Martha Matilda Harper and the American Dream...How One Woman Changed the Face of Modern Business

Learn how and why Martha Matilda Harper, a Canadian immigrant, created America's first modern franchise, a radical new business model that encouraged women to own their own businesses, to enrich themselves spiritually and financially, and even to marry -- all on their own terms. Today, franchising is America's fastest growing segment. Born in Ontario, Canada, Harper was bound into servitude from the age of six until she was 31. In 1888, after immigrating to the United States, she pioneered the idea of a public hairdressing salon based on health-conscious precepts. Within three years, her concept was enthusiastically embraced by the social elite and suffragettes. Propelled by Bertha Palmer and Christian Science, Harper created modern franchising, whose shops spanned the world. Among her delighted customers were British royalty, the German kaiser, presidents of the Untied States, Susan B. Anthony, the Kennedy clan, George Bernard Shaw, Helen Hayes, and Danny Kaye. Harper's business practices sound progressive even by today's standards. She urged her franchisees to be accommodating to young children by established childcare centers in the shops. Only Harper-produced organic products were used, and clients and employees were honored. No gossiping was allowed! She fought an industry intent on promoting dangerous products and health aids. Instead, Harper preached that people were naturally beautiful and therefore the job of all Harper workers was to release a customer's inner beauty. This book inspires us to dare to dream and dare to make those dreams comes true.