey to be on. For me, finding my place in the beauty industry was a journey of it’s own. In a world that makes comparison unavoidable, I was losing confidence watching other people do better than me.. Their results were better than mine, their space was better than mine, their clients seemed better than mine. But then I realized, when I compare myself in a way that makes me smaller, I am really holding myself back.

That’s when I gave myself permission to be more. To try new things, to let myself be a beginner, and not let perfectionism creep in. Focusing on my career being an art form, a creative expression, has allowed me to create/do more than I ever would have if I never stopped comparing myself to everyone else.

When I started in 2018, I thought skincare and facials was my focus; That transitioned into lashes and brows, then into permanent cosmetics. and now fine line tattooing. I am so proud of what it has become + has yet to become!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In Columbus, I really love the coffee scene. There are incredible coffee shops in different corners of Columbus, including One Line Coffee in the Short North— They have an iced honey latte that I love. Parable Parable is also an awesome spot downtown if you’re wanting a bakery treat along with an artisan style coffee in a fabulous environment. Closer to the suburbs, is Porter’s Coffee. Locally owned and operated, they have everything from treats to lunch, and of course great coffee with seasonal flavors. There’s nothing I love quite like a coffee shop.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give credit to all of the other women in my industry that have trained me and continued my education. Not only are they brave enough to open their own business, but then to open up their minds to other artists and pour their unique knowledge into them. The educators I’ve worked with in the past, such as Brow Envy owned by Amber Harrison, and MARA Academy owned by Anna Bokhan, have both been majorly inspirational for me. Women that make you think “I could do that” instead of “I wish I could do that” is where the magic happens. The biggest lesson both of these women taught me was to believe in myself.

Website: https://thephilocalistspa.glossgenius.com/

Instagram: @ThePhilocalistSpa

Other: New Tattoo Page @WithLoveTattooStudio

Image Credits
Photos all by Lindzy Nava Photography

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