Martha Matilda Harper was born on October 9, 1857, in Ontario, Canada. She grew up in a modest household and at the age of seven, she began working as a house maid. Despite her humble beginnings, Martha was determined to make something of herself.
It wasn't until Martha was in her early thirties that she left the domestic service industry to pursue her dreams of entrepreneurship. She had a keen interest in natural hair care products and had invented her own formula. With this in hand, she set out to market and mass-produce her creation.
Martha founded the Harper Hair Parlour, a small salon that quickly gained popularity for its natural hair care products. The success of the salon led Martha to expand her business, eventually opening a chain of five hundred salons across the country.
Martha Harper was a trailblazer in the beauty industry. Her salons were the first to introduce reclining hair-washing stations, revolutionizing the salon experience for customers. She also pioneered the use of natural hair care products, a concept that is now widespread in the industry.
Martha Matilda Harper moved to Rochester, New York, where she lived and worked. She was married to Robert McBain, who was twenty-five years her junior. Despite their age difference, the couple had a strong partnership and worked together to grow Martha's salon empire.
Martha's salons attracted a diverse clientele, including notable American women and men such as Susan B. Anthony, Jackie Kennedy, and President Woodrow Wilson. Her pioneering work in the beauty industry paved the way for future entrepreneurs and set a high standard for quality and innovation.
Martha Matilda Harper passed away, leaving behind a legacy of success and innovation in the beauty industry. Her impact is still felt today, as her salons continue to be a symbol of excellence and creativity in the field of beauty and hair care.