ASCP, ISPA and PBA Receive 2026 Power of Associations Award for Esthetics Licensure Compact
This shared recognition celebrates the strength of industry collaboration in advancing professional mobility.
by Stacey Soble
Friends Are By Your Side....Making Dreams Come True
Martino Cartier and Friends Are By Your Side make dreams come true for Kiki Bowely...quality time spent with Justin Beiber!
November 5, 2012
1/6
2 min to read
Martino Cartier, owner of the Martino Cartier Salons in Cherry Hill and Washington Township, NJ couldn't believe his luck after Hurricane Sandy. "We closed for one day," he told me when I called to check in on him. "We had minimal power loss, and other than tree branches and debris all over the place, everything was normal."
Also normal was how Martino continues to make dreams come true with "Friends Are By Your Side". The foundation, made up of 500 salons in 6 different countries, provides free wigs (courtesy Hot Heads) to women in need and also makes dreams come true in other ways.
Martino met Kiki Bowley after her mom reached out looking for a wig for 11 year old daughter suffering with stage 4 cancer. "When I met her I asked her if she had a wish. She said 'I would love to meet Justin Beiber'. Although I was able to make that happen several months ago at an album signing in NYC, I felt it could and should be even bigger and more meaningful. When I heard that Justin was coming to Philadelphia for his Believe Tour, I decided this would be the best way to really make her dream come true."
After failed efforts to reach Justin or his team directly, Martino decided he would have to buy a ticket. "I decided to go to an agent. The best I could find cost $5500. A lot of money, but totally worth it for Kiki."
Martin went in to action. After multiple donations from friends, clients, family and a generous donation from "Wet Brush", Martino purchased that ticket to the concert that included a front row seat and a meeting with Justin. "The ticket was worth every penny. I couldn't believe how everyone jumped in to make this dream come true. Ride First Class from NYC sent down a hot pink stretch limo to take Kiki to the concert in style. That driver had to wait hours to get gas [there's little gas to be found in NJ since Sandy closed many stations] and Justin spent extra time with her at the 'Meet and Greet'. It really was a magical night."
If you are interested in participating in Friends Are By Your Side to create more magical nights, Martino would love to hear from you: www.friendsarebyyourside.com
A sad update. Kiki passed away yesterday, Sunday, Nov. 11. Adds Martino, "I was holding her hand. My heart is destroyed." Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kiki's family and friends...and Martino who was able to make her dreams come true.
More In The Know
In Dubai, Clients Visit the Salon Every Week. Here’s What That Market Can Teach You
In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.
Take the Plunge with HairToSay Does the Bay
In October, volunteers plan to walk and take the plunge during at the annual event, HairToStay Does the Bay. Find out how you can participate and support the organization that grants subsidies to cancer patients so they can receive cold cap treatments to save their hair during chemotherapy.
Stop Losing Clients to Hair Thinning
At Premiere Orlando 2026, SALON TODAY catches up with Easihair Pro's Angela Gilmore, who talks about why stylists lose clients who are suffering from thinning hair and hair loss, and how their new Hairlosophy line can help.
by Stacey Soble
New Torah-Inspired Card Deck Introduces a Color-Based Approach for Reflection and Decision-Making
Illuminated Paths is a boxed set of 52 cards, a guidebook, and an Oracolor Wheel, a visual framework that helps readers reconnect with the qualities they want to bring into everyday life.
by Stacey Soble
The Invisible Work of a Rebrand
In this rare essay, the president of a haircare brand takes us behind-the-scenes into a world we never see when we pick up a product off the shelves--the arduous, thought-probing, second-guessing journey of rebranding a legacy product line. Not only is her reflection fascinating, but it is also incredibly useful for any salon owner or manufacturer contemplating their own brand.
Minerva Beauty Celebrates its 20th Anniversary with a Service Tray Giveaway
Twenty lucky winners will be selected July 30th, and each will be able to choose from three different service tray models.
by Stacey Soble
Three Blokes, One Mountain, One Cause
Motivated by loved ones who have battled cancer, Phorest's Barry Quinn and two friends will embark on a three-day trek to the summit of the highest peak in North Africa in September, raising money for HairToStay. Find out how you can help them.
by Stacey Soble
Harper Ellis Hair Co. Shows Up for Beauty Professionals with Their Biggest Investment Yet
The company's Back to Business Sweepstakes is a direct investment in the stylists and salon owners who are building something that lasts.
by Staff
The Calendar Illusion: Why Your Salon's May Revenue Isn't What It Seems
Owners start to worry when a month's sales come up short compared to the same period last year, but that may have more to do with the days in the month than with an actual decline. The KIM Report's Alain Audet points to May 2026 as a prime example.