From impoverished servant to owner of the beauty industry: the transformation of Martha Harper (8 photos)

Appearance for women plays an important role. And the development of the modern beauty industry clearly proves this.





Beauty salons where ladies brush their feathers and do mass improvement procedures did not exist in the century before last. AND to do a haircut or primitive procedures, a hairdresser was called on house. But a girl from a poor family named Martha was able to change established system.



Martha as a child

Martha Matilda Harper was born in 1857 in Canada. (Ontario). The family was very poor, and in order to feed a dozen children father had to work hard, applying inhuman efforts. Children in poor families grow up early. And at the age of 7, the baby was sent to as a servant in the home of a wealthy farmer. Then she went to work in doctor's family.

Dr. Herriman was fond of studying hair and everything in his spare time. what is connected with them: care, treatment, change in properties. Actually, on that moment and there was no care as such: water was saved, shampoo was not yet invented. And before his death, the doctor shared with the girl a recipe for his inventions - a special hair tonic based on natural ingredients - healing herbs.

New life





Martha

Looking for a better paying job girl moved to Rochester, where she got a job with a certain wealthy person Louella Roberts. She not only served, but also performed the functions personal hairdresser - care, masks, massage. And in my spare time I did tonic, the secret of which was shared by the late employer. Means tested on myself, handed out to friends. After rave reviews Martha thought about her own business.

And for a woman at that time it was oh so difficult. It was even possible to rent an office only with the help of a lawyer.



Martha

But in the end, everything worked out. And Martha focused on the service, which was rendered for two whole hours. Visitors massaged the skin heads, washed hair and applied the same tonic. As marketing tool, the owner used her photos. Nature dressed the girl with a luxurious mane of hair that fell to the heels and covered her like a blanket. At first, the visitors were reluctant: the women accustomed to the practice of calling a hairdresser at home. But then things got better, and "Harper method" became popular.



One of the establishments

Harper began to send letters from women from other cities, who also wanted to use this service. She thought about opening of the network and conducted accelerated training of several assistants from among former servants.

Salons soon opened in Detroit, Chicago, and Baltimore. A to In 1914, the network already included more than 130 establishments throughout the country, and also in Europe.

Although hair dyes began to appear in the 1920s, Martha remained true to tradition and focused exclusively on natural safe components of their funds. Plus to business lady procedures launched the production of shampoos and introduced a range of services for men.



Coming out of the poor social strata and having managed to achieve success, Harper never forgot who she was. and paid special attention staff: hosted meetings, sent inspirational letters salon manager, practiced a bonus system in the company, flexible schedule and paid holidays.

Decline of an empire



Tonic Harper

The woman is so immersed in her favorite business that her personal life I had no time. She got married when she was already over 60. It is clear that children with a spouse who was much younger did not happen.

The businesswoman died in 1950, leaving behind impressive heritage - more than half a thousand salons around the world and a fortune in the amount of about 12 million dollars at the current rate.



Martha in old age

Unfortunately, the husband could not continue the course of the late Martha and be an inspiration to staff. A few years later he sold the former such a successful business that changed owners several times and eventually turned into a regular network of beauty salons.