Exploring Life & Business with Mary Fischer of Gaia Salon & The Vault

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Fischer

Hi Mary, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey in the beauty industry began with a deep passion for both creativity and connection. After earning my B.S in Education at Kansas State University I completed my cosmetology license, I worked behind the chair as a stylist, where I quickly realized my interest extended beyond the technical aspects of the craft. I was drawn to the business side of the industry—particularly leadership, education, and building strong teams.

Over time, that passion evolved into a vision. I wanted to create a salon environment that prioritized growth, education, and a sense of belonging, both for the team and our guests. That’s what led me to Gaia Salon. I purchased the salon 21 years ago and since then, I’ve reimagined and grown the business into what it is today: a thriving, education-driven salon focused on delivering an exceptional guest experience.

At Gaia, we emphasize continuous learning, personal development, and a team culture grounded in kindness, accountability, and joy. My role has shifted over the years from working directly with guests to focusing on leadership, strategy, and mentoring our team to achieve their professional goals. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see both the business and the individuals within it grow.

Today, my focus is on expanding Gaia’s impact in our community, developing future leaders in the industry, and continuing to elevate the guest experience through education and innovation.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road—like many business owners, I’ve faced my share of challenges along the way. One of the most significant was navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost overnight, we had to close our doors, which was not only a financial strain but also an emotional one for our team and guests who rely on us for connection and care.

Reopening brought its own set of challenges—implementing new safety protocols, rebuilding the team’s confidence, and reestablishing trust with our guests in an uncertain time. There were moments of doubt, but those challenges pushed me to grow as a leader. I had to focus on clear communication, transparency, and providing support to my team in ways I hadn’t before. It also reinforced the importance of adaptability and staying connected to our core values—education, teamwork, and serving others with compassion.

While it was one of the most difficult times in my career, it also became a period of tremendous learning and growth. Coming through it made our team stronger and more unified, and it clarified our mission even more.”

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Gaia Salon & The Vault?
Gaia Salon is an education-driven salon located in the heart of Manhattan, Kansas. We’re known for creating an exceptional guest experience that’s centered on personalized service, continuous learning, and genuine connection. At Gaia, we believe that when you invest in your team’s growth, it directly impacts the quality of service and care that guests receive. That’s why education is at the core of everything we do—whether it’s advanced training for our stylists, leadership development, or staying at the forefront of industry trends and techniques.

We specialize in custom hair color, precision cutting, and delivering wellness-focused experiences. Every service at Gaia includes thoughtful touches like aromatherapy, massage rituals, and a focus on guest comfort and relaxation. We want people to leave feeling not only beautiful but cared for.

What sets us apart is our culture. We are deeply committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where both our team and our guests feel seen, heard, and valued. Our core values—education, teamwork, kindness, accountability, and joy—aren’t just words on a wall; they guide how we show up every day.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the reputation we’ve built as a salon that invests in people. Many of our team members started as assistants and have grown into accomplished designers and leaders within Gaia. We also take pride in our connection to the community, whether it’s through local events, philanthropy, or being a space where people genuinely feel welcome.

For anyone new to Gaia, I’d want them to know that we offer more than a haircut or color—we offer an experience designed to leave you feeling renewed and confident, all while supporting a team that’s passionate about their craft and about making a difference

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I believe that taking risks is essential for growth—both personally and professionally. Growth rarely happens in comfort zones, and some of the most rewarding moments in my career have come from stepping into uncertainty with a clear vision and a willingness to embrace the unknown.

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was purchasing our building and undertaking a full renovation of a historic property in downtown Manhattan. This happened in 2019, just before the world shut down with COVID-19. It was a significant investment—financially, emotionally, and in terms of time—and there was a lot of uncertainty about how things would unfold, especially as the pandemic created new and unforeseen challenges.

But I believed in the long-term vision for Gaia Salon and our community. I saw the potential in creating a space that could elevate both the guest experience and our team’s day-to-day environment. Even when things felt uncertain, I knew that standing still wasn’t an option. Looking back, taking that risk has been one of the most transformative decisions I’ve made. It allowed us to create a beautiful, welcoming space that reflects our brand, values, and commitment to growth.

My perspective on risk is that it’s not about being reckless—it’s about being willing to move forward despite fear, making informed decisions, and staying true to your vision even when it’s uncomfortable. I don’t think you can have meaningful success without taking risks.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gaiasalon.com
• Instagram: gaiasalonmhk
• Facebook: Gaia Salon