Fairmont Resident Opens Nail Salon in Albert Lea

Mariana Irais brings her nail art expertise to a new location after working at a salon in her hometown.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Mariana Irais, a nail artist from Fairmont, Minnesota, has rented a building in Albert Lea to open her own nail salon called Irais Nails. Irais previously worked at a nail salon in Fairmont but decided to expand her business to the nearby city of Albert Lea, where she has friends who expressed interest in becoming her clients.

Why it matters

The opening of Irais Nails represents an entrepreneurial opportunity for a local nail artist to establish her own business in a new market. It also highlights the economic development and revitalization of a commercial space in downtown Albert Lea that had been sitting vacant.

The details

Irais saw the available building in Albert Lea in January and decided it would be the perfect location to open her own nail salon. She has been working to renovate the space, including removing carpet and installing new tile flooring, painting walls, and completing the necessary paperwork to obtain the proper licensing. Irais Nails will offer manicures, pedicures, and acrylic nails, with Irais' specialty being nail art featuring the character Jessica Rabbit.

  • Irais saw the available building in Albert Lea in January 2026.
  • Irais Nails is set to open in the coming weeks.

The players

Mariana Irais

The owner of Irais Nails, a new nail salon opening in Albert Lea. Irais previously worked at a nail salon in her hometown of Fairmont, Minnesota.

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What they’re saying

“We talked to the owner of this place, and it works perfect for us.”

— Mariana Irais, Owner, Irais Nails (albertleatribune.com)

What’s next

Irais Nails is expected to open in the coming weeks after Irais completes the final renovations and obtains all necessary licenses and permits.

The takeaway

The opening of Irais Nails demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit of a local nail artist who saw an opportunity to expand her business to a neighboring community. It also highlights the revitalization of a previously vacant commercial space in downtown Albert Lea.