The Root Of It All: Real By Nature Educates and Empowers

In a world where self-expression is celebrated, our hair plays a vital role in shaping our identity and how we present ourselves to the world. April Martinborough, the passionate owner of Real By Nature Salon, understands this connection deeply. Her journey of self-discovery and spirituality led her to establish a salon that celebrates natural hair and empowers individuals to embrace their unique beauty. present ourselves to the world. April Martinborough, the passionate owner of Real By Nature Salon, understands this connection deeply. Her journey of self-discovery and spirituality led her to establish a salon that celebrates natural hair and empowers individuals to embrace their unique beauty.

We started by asking April where the name came from and why the interest in becoming a hairstylist and an educator. Real by Nature Salon was born out of April Martinborough's profound connection to spirituality and her personal journey of self-discovery. Growing up with humble beginnings, she understood the significance of respect and how it can be influenced by our outward appearance. April realized that our hair, as a prominent aspect of our appearance, plays a pivotal role in shaping our identity.April shares, "Our hair is more than just strands; it represents who we are and how we feel about ourselves. I discovered that my unique skill in hair care allowed me to express self-love and share it with others. Real By Nature Salon embodies this philosophy, celebrating and catering to everyone's natural hair and curls."

As the first black-owned salon in Taylor, PA, April's salon has made a significant impact on the community, contributing to representation within the beauty industry. For the past two years, the salon has become a haven for individuals who previously had to travel long distances to find a stylist who understood and embraced their hair type. Often, her clients will travel back to their hometowns in New York, New Jersey, or Philadelphia just to get their hair done. April reflects on this impact, stating, "It feels incredibly satisfying to save people from making long trips to their hometowns just to get their hair done. Real By Nature Salon provides a warm and welcoming environment, professionalism, and expertise in handling diverse hair textures."

April believes that being an educator is a crucial aspect of her role as a hairstylist. While her clients sit in her chair, it's not only about making them feel good in the moment but also about equipping them with knowledge to maintain the health and beauty of their hair. She emphasizes, "It's about empowering clients to understand their hair, how to care for it, and how to maintain their style. It's a cycle of positivity and education, ensuring that their hair remains healthy and nurtured." We love that she creates this connection with her clients so when they return, they have an established relationship, not just as a customer but with their hair as well.

"I go beyond surface-level assessments. It's not just about cutting split ends; it's about understanding the uniqueness of each client's hair journey. I consider potential underlying issues, such as nutrient deficiencies, and equip clients with knowledge to explore further and make necessary lifestyle changes."

The salon embraces diversity, catering to various hair types and textures. She dispels common hair myths and redefines beauty standards, encouraging clients to embrace their natural hair with confidence. April proudly states, "Wearing your natural hair is an expression of self-acceptance and authenticity. It attracts people who truly accept you for your truest self. It's essential for teenagers to embrace their natural hair and understand their own unique textures without conforming to societal expectations."

It is obvious the passion for hair care and self love extends beyond her salon. She aims to educate and inspire the younger generation, promoting self-love, acceptance, and understanding of diverse hair types. By conducting workshops and sharing her expertise, she empowers children to love themselves and embrace their natural beauty. April shares, "It's crucial to teach our children about self-love and acceptance from a young age. By helping them understand and care for their hair, we contribute to their overall sense of well-being and confidence."

When it comes to selecting hair care products, April prioritizes high-quality and natural options. She carefully researches and chooses products that are free from harmful ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, and silicones, which can have negative effects on both the hair and scalp. By using natural products, April ensures that her clients' scalps are healthy, promoting optimal hair growth. "It's like that hair journey is a big part of your life journey and finding yourself," April emphasizes. Her passion for hair care goes beyond the surface, delving into the realms of self-acceptance, confidence, and wellness.

Hair Salon (previous location in Taylor, PA)

At Real By Nature Salon, April carefully selects the products she uses and offers to her clients. Her commitment to natural and high-quality ingredients is unwavering. "I go for items that have four stars or more, high-quality products, but most importantly, natural," April explains. She meticulously avoids harmful ingredients like parabens, sulfates, and silicones that can have adverse effects on both hair and overall health. It's about promoting a clean, healthy scalp that nurtures hair growth. As April wisely notes, "A clean, healthy scalp promotes hair growth."

April's emphasis on scalp care challenges the common misconception that hair care is solely about making hair look and feel good. She warns against products that create an illusion of thicker hair by merely coating it, leading to scalp buildup and hair thinning in the long run. By paying attention to ingredients and avoiding harmful additives, individuals can make informed choices about the products they use. As April puts it, "You really have to pay attention to the ingredients and get to know the certain ingredients that you do not want to see in your shampoo and conditioner."

While April doesn't disclose specific brand names, she ensures that her clients can access the natural, high-quality products she recommends. "You can find them because, one, I sell them here in the shop, and two, I sell them on my website," April reveals. By making these products easily accessible, she empowers her clients to take charge of their hair care routines and make choices that align with their wellness goals.

The challenges April encounters as a seasoned hairstylist highlight the diverse concerns individuals face when it comes to their hair. Scalp buildup, eczema, dermatitis, dandruff, psoriasis, and alopecia are just a few of the common concerns she addresses. However, April believes that every hair type presents its unique challenges. From oily hair that needs frequent washing to dry, kinky curls requiring added moisture, understanding and embracing one's hair type is key. "No one product is going to cure it," April emphasizes. Instead, she encourages clients to learn about their hair texture, find the right products, and develop a personalized hair care routine that works for them. By embracing their hair's uniqueness, individuals can overcome these challenges and nurture their natural beauty.

April's passion for hair care extends beyond the confines of her salon. She actively seeks to create a space where artists from various disciplines can come together, showcasing their talents and fostering a sense of community. "Bringing people of color together, working on a project together, bringing all of our talents together, and kind of showcasing that in one space," April explains. Her dedication to promoting collaboration and uplifting artists speaks volumes about her commitment to empowering others.

One of April's ongoing projects is the creation of a camp where young individuals can

gather, learn, and gain valuable skills. She envisions a space where young girls can bond over their hair, fostering a sense of community, belonging, and self-nurturing. April acknowledges that balancing her time between the salon and the camp is a challenge, but she sees it as a necessary and rewarding endeavor. Her passion for empowering others through hair care is evident in every aspect of her work.

For those considering embracing their natural hair but feeling overwhelmed by the journey, April offers heartfelt advice. "It has a lot to do with accepting yourself at all stages," she shares. Just as it can be difficult to say "I love you" during challenging times, accepting and embracing one's hair is a reflection of self-acceptance and love. April encourages individuals to let go of unhealthy, damaged hair and embrace the process of growth and self-discovery. "Cut it off and let it go," she urges, emphasizing the analogy of hair to life itself. By embracing change and shedding what no longer serves, individuals open themselves up to new possibilities and personal growth.

“I am my brand”

Creating an inclusive and welcoming salon environment is of utmost importance to April. When clients step into Real By Nature Salon, they are greeted with a warm smile and a sense of belonging. "This is home for you right now," April affirms. She aims to make every client feel valued and special, ensuring they leave the salon feeling like their very best selves. April's commitment to uplifting and empowering her clients shines through in every interaction, making the salon experience truly transformative.

April's dedication to ongoing education is central to her growth as both a hairstylist and an educator. She describes herself as both a student and an educator, thirsting for knowledge and investing in her own development. From watching experts in her field to attending classes and seeking certifications, April constantly seeks to expand her skills. Her openness to learning new techniques and incorporating them into her salon practices allows her to offer clients a wide range of services, adapting to diverse hair textures and cultural backgrounds.

Looking to the future, April envisions Real By Nature Salon as a unified family, a team working together towards their own success stories. She seeks to create an environment where each team member can bring their unique talents and passions to the table, fostering a space for growth and collaboration. With her infectious positivity and dedication to her craft, April aims to inspire and motivate everyone she works with, urging them to be the best version of themselves.

As our conversation with April Martinborough draws to a close, her passion for hair care, self-expression, and empowerment shines through. Through Real By Nature Salon, April seeks to nurture not only her clients' hair but also their confidence, self-acceptance, and personal growth. Her commitment to natural products, inclusivity, ongoing education, and community engagement make her a beacon of inspiration in the hair care industry. With April Martinborough leading the way, individuals can embark on their hair care journeys with the knowledge, tools, and self-belief they need to embrace their natural beauty

April also shared some exciting news about their latest addition, the House of Real Events at her upcoming new location in Dunmore, PA. The event space will not only cater to private parties, business meetings, and photoshoots, but also encourage content creators to utilize the space for their creative projects. As April mentioned, they will be hosting workshops and events as well, so it's a great opportunity to stay in the loop and be a part of their vibrant community. Whether you're looking to book the event space or schedule a hair appointment, April welcomes you to reach out to Real By Nature. Remember, you can contact her through the website at Realbynature.com or simply give them a call at their toll-free number, 888-4realuv. So whether you need an inspiring event space or a fantastic hair experience, April and the team at Real By Nature have got you covered!

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1-888-4realuv (473-2588)

625 E Drinker St Dunmore PA 18512

www.realbynature.com