The Artistic Beauty Shoppe was first opened by Betty Blythe Roth in 1950 on the north side of Main Street, that is now a vacant lot just west of North Side Motors Sales.
Betty sold it to Erma Geddas who moved it to a building just south of Times and Chimes Jewelry Store. The business was sold again to Vera Miller Tilton and then to Joan Segla, at the time it was located on the south side of Main Street in the Warren building which is no longer standing due to a fire in recent years.
Mae Burt and Mary Ann Smith worked in the shop also.
In 1960, Mary Ann left the shop and worked in her home while her children were growing up. Mae Burt in the mean time purchased the business and moved it to the old Hardisty Building along the east side of City Park.
In 1969, Mary Ann Smith bought Artistic from Mae Burt and in 1989, moved it to its present location at 202 1/2 South Center Street.
Mary Ann said in 1969 haircuts were a $1 and cold waves were $7.50.
Mary Ann Smith, present owner and operator, graduated from Burlington Beauty Academy in Burlington, Iowa and has worked for 46 years.
Mary Ann married Laurence Smith and they have two boys, Larry (Trish) and Gary (Becky); 4 grandkids, Josh (Melinda), William, Erin and Tanner.
"The best thing in life is having fun with my family. Many of my clients are like an extended family, which makes it fun to go to work," she said.