Harper is a forgotten international business visionary who defied her destiny as a servant girl to launch America's first business format franchising system in 1891.

Inspired by Susan B. Anthony and her Christian Science faith, Harper's new business model became her revolutionary tool to transform poor women into business owners. The result was a worldwide empire of over 500 Harper Method health-conscious hair and skin salons and a team of thousands of women known as Harperites. Using Harper's floor-length hair as an advertising tool, this image of her became identified with the Harper distinctiveness.

Delighted customers included suffragists, government leaders, and actresses. Among them were Susan B. Anthony, Presidents Wilson and Coolidge, First Ladies Coolidge, Roosevelt, Kennedy and Johnson, and Helen Hayes.

To learn more about Harper, the mother of business format franchising, you can order her
biography or hear Harper biographer Jane Plitt speak.

Please email for additional information.

 
Web site created by Net Results, LLC.

News

The US Senate is urging the U.S. Postal Service to issue a postage stamp honoring Martha Matilda Harper. Learn how you can help.