As a model turned behind-the-scenes guru, Jenna Hipp is privy to the hands of most of Hollywood. She's done the nails of, well, every starlet (Jessica Alba is a regular), while her handiwork (forgive us the pun) appears on every magazine cover in the land. As the Green Celebrity Nail Stylist, Jenna Hipp has transformed herself—and an industry—in the pursuit of a healthier approach to beauty.

EndlessBeauty.com: How do you define success?
Jenna: My perception of success has definitely changed throughout the years. When I was a kid, I thought “success” meant going to the grocery store and putting whatever you wanted in the cart,without even looking at the price.

In my early 20s, I imagined success to be more material than the necessity of food, but as a reflection of all my hard work. The job, the house, the car, the husband ... These were all on my "to get done" list by my mid-20s. Now that I am 28 and I have obtained these things, I can easily say that success is a solely a gift of joy. It is also a gift you give yourself when you say, “You know what? I did that. In addition, I did it better than I thought I ever could. And now I'm going to go do something else that I love.”

EndlessBeauty.com: What was the turning point that led to your success?
Jenna: Nosebleeds. Rashes. Headaches. Dizziness. The realization that I could no longer expose my body to everyday beauty products and cleaning supplies forced me to take control of my health and my job. This led to my original concept of “The Green Celebrity Nail Stylist” as a standard I wanted to hold for myself, my clients, and every other manicurist out there who is thinking about switching over their products.

About 4 years ago, while working on a job in LA, I met famed manicurist, Lisa Postma. When I went to her home and saw all the covers on her wall, I was instantly so extremely excited about her job and the thousands of opportunities I could see in it. So after Lisa agreed to mentor me, I decided to completely switch gears. I dissolved the company that I had worked so hard to build, Hipp Artist Management, as it would have been a conflict of interest. It was as if someone was slicing a knife through my heart, but I knew I had to take the experiences I had learned and never look back.

EndlessBeauty.com: What motivated you to succeed?
Jenna: I have always been extremely focused about moving forward in a positive, productive way. When I see others around me succeed, it is exciting! I am so happy that, especially in this economy, they have found a creative way to make their business work. That is motivating!

I am also aware that some people probably think I am superficial for immersing myself in an industry dedicated to enhancing the superficial self. This motivates me, too, in a strange way. Regardless, after all these years of 80-hour workweeks, I am finally getting the opportunity to have a little bit of voice in the media, where many others do not. My hope for my “success” is that I can use this opportunity to educate women about ingredient awareness and the harmful effects of toxic chemicals all throughout the beauty industry, not just nails.

EndlessBeauty.com: What/Who is your motivation to succeed?
Jenna: Luckily, I grew up with a supportive family. Every other day, I would run up to my dad and tell him a new career path I wanted to take on “when I grew up.” My dreams included a pediatric nurse, a missionary, a schoolteacher, a journalist. He always just smiled and said, “Well! Go and do it!” And if I had an idea about something, he would take a deep breath and say “Well! I guess you better hurry up before someone else gets to it!”

I graduated high school a year and a half early and when I asked my dad what college he thought I should go to he said, “Why would you want to go to college? You want to get married already?” Then I realized I was going to figure out my own way to make it to the top ... so I could prove everyone wrong who thought he was crazy!

So, I guess you can say I have the confidence to succeed because of my dad, and his believing in me. He always said that I could do anything ... and the thing is, he really believes that I can.

EndlessBeauty.com: What advice would you give to young women for succeeding?

Jenna: Figure out what you love to do and what you would do for free, and then figure out how to make money at it! It is impossible to reach those around you without passion and genuine care and concern. I heard a quote once that really helped me understand how it all works. He said, “Service is the rent we pay to succeed in this world.” It is so true. It is not about racing to the top; it is about how many people you can take with you and how many people you affect along the way.

EndlessBeauty.com: How empowering is it to be in the cosmetics and services industry?
Jenna: Women from all over the world are equally impacted by the popularity of the manicure/pedicure and the application of beautiful makeup. They all have the same pep in their step when they walk out of a hair salon with great hair. It is wonderful for me to have a job where I am literally able to connect with people on such a deeper level than one would expect. This job allows me the opportunity to sit with another woman ... I mean, really listen to her, and very possibly, learn from her. Every woman you meet has an opinion, a story, and some piece of advice or something to share with you. Isn't it amazing that spending time doing something as simple as nails allows a woman to feel completely comfortable and relaxed? Yes, that feels empowering.

EndlessBeauty.com: What trends do you see becoming more prominent in the industry?
Jenna: I do think that more and more women are going to be searching out greener options when it comes to their nail care choices simply because their nails cannot take any more abuse. These artificial gel and acrylic nails have horribly damaging side effects on the natural nail, not to mention that the toxic chemicals seep straight into the bloodstream. Companies are becoming more aware of green beauty, so with continuous consumer demand, positive change will begin. I will continue to believe that people are excited to see healthy changes happen around them, especially in the nail care industry.

EndlessBeauty.com: How do you think makeup and beauty products boost women's self-esteem?
Jenna: Great question. Because the beauty industry can be such a double-edged sword, it is important to focus on the positive attributes that makeup, color, and products can offer. I think the most important thing to remember about makeup is that it is FUN! Never be afraid to play. All of you mothers and grandmothers out there ... I urge you to let your daughters or their friends practice on you. If they show interest, let them go to town on fixing your hair, your makeup, and your clothes!

More than just incredible bonding memories, I cannot say enough what an important influence my grandmother played in my having the ability to do what I do today. Even when I was a 4-year-old girl, she would sit for hours as I would go through her train case and apply all of the products to her face. I remember her teaching me about cold crème and rouge. She let me put her hair in 100 plastic clips, and she would walk around and beam, “I look so pretty! Look everyone! Jenny made me sooo beautiful!” I remember the pride I felt at making her feel that way. I think I knew then and there I wanted to make every woman feel like that always.

Maybe, when it comes right down to it, we are all just little 7-year-old girls in pink, twirling skirts chasing the idea that everyone, one day, will have the chance to feel beautiful, healthy, and vibrant. I do anyway. :)