Author Jane Plitt is a visiting business scholar at University of Rochester who is actively involved in women’s rights and authored a book about Rochesterian Martha Matilda Harper, who was the first woman to open hair salons in the United States in the late 1800’s when it was taboo for a woman to own and run her own business–her clients included George Bernard Shaw, British Royalty and Jackie Kennedy. Her original salon is at 1123 Main Street in Rochester. Her salon became the protype for what we know as the modern hair salon, using organic products. Her display is at the Rochester Museum And Science Center, along with scholarships available through her foundation for girls who wish to pursue their own business.
