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Martine is a native
of Haiti raised in the Belgium Congo-Zaire, Quebec, Canada, and the
United States. her love affair with fashion and beauty began at a
very young age. In the 80's and into the 90's she studied art history
and French literature. However, she pursued her love of fashion and
beauty by doing hair and make-up for fashion shows and fashion shoots
in New York, Canada and Boston. She eventually was signed with a well-known
agency in Boston for hair and make-up artists. After
returning from Paris, France, where she worked as a successful back-up
vocalist, she decided to pursue a career in cosmetology. martine
is currently a well-known and sought freelance make-up artist, hairstylist
braider, weave artist, master colorist, loctician and bridal specialist.
Her work has been showcased in various magazine publications, including
the Boston Globe. She has been featured on television and is currently
the co-host of a children's literacy television show called, "Words
that Cook," a partnership with children's books which airs
on 77 television stations, including PBS Nebraska and in more than
4,000,000 households.
Martine's greatest
passion is helping Black women discover their inner and out beauty
through embracing their natural glorious hair. In the early 90's
while living in Paris, France, many of the Black women wore natural
hairstyles, mostly micro braid extensions and natural braids. It
was incredible to see all of these intricately braided styles everywhere
in Paris. She realized that Black women could be Afro-centric, elegant,
and contemporary all at the same time. After wearing many different
natural hairstyles herself, she dicided to take the leap into locs.
However, after trying several times by herself, she gave up.
"My hair
would unravel and not stay twisted. I needed a better method for
my hair type. I also really wanted small locs and found the look
of dredlocks too bulky."
In 1997 in the
beuaty section of Essence Magazine, Martine saw a picture
of Dr. JoAnne Cornwell, originator of SisterlocksTM,
featuring the technique.
"I could
not belive my eyes. I was seeing micolocks just as versitile as
microbraids, but done with your own hair."
She called the
publication and was infomed that the closest consultant was in New
York City.
"Because
I had never seen a breathing, living person with SisterlocksTM,
it was difficult to visualize
the locks, so I continued braiding my hair for several more years.
I grew tired of all the 'work' it took to maintain the look of a
relaxer or braids. For me, SisterlockingTM
is the best thing she has ever done for myself, for the health of
my hair and spiritually for myself as a Black woman. I can honestly
say, I love my hair!"
Martine was
determined to put Boston and new England on the "SisterlockTM
map" and is the first Certified SisterlockTM
Consultant of Boston, Massachusetts.
"I am so
happy and grateful to be part of the SisterlockTM
Network of Certified Consultants. Dr. Cornwell should be commended
for having given Black women such a wonderful technique. She has
given thousands of women the gift of beauty, health, but most importantly,
'freedom' to be our true beautiful natural selves. I'm very grateful." |